Minnesota Driver’s License Renewal: A Complete Guide

Renewing your driver’s license in Minnesota is a fairly straightforward process. This quick guide will give you all the information you need to make your renewal as painless as possible.

How Often Must You Renew Your Driver’s License?

Your Minnesota driver’s license will be valid for four years and expire on your birthday, with a few factors to consider:

• If you have a provisional license, it will expire two years after the date it was issued.

• If you are under 18, your renewal application must be signed by your parent or guardian.

• If you are turning 21, you should not renew until 3 weeks before your 21st birthday. Otherwise, the license will be printed with the “Under 21” label.

In addition, Minnesota does not have a grace period for expired licenses. If you are even a day overdue on your renewal, you will need to take additional tests to renew your license. Also, if you are pulled over with an expired license, you will face penalties and fines.

How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver’s License

Minnesota residents can renew their standard driver’s license or id online if they do not need to make any changes to the information on it. If you have a REAL-ID or need to make changes, you will need to visit a DVS Office or Driver and Vehicle Services Exam Station in person.

In-Person License Renewal

Follow these steps to renew your license in-person:

1. Before you go, see if your chosen location requires an appointment.
2. Speed up the process by pre-applying online.
3. Gather your materials
   1. Your current license
   2. If there will be a name change, certified copies of the marriage, divorce papers, or court order that legally approves the name change.
   3. Social Security Number
   4. If you are renewing or upgrading to a REAL-ID, extra Proof of Identity
4. Complete the Application at the renewal office.
5. If your license is expired, take the written and/or driving exams as instructed by the renewal office. We recommend preparing with online practice tests and by reading our summarized manual.
6. Take a Vision Screening
7. Pay the appropriate fees by cash or personal check

Online Renewal

If you are renewing a standard License or ID, you can do it online as long as you do not need to change any information on it. You can start the process here.

What is the Difference Between a REAL-ID and a Standard ID?

A REAL-ID is a new security measure in travel. When you try to board an airplane or enter a government or military facility, you will be required to show either a REAL-ID or multiple forms of identification. Your State ID alone will not be enough to serve as proof of identity in these places after Oct 1, 2021.

Can You Renew a Suspended License?

You can not renew your MN driver’s license when it is suspended or revoked. Nor can you renew when there are outstanding fees and fines on your driving record.

You can check your driving record by filling out this form, or via the following methods:

In-Person

Driver and Vehicle Services – Central Office

Town Square Building

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190

Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190

Email

Driver’s License: DVS.driverslicense@state.mn.us

Motor Vehicle: DVS.motor.vehicles@state.mn.us

Phone

Records Unit: (651) 296-2940

Assistance for deaf or hard of hearing callers (TDD/TTY): (651) 282-6555

Renewing a Lost License

If your current Minnesota driver’s license is lost, damaged, or stolen, you will need to apply for a duplicate license and pay the appropriate fees.

MN Driver’s License Renewal Fees

The fees will vary depending on the type of license you want to renew. You can find a complete list of the current fees here.

How Long Do You Have to Update Driver’s License Information?

If you change your legal name or address, you have 30 days from the change to renew or apply for a new license at any Minnesota Driver’s License Office location.