What documents and fees you need to renew in Minnesota

To renew your Minnesota driver's license, you need your current license, proof of residence, and the renewal fee. Minnesota charges $24.50 for a four-year renewal or $48.75 for an eight-year renewal. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office — the route you choose determines which documents you actually have to bring.

If you're renewing by mail, you'll send your current license, a completed Form DLAD (the renewal form), and a check or money order. If you're renewing online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, you'll need your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license and proof of residence, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last year.

Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it's expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail with your current license, the renewal form, and a check — no trip to an office required.
  • Online renewal through the Secretary of State website is the fastest option if your license is current and you have your Social Security number and date of birth.
  • In-person renewal at a DVS office requires your current license and one document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Renewal fees are $24.50 for four years or $48.75 for eight years, and you must renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to a DVS office in person.

Renewing by mail: what to send and where

Mail renewal is the simplest route if your license is current. You'll need Form DLAD, which you can read from the Minnesota Secretary of State website or request by calling the DVS office. Fill out the form with your name, address, and license number, then mail it with your current license and a check or money order made out to the State of Minnesota.

Send your packet to the address listed on the form — currently the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 161, St. Paul, MN 55101. Processing takes about two weeks after they receive your packet. You'll get your new license by mail; your old one will be returned to you or destroyed depending on the condition.

Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired or expired less than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, the Secretary of State will not process a mail renewal.

Online renewal through the Secretary of State website

The Minnesota Secretary of State website lets you renew online if you meet certain conditions: your license must be current or expired less than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed since your last renewal. You'll need your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start.

The online process takes about ten minutes. You'll pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, and your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. This is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, because you don't have to print, mail, or visit an office.

If you have medical restrictions, a vision correction, or a license expired more than five years, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.

In-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Renewing in person at a DVS office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license and proof of residence. Proof of residence can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement — any document showing your name and current Minnesota address dated within the last year.

Find your nearest DVS office on the Secretary of State website and check their hours before you go. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different schedules. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some offices now use an online appointment system. Bring your current license, proof of residence, and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card).

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed, or if you want to update your address, name, or other information on your license at the same time.

What happens if your license is expired

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you've already sent in your renewal. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date — check the date on your license now and plan ahead.

If your license expired recently and you're waiting for your renewal to arrive, carry a copy of your renewal confirmation (from online renewal) or a receipt showing you mailed your renewal. This won't prevent a citation, but it shows a police officer that you've taken action.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DVS office in person and bring your expired license, proof of residence, and the renewal fee.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you're moving or need to update your name, you can make those changes during renewal. By mail or online, you'll enter your new address on the form or in the online system, and your new license will reflect it. In person, tell the DVS staff member what needs to change, and they'll update your record before processing your renewal.

If you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll need to bring documentation of the name change along with your current license and proof of residence. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. In-person renewal is the best option when you're changing your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than five years ago. You must go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with your expired license, proof of residence, and the renewal fee. The staff will process your renewal on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary license to drive home.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

By mail or online, your new license arrives in about two weeks. In person at a DVS office, you'll get a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid.

What if I don't have proof of residence?

You'll need a document showing your name and current Minnesota address dated within the last year. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, a bank statement, property tax statement, or mortgage statement works. If you have none of these, contact your nearest DVS office to ask what other documents they accept.

Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?

Yes, you can renew online if your vision correction hasn't changed since your last renewal. If your prescription changed or you need a new vision test, you must renew in person or by mail so the DVS can note the change on your license.

Do I have to renew before my license expires, or can I renew after?

You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and you can renew after it expires as long as it's been less than five years. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so renewing before the expiration date keeps you on the right side of the law.