How to Renew Your Minnesota Driver License

Step-by-step guide for renewing your Minnesota license through MN DPS. Covers online, mail, and in-person options, fees, and what to bring.

Validity 4 years

Standard fee $41

Renew early As early as 9 months before expiration

After expiration No grace period for expired licenses

Step 1 — Check if you can renew online

A standard driver's license or ID can be renewed online if no changes to information are needed. REAL ID renewals or any data changes require an in-person visit to a DVS office or Exam Station.

Start your online renewal at MN DPS →

Step 2 — Check what to bring

A straightforward renewal usually needs your current Minnesota licence and the fee. What else MN DPS asks for depends on whether you are also upgrading to REAL ID, changing your name or address, or renewing after a lapse — and those requirements differ by state. Check the current list on the MN DPS renewal page before you go.

Step 3 — Pay the renewal fee

MN DPS charges $41 for a standard non-commercial license renewal valid for 4 years. CDL and motorcycle endorsement renewals cost extra; check the official fee schedule for exact amounts.

Step 4 — Take a vision test (if required)

Vision test administered at each in-person visit; not required for online renewal. Must be at least 20/40 with 105 degrees of peripheral vision. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Step 5 — Receive your new licence

Most agencies issue an interim credential you can drive on while the printed card is produced, then post the card separately. How long the interim lasts and how long the card takes are both set by MN DPS and published on its renewal page. Plan around the dates it gives rather than a general estimate.

REAL ID upgrade in Minnesota

Minnesota offers REAL ID at no extra cost; first-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos require an in-person visit.

Common pitfalls

Don't forget address updates. If you moved since your last renewal, update the address before renewing — many states won't mail to a non-matching address.
REAL ID upgrade requires originals. Photocopies of your birth certificate or passport will be rejected. Bring the originals or certified copies.
Book ahead where you can. Walk-in waiting times vary by office and time of year and we do not track them, but an appointment removes the question — see the Minnesota office list for locations and contact details.

Find your nearest Minnesota office

Use our Minnesota DMV office finder to locate the closest MN DPS location with addresses, hours, and turn-by-turn directions.