Minnesota driver's licenses renew every four or eight years depending on your age
Minnesota sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you which renewal method you can use — online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Most people under 65 can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If you're 65 or older, you must renew in person at a DVS office.
Your renewal method depends on whether you need a new photo. If your license is expiring and you haven't had a photo update in the last 12 years, Minnesota requires an in-person visit. The renewal notice you receive will specify which option applies to you.
Key Takeaways
- Check your renewal notice for the important date and which renewal method you're allowed to use — online, mail, or in-person.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license as of 2024.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, payment, and a new photo if you haven't had one in 12 years; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; bring your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail — you must visit a DVS office in person.
Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access
Online renewal through the Minnesota Secretary of State website takes about 10 minutes. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The state charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.50 for an eight-year renewal.
Online renewal is available only if your renewal notice says you can use it. You cannot renew online if you're 65 or older, if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need a new photo. After you complete the online renewal, your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days.
Mail renewal: no office visit needed, but slower processing
To renew by mail, send your renewal notice, payment, and a new photo (if required) to the address printed on the notice. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card (include the card number on a separate sheet, not on the check).
Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DVS office receives your envelope. Mail can take several days to arrive, so send your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date. If your renewal notice says you need a new photo, include a color photo that meets Minnesota's requirements: a head-and-shoulders shot, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats.
In-person renewal at a DVS office
Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office if you're 65 or older, if you need a new photo, or if your license is suspended or revoked. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and payment. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number or bring a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
DVS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the DVS website for current wait times can help you plan. The renewal is completed on the spot, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it's suspended or revoked. You must visit a DVS office in person. Before you renew, you need to resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — this might mean paying fines, completing a DWI program, or satisfying other court requirements. The DVS office can tell you what you need to do, but you may need to contact the court or the agency that imposed the suspension.
Once you've resolved the issue, bring proof of resolution to the DVS office along with your other documents. Processing your renewal may take longer than a standard renewal because the office needs to verify that the suspension or revocation has been lifted.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you've moved, update your address when you renew. For online renewal, you can change your address as part of the process. For mail renewal, include a note with your new address. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new residency.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person and bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
No. Minnesota requires you to wait until the renewal notice is mailed before you can renew. The notice contains information the system needs to process your renewal. If your license is about to expire and you haven't received a notice, contact the DVS office to confirm your address is correct in their system.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or by mail without the physical notice if you're may be able to access. For online renewal, use your license number and Social Security number to log in. For mail renewal, contact a DVS office to request a duplicate notice or instructions on how to proceed without it.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
A temporary paper license issued at a DVS office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within that time. If it doesn't, contact the DVS office. Do not drive after the 30 days expire unless you have your permanent license in hand.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, if you're a Minnesota resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as your renewal notice says you're may be able to access. You cannot renew in person at a DVS office outside Minnesota. If you've moved permanently to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state instead.
What if my renewal is denied?
The DVS office will contact you by mail if there's a problem with your renewal. Common reasons include unpaid fines, an active suspension, or incorrect information. Follow the instructions in the letter to resolve the issue, then contact the DVS office to complete your renewal.