Learn About Renewing Your Minnesota Driver License

How Minnesota Driver License Renewal Works

Minnesota allows you to renew your driver license before it expires. Understanding how the renewal process works helps you know what to expect and what options are available to you. The state offers several methods to renew, depending on your situation and the type of license you hold.

Your driver license in Minnesota expires on your birthday. The state sends renewal notices to the address on file approximately 60 days before your license expires. This notice contains important information about renewal options and any required documentation. You do not have to wait for this notice to begin gathering materials, as you may start the renewal process at any time during the 180-day period before your license expires.

Minnesota recognizes that people have different circumstances and preferences. Some drivers may renew by mail, while others prefer to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. A third option allows certain drivers to renew online through the state's website. Each method has specific requirements and takes different amounts of time to process.

The cost of renewing your driver license depends on how long your new license will be valid. A four-year license costs $35, while an eight-year license costs $70. These fees are current as of 2024 and may change. If you renew by mail or online, you typically pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on the method you choose.

Practical Takeaway: Mark your birthday on your calendar and expect a renewal notice approximately two months before. This gives you time to gather documents and choose your preferred renewal method without rushing.

Renewing Your License Online

Minnesota's online renewal option offers convenience for many drivers. This method allows you to complete renewal from your home using a computer or mobile device with internet access. However, not all drivers can use the online option—specific requirements must be met.

To renew online, you must meet several conditions. Your current driver license must not be suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must be at least 18 years old and have held a valid Minnesota driver license for at least one year without any violations or changes to your vision status. Additionally, your name and address must match official state records. If you have had any recent address changes or corrections to your name, you may need to use a different renewal method.

The online renewal process typically takes about 15 minutes to complete. You will need your current driver license number and the expiration date. The system asks you to confirm your personal information, review any changes, and pay the renewal fee using a valid credit card. After submission, the state processes your renewal request. Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks under normal circumstances.

One important detail about online renewal: your new license will be mailed to the address currently on file with the state. Before you start the online renewal, verify that your mailing address is correct. If you have recently moved and updated your address with another state agency, that change may not have reached the Driver and Vehicle Services yet. You can verify your address through the state's online records or by calling your local DVS office.

Practical Takeaway: Check your current driver license and make sure the address matches where you want your new license mailed before beginning an online renewal.

Renewing Your License by Mail

Mail renewal provides an option for drivers who cannot renew online or prefer not to visit an office in person. This traditional method has been used in Minnesota for many years and remains a valid choice for many drivers. The mail renewal process requires you to send your current driver license along with other documentation to the state.

To renew by mail, you will need to complete the appropriate renewal form. For a regular driver license renewal, you use Form STAT 020. This form is available on the Minnesota DVS website or at any DVS office. You can print the form from the website, or you can call your local DVS office to have one mailed to you. The form asks you to provide your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You must also indicate whether you want a four-year or eight-year license.

Along with the completed form, you must include your current driver license and payment for the renewal fee. The state accepts checks and money orders by mail. Make checks or money orders payable to "State of Minnesota." Mail your materials to the address listed on the form, which is typically the Driver and Vehicle Services mail processing center in Minneapolis. Processing by mail generally takes two to three weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods.

Mail renewal works well for drivers whose circumstances have not changed significantly since their last license was issued. However, if you have changes to report—such as a vision correction, a new address, or a name change—you should visit a DVS office in person instead of using mail renewal. The state requires some changes to be documented in person by office staff.

Practical Takeaway: Keep your printer or phone ready to either print the renewal form or note the phone number for requesting one by mail. Plan for processing to take at least three weeks when using mail renewal.

Renewing Your License In Person at a DVS Office

Visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person is another renewal option. This method is necessary for certain situations and may be preferred by drivers who want their new license right away or need to make changes to their license information. Minnesota has DVS offices throughout the state to serve residents in different regions.

In-person renewal requires you to visit a DVS office with your current driver license and acceptable identification documents. You will complete an application form and provide any information needed for your renewal. The office staff verifies your identity and processes your request while you wait. If everything is in order, you typically receive your new driver license the same day or within a few days. Some offices participate in a "Real ID" program that may require additional documents, which are discussed in the next section.

You should consider in-person renewal if any of these situations apply to you: you have a suspended or revoked license that has been cleared; your vision has changed; you want to update your address or name; you need a Real ID-compliant license for air travel or federal building access; or you have any other circumstances requiring staff verification. Additionally, if you hold a commercial driver license, certain renewals must be completed in person.

To prepare for an in-person visit, bring your current driver license, proof of residence (such as a utility bill or lease showing your current address), and your Social Security number. Office wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning on a weekday, often means shorter waits than visiting during lunch hours or on Friday afternoons. You can find the address and hours of your nearest DVS office on the state website or by calling the main DVS number.

Practical Takeaway: If you need your license quickly or have information that needs updating, plan a visit to your local DVS office. Bring multiple forms of identification and proof of your current address.

Real ID Compliance and License Options

Minnesota offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Understanding the difference helps you choose which type to renew. This distinction affects what documents you need and what the license can be used for in the future.

A standard Minnesota driver license can be used for driving and for identification purposes in many situations. However, it cannot be used as identification for domestic air travel or for entry to federal buildings and military installations that require Real ID compliance. Starting in May 2025, the federal government requires Real ID-compliant identification for all domestic air travel, even for travel within the United States. This deadline affects anyone planning to fly commercially on a plane within the country.

To obtain a Real ID-compliant license, you must provide additional documents when renewing. These documents verify your identity, Social Security number, Minnesota residency, and legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and other specific documents listed on the DVS website. Getting a Real ID license requires an in-person visit to a DVS office—you cannot renew to Real ID status online or by mail.

If you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you may choose to keep a standard license. However, many Minnesotans are choosing to upgrade to Real ID compliance during their renewal to be prepared for future travel plans. Some people get a Real ID license for their driver license and keep a standard non-driver ID card for other purposes. The choice depends on