Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on your age
Minnesota sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail, online, or must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. Most people under 65 can renew online or by mail without going anywhere. If you're 65 or older, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
Your license is valid until 11:59 p.m. on the expiration date printed on the front. You can drive until that moment, but you cannot legally drive after midnight on that date. Renewing early is allowed — you can start the process up to one year before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota sends a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, and it tells you which method you can use.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license.
- Mail renewal requires the notice, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks from the time DVS receives it.
- Drivers 65 and older must renew in person at a DVS office and bring proof of residence along with their current license.
- You can renew up to one year early, which is useful if you travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date.
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website
Go to mn.gov/sos and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system checks your information against state records and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
After you finish, you'll see a confirmation number on screen. Your new license will arrive by mail in seven to 10 business days. You can drive with your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you don't need to visit an office or mail anything.
Mail renewal using the notice Minnesota sends you
The renewal notice includes a postage-paid envelope and a form. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back in the envelope provided. Do not send cash. The fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license.
DVS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once they receive your envelope, allow two to three weeks for your new license to arrive. If you don't receive your license within four weeks of mailing, call DVS at 651-296-6911 to check the status. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office
You must renew in person if you're 65 or older, or if your renewal notice says you cannot use online or mail. Find your nearest DVS office at mn.gov/sos/dvs and check their hours before you go. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee.
The office will take a new photo and print your license on the spot. You can drive home with your new license the same day. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you mailed your renewal or have a confirmation number from online renewal, an officer may issue a warning instead of a ticket — but they are not required to do so.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DVS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date or as soon as you receive the renewal notice.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A four-year license costs $24.50. An eight-year license costs $48.50. These are the standard fees for renewal. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same — Real ID is standard on all Minnesota licenses issued after 2017. You do not pay extra for it.
The fee covers the license itself and the processing. It does not include any optional services like name changes or address corrections. If you need to change your name or address, you can do that during renewal at no additional cost — just provide the required documents (a marriage certificate for a name change, or proof of residence for an address change).
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you're renewing online and need to change your address, you can do that in the online form. If you're renewing by mail or in person and need to change your address, include proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The new address will appear on your renewed license.
To change your name during renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. At an office, staff will copy it and return the original to you. By mail, include a copy (not the original) with your renewal form. Online renewal does not allow name changes; you must visit an office or mail your renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest — it takes 10 minutes and your license arrives in seven to 10 days. Mail renewal also works but takes longer. You cannot renew in person at a DVS office outside Minnesota.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You don't need the notice to renew online — just go to mn.gov/sos and use your license number and Social Security number. If you want to renew by mail, call DVS at 651-296-6911 and ask them to send a new notice, or visit a DVS office to renew in person.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewals require a new photo taken at the office. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you must visit a DVS office instead.
How long is my license valid after I renew?
Minnesota issues four-year and eight-year licenses. The expiration date is printed on your new license. You choose the length when you renew — the eight-year license costs more but lasts longer.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact DVS at 651-296-6911 to find out the reason and what you must do to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.