Minnesota lets you renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how much time you have

Minnesota driver's licenses expire every four or eight years depending on whether you're under or over 65. You can renew before expiration through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's online system, by mail, or at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The method you choose depends on your age, whether your address has changed, and how soon you need the new license in hand.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before expiration. It contains your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew—you'll just need your driver's license number and other identifying information instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license.
  • Mail renewal requires your renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your materials.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is necessary if your address changed, your name changed, or you need to update your photo.
  • You cannot renew online if you are over 65, have a commercial driver's license, or have certain medical conditions noted on your record.
  • Expired licenses can still be renewed for up to five years after expiration, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license.

Online renewal through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website

The fastest way to renew is online at mn.gov/dvs. Go to the Driver's License Renewal section and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and renewal code from your notice. You'll confirm your address and choose your license length: four years or eight years. The fee is $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years, paid by debit or credit card.

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license to drive legally until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available only if you are under 65, do not hold a commercial driver's license, and have no medical restrictions on your record.

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before renewing online. You can do this on the same website by selecting "Change of Address" instead of renewal. Once your address is updated in the system, you can then complete your renewal.

Mail renewal when you have time to wait

Mail renewal works if your address and name haven't changed and you don't need a new photo. Your renewal notice includes a mail-in form. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Do not send cash. Include your renewal code if you have it, or your driver's license number if you don't.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the Minnesota Department of Public Safety receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself adds another 3 to 5 days on each end, so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. Your old license remains valid to drive until your new one arrives.

If you're renewing an eight-year license, the cost is $48.50. A four-year renewal is $24.50. Write the amount on your check or money order and include it in the envelope with your form.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

You must renew in person if your address has changed, your legal name has changed, or you want a new photo on your license. You'll also need to renew in person if you are over 65, hold a commercial driver's license, or have medical conditions on your record.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If your name changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The fee is the same: $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Find your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services office at mn.gov/dvs under "Office Locations." Many offices operate by appointment only, especially in larger cities. You can schedule online or by phone at the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times vary. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day, though the photo may take a few minutes to process.

Address changes and name changes

If you've moved, you must update your address before your license expires. You can do this online at mn.gov/dvs under "Change of Address" without renewing your license yet. Bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or insurance document also works.

If your legal name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot update it online. You must go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with your current license and the document proving the change. This counts as a renewal, so you'll receive a new license with your updated name and photo.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you face a citation. However, Minnesota allows you to renew an expired license for up to five years after it expires. After five years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires a written test and vision test.

If your license expired more than 60 days ago, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal still works the same way—send your form, payment, and old license. In-person renewal at an office is faster if you need to drive when ready.

Commercial driver's license and medical restriction renewals

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of address, and payment. You may also need to pass a medical examination depending on when your medical certificate expires. Check your CDL to see the expiration date of your medical certification.

If your license has a medical restriction or notation—such as corrective lenses required or a hearing aid required—you must renew in person. The office will verify that your restriction is still accurate and may ask you to provide updated medical documentation if your restriction is expiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I don't have my renewal notice?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail without your renewal notice if you have your driver's license number and date of birth. If renewing by mail, include your license number instead of the renewal code. Online, enter your license number when prompted for the code.

What if I need my new license before the mail arrives?

Renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Your new license is printed on site and you leave with it the same day. If you need it urgently, call your nearest office to ask about same-day appointments or walk-in availability.

Do I have to choose four years or eight years when I renew?

Yes, you choose the length when you renew. Four-year licenses cost $24.50 and eight-year licenses cost $48.50. There's no requirement to pick one over the other—it's your choice based on how often you want to renew.

What if my address changed but I'm renewing online?

Update your address first through the "Change of Address" option on mn.gov/dvs, then complete your renewal. You'll need proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Once your address is updated in the system, you can renew online normally.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

For online or mail renewal, no—you must sign the form or complete the online process yourself. For in-person renewal, you must appear at the office yourself. Minnesota does not allow proxy renewals by family members or representatives.