Minnesota License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Minnesota
You renew your license through the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Minnesota licenses last 4 years. They expire on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DVS renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DVS office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to the MN DVS site. Can you renew online? Is your license in the window?
- Gather documents — Have your license number, SSN, and payment. Want REAL ID? Bring ID and address docs.
- Complete the application — Use the DVS portal or visit a DVS station. Check your info. Then submit.
- Pay the fee — Pay $32.25 by credit card, debit card, or e-check.
- Receive your license — Get a temp receipt right away. Your new card comes in 2 to 3 weeks.
Minnesota Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $32.25 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $14.25 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $22.25 |
| Name change | $14.25 |
| REAL ID upgrade (at renewal) | No extra cost |
| Valid for | 4 years |
It's $32.25 for a 4-year license. REAL ID is the same price. There's no late fee.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Minnesota driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Proof of Minnesota residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 1 year
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have a valid photo on file
- You are not upgrading to REAL ID for the first time
Renew online many times if your photo is current. DVS picks when you need a new one.
Go to DVS online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Minnesota License Expires
Minnesota has no grace period. Driving expired in MN is a crime.
- Before expiry — Up to 1 year before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 1 year after expiration without retaking tests
- Long-lapsed penalty — Over 1 year late? Retake the knowledge test. Driving expired is a crime in MN.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Minnesota. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at each in-person visit. Online? No vision test needed.
- In-person visits — Renew online many times if your photo is current. DVS picks when you need a new one.
- Wait time — Online renewals take 3 to 5 days. Your card comes by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Common Minnesota License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing that Minnesota uses DVS, not DMV
MN's agency is called DVS. Search "Minnesota DMV" and you may hit a fake site.
Underestimating the consequences of driving on an expired license
In MN, driving expired is a crime. It's not a small ticket. It can show on background checks.
Waiting too long to get a REAL ID
MN was late to offer REAL ID. Don't have one yet? Visit DVS with your ID docs soon.
Not booking an appointment at a DVS exam station
DVS stations can have long waits. REAL ID waits are the worst. Book online to save time.
REAL ID Info for Minnesota
MN offers REAL ID at no extra cost. Bring your birth cert or passport. Add your SSN card. Show proof of MN address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
What Makes Minnesota Different
MN calls its agency "DVS," not DMV.
Driving expired in MN is a crime. It's not just a ticket.
MN was one of the last to issue REAL ID. Many still don't have it.