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minnesota drivers license renewal - MN

Renew your Minnesota Drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your MN drivers license renewal. There is only way in which to renew your license in Minnesota. You must show up in person to any minnesota dmv office. Your other alternative is to use our site and download your checklist. We’ll supply you with all of the necessary rules and steps. Please continue reading below to get started with your Minnesota license renewal.

Minnesota Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

The expiration date of your license will always fall on your birth date. If you are over twenty one (21) years of age, your Class D drivers license will be valid for four (4) years. If you are under eighteen (18) years of age and have a provisional license, it will not expire on your birthday, but instead two (2) years after it was issued.

Please remember that you must carry your license on you, at all times while driving. 

Renewal Notice

You will receive a renewal notice via before the expiration of your drivers license. The MN Driver and Vehicle Services will mail the renewal notice to the address on file. If you have moved to a new address please update your address with the DMV. Note: It is always your responsibility to renew on time even though you did not receive a notice.

When To Renew

It’s best if you renew your driver’s license on time. If you would like to prepare before its expiration date, Minnesota will allow you to do so. However, if you are under the age of 21, you will only be allowed to renew three (3) weeks prior to your 21st birthday.

Expired License

If your license is currently expired, do not drive. You will be ticketed for driving with an expired license. Driving without a valid license is against the law. If your license has been expired, you will need to visit your nearest DMV office and renew as soon as possible to avoid paying a late fee.

If your license has been suspended, please contact Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services to find out more information. There are variety of reasons that your license can be suspended. For instance, passing a school bus with flashing red lights carries a fine and suspension. Allowing someone else to use your license, or stealing gas, or repeatedly breaking traffic laws are all grounds for suspension. In order to get your license back to an active status you will need to reinstate it. This includes waiting for the suspension period to finish, paying the reinstatement fees and meeting the restrictions that were imposed.

Renew Minnesota Drivers License Online

The Minnesota department of motor vehicles does not allow drivers to renew online at this moment.

Minnesota Drivers License Renew by Mail

Most drivers cannot renew their license by mail. You may ONLY use the renew by mail option if you are currently living outside of the state of Minnesota.

If you are not a snowbird and are not currently living out of state your only option is to go in person to your nearest minnesota dmv office.

Requirements to Renew By Mail 

  • You must currently be outside of the state of Minnesota and you will return before four (4) years time.
  • The picture and signature on file at the DMV will be used to issue your renewed license. However, by law, the DMV will grant you thirty (30) days to go in person to any driver license office in order to have your picture taken and recorded. 
  • Your license must be active and current.

Steps for Out of State Renewal By Mail

  1. Your first step is to request an Out of State Drivers License application packet. This is done by contacting your Minnesota driver license office at the following email or phone number:

    Phone: (651) 297-3298
    Email: DVS.driverslicense@state.mn.us
  2. Once the packet arrives in the mail, please make sure to respond all of the questions and follow the instructions closely. 
  3. You must notarize and sign the application. 
  4. Since a Vision Test is required for all applicants, please visit an eye doctor specialist and complete the following Vision Report (he/she must sign it).
  5. You must send payment for the fee of $26.25 by either a check or money order. Cash is not accepted. Please write the payment payable to DVS.  If you would like to have your license processed quicker, please take advantage of the extra $20.00 Expedited Fast Track Service. You must write an additional check for this service. It's very important to note that you cannot use the expedited method for delivery outside of the U.S., APO military addresses or P.O. Boxes.


Your renewed drivers license will be sent to your mailing address in approximately six (6) weeks. Expedited service will only take two (2) weeks. 

For questions regarding your driver's license, please contact the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services at the following location and phone numbers (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday)

Driver and Vehicle Services - Central Office
Town Square Building
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190
Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190
Phone: (651) 297-3298
Email: DVS.driverslicense@state.mn.us

Minnesota Drivers License Renewal for Military Drivers

Active duty military drivers can take advantage of the following Minnesota license renewal law. You and your spouse (if necessary) do not have to renew your license until you return from active duty. However, please read further and follow the steps that you should take in order to preserve your driving record as active.

Renewal Steps for U.S. Military Drivers

  • Please prepare a photocopy of your current Military ID.
  • You must also prepare a written letter indicating your military start date and current status. This letter can be written by your commanding officer. 
  • Please send the above two pieces of information to the following address:
  • DVS
    445 Minnesota Street
    St. Paul, MN 55101
  • To keep your license from expiring, please request and complete an Out of State package. You may have one sent to you by contacting the Minnesota DMV at the following email or phone:  DVS.driverslicense@state.mn.us or (651) 297-3298. The package will contain step by step instructions. You can also follow the instructions Here. The instructions include answering all questions, submitting a Vision Test form, including payment in the form of a check or money order, and having the application notarized. 
  • Your renewed drivers license will be sent to your mailing address in approximately six (6) weeks. Expedited service will only take two (2) weeks. Please remember that expedited services require an additional check for $20.00 and they cannot be sent to APO military addresses.
  • Upon arrival to Minnesota (after terminating active duty), you will have ninety (90) days to go in person and renew your drivers license. Please have your DD214 military discharge papers.
  • For the latest statute on Minnesota military drivers and their expiration date, please click Here.

Renew Minnesota Drivers License In Person

This is the ONLY option available for all drivers, except drivers who are current out of state. 

  1. Please locate your closest minnesota dmv office and show up in person for your Minnesota license renewal.
  2. A renewal application must be filled out (this will be provided at the office).
  3. Bring your current expiring drivers license or ID as it will serve as Proof of Identification. If you do not have your current license, you must read carefully and produce one primary and one secondary document from the following Proof Of Identitification list.
  4. Have your Social Security Number. 
  5. All applicants for a renewal or new drivers license must pass a Vision Test.
  6. Have you photograph taken.
  7. Bring money to pay for the $26.25 renewal Fee. Note: The ONLY forms of payment accepted are Cash and personal Check.  The fee is the same if you are under the age of 21.

Your new license will be issued after completing all the requirements. 

Minnesota Drivers License Renewal Documents

When going in person to your nearest DMV renewal office, please have the following documents with you.

  • Your current Minnesota expiring drivers license or ID. If you do not have it,  please furnish the documents listed on this Proof Of Identitification page.
  • Your Social Security Number.

Auto Insurance

Your car must be insured in the state of Minnesota. You must follow the Minnesota No-Fault Act which states that all drivers must have no fault insurance on all vehicles registered. When questioned, you must show your insurance documents to any law enforcement officer. Please visit our auto insurance guide for the lowest rates in your area.