Where to Renew and What Method Works for You

Minnesota lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online through the state website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Which method you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. You go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's Driver and Vehicle Services website, answer security questions to verify your identity, pay the fee, and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks total — but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office is necessary if you need a Real ID, if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you want to change information like your address or name.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you do not need a Real ID, and takes about two weeks for your card to arrive.
  • Mail renewal takes three to four weeks but requires no office visit and works for most people whose licenses are still valid.
  • In-person renewal is required for Real ID licenses, expired licenses, or any changes to your name, address, or other information.
  • The renewal fee in Minnesota is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

To renew online, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's Driver and Vehicle Services portal. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system asks security questions based on your driving record and personal history to confirm your identity — these are questions only you should be able to answer.

Online renewal is available only if your license is currently valid (not expired) and you do not need a Real ID. If your license expired more than five years ago, the system will not let you renew online and will direct you to renew in person instead. Once you complete the online form and pay the $24.50 or $48.50 fee by debit or credit card, you receive a temporary digital license that you can screenshot or save. Your permanent card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID. You request a renewal form from the Minnesota Secretary of State or read it from their website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a check or money order for $24.50 or $48.50 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes about three to four weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process by mail, so if you need your new license by a specific date, online or in-person renewal is more predictable. Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to go online or do not have a debit or credit card, but it requires planning ahead since the timeline is longer.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services Office

You must renew in person if you need a Real ID-compliant license, if your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you want to change your name, address, or other information on your license. Real ID licenses are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025, so many people choose to upgrade when they renew.

To renew in person, find your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website and check their hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You pay the fee in cash, check, or card at the office, and you receive your new license on the spot or within a few days if the office needs to mail it.

Real ID Licenses and What They Mean

A Real ID is a federal security standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Minnesota began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009, and the federal government requires all travelers to have one for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. If your current license does not say "REAL ID" or show a gold star in the upper right corner, you will need to renew in person and bring the documents listed above.

Real ID renewal costs the same as a standard renewal — $24.50 for four years or $48.50 for eight years — but requires an in-person visit because the office must verify your identity and documents in front of you. You cannot upgrade to Real ID online or by mail. If you do not travel by air or visit federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving in Minnesota and other states.

Fees, Timeline, and When You Can Renew

Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years. A four-year renewal costs $24.50 and an eight-year renewal costs $48.50. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date is near. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to get a Real ID before the May 2025 important date.

The timeline depends on your method. Online renewal delivers a temporary digital license when ready and a physical card in 10 to 14 business days. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal gives you your license on the spot or within a few days. If your license has already expired, you can still renew using any method, but expired licenses cannot be renewed online — you must use mail or in-person renewal.

What Information You Can and Cannot Change

Online and mail renewal do not let you change any information on your license. If you need to update your address, name, or other details, you must renew in person. The office will update your address if you provide proof of your current residence, and they will update your name if you provide a certified copy of the document that shows the change.

You cannot change your eye color, height, or date of birth through renewal — these are considered identity information and require a replacement license or a visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office to correct. If you moved to Minnesota from another state and your license is from that state, you must get a Minnesota license rather than renew your old one; this requires an in-person visit and a written knowledge test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current license, and you will receive your new license on the spot or within a few days.

What happens if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?

If you renewed online or by mail and your new license has not arrived yet, you can use your temporary digital license (if you renewed online) or request a replacement at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your number and proof of your address. A replacement license costs $24.50 and is issued on the spot.

Do I need a Real ID if I only drive in Minnesota?

Real ID is required only for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you drive only in Minnesota and do not fly or visit federal offices, a standard license is sufficient. However, Real ID costs the same as a standard renewal, so many people upgrade when they renew anyway to avoid needing to renew again before 2025.

Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?

No. Online renewal does not allow address changes. If you moved, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. The office will update your address and issue your new license on the spot.

How do I know if my online renewal was successful?

After you complete the online form and pay the fee, the system displays a confirmation page with a reference number. Save or screenshot this page. You also receive a temporary digital license that you can use when ready. If you do not receive a confirmation page, your payment may not have gone through — try again or call the Minnesota Secretary of State's Driver and Vehicle Services line to confirm.