Are you a Minnesota resident? Is it time for a Minnesota driver’s license renewal? Unfortunately, renewing your driver’s license is one of those tiresome tasks you must complete every few years. And, what makes renewing your driver’s license in MN a bit more difficult?
Because Minnesota doesn’t yet offer the convenience of online renewals, you’ll have to set aside some time to visit the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. And, it is fair to expect long lines at the offices. So, renewing your Minnesota driving license with limited options may be tougher. In addition, a delay in renewing your driver’s license in MN can earn you a penalty!
But don’t worry; we provide a step-by-step approach to getting your Minnesota driver’s license renewal quickly and easily. How can you do a Minnesota driver’s license renewal, and how much will it cost? Here’s all the info you need!
When can I renew my Minnesota driver’s license?
A resident must renew their Minnesota driver’s license on or before their birthday every four years. Class D driver’s licenses in Minnesota are valid for four years and expire on your birthday rather than the date of application. So if you’re turning 21, ensure to do your Minnesota driver’s license renewal three weeks before your birthday to avoid getting the ‘under 21’ stamp.
The Minnesota DVS will inform you about the license renewal via mail when it’s time. You’ll probably get this mail around 45 days before the renewal date. Never ignore it or forget the renewal date! A single-day delay in renewing your driver’s license in MN can lead to hefty fines and attending additional tests.
You must pass the knowledge and vision tests to apply for a new license if your license has expired for more than one year but less than five years.
What documents do I need to renew my Minnesota driver’s license?
Is it time to renew your driver’s license in MN? Then you need to have the following when going for renewal.
- Your current driving license
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Acceptable mode of payment
Here’s all the info you should know about Minnesota car insurance!
How to renew your driver’s license in Minnesota
Be aware that you can only do a Minnesota driver’s license renewal in person. Additionally, only active-duty military personnel stationed out of state and residents out of state at the time of renewal can renew the license via mail.
Can I renew my Minnesota driver’s license online?
No, you can’t. Instead, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office to renew your driver’s license in MN.
How to renew your driver’s license in Minnesota in-person

Most Minnesota drivers renew their driving license by visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) facility. You can follow these steps to do a Minnesota driver’s license renewal in person.
- Find your nearest DVS office.
- Complete the renewal application form. You can begin this process online but must finish at a DVS facility.
- Make the renewal payment by cash or cheque. Unfortunately, DVS facilities won’t accept credit or debit cards.
- Produce your current Minnesota driving license and SSN.
- Be prepared to take an eye test.
- Take a fresh photograph for your new license.
Ensure to go with all required documents if you’re changing your name or other details in your license.
How to renew your driver’s license in Minnesota via mail
You can renew a Minnesota driver’s license by mail if you’re a resident and live outside the state. You must request a unique Out-of-State renewal material by calling or e-mailing the DVS. Provide your full name, date of birth, and mailing address if you’re e-mailing. Ensure you follow the packet’s guidelines and complete all the forms fully.
You also have to notarize your application. Suppose you are military personnel on active duty (or the spouse of someone who is) and stationed outside Minnesota. In that case, you don’t have to renew your driver’s license until discharged from duty, irrespective of the length of your service. Contact the DVS and get an Out-of-State renewal packet if you need to keep your driving license active.
How much does it cost to renew your driver’s license in Minnesota?
You must pay around $25.25 for a Class D Minnesota driver’s license renewal. The renewal charge will be the same irrespective of whether you are over or under 21.
You must pay around $14.75 to get a duplicate driving license if you lose your driving license. You can make the renewal payment via cheque or cash. Visit the DVS website to find out in detail about license fees.
How long does it take to renew your driver’s license in MN?
The DVS office hasn’t exactly specified how long it will take for a Minnesota driver’s license renewal. But, you may expect to get your renewed license in about six weeks.
How long is a Minnesota driver’s license good for?
A Minnesota driver must renew their driving license every four years on or before their birthday.
How long can your driver’s license be expired in Minnesota?
You can apply for a new driving license in Minnesota if it expired a year ago but less than five years. Then to apply for a new driving license, you must pass the knowledge and vision tests.
Can I renew my Minnesota driver’s license after it expires?
If your driver’s license has expired, you must visit your local DMV office as soon as possible to avoid paying a late charge. You may earn a penalty of $200 if you drive with an expired license.
Is there a grace period for renewing your driver’s license in Minnesota?
No. Minnesota driver’s license renewal doesn’t grant you any grace period. Instead, you must take extra examinations to renew your license if your renewal is even a day late. You may also get a penalty of $200 if caught with an expired license.
Can you renew a suspended driving license in Minnesota?
You can’t do a Minnesota driver’s license renewal when it is suspended or revoked. Also, you can’t renew your driver’s license in MN if your driving record has penalties or outstanding fees.
How can I renew a lost driving license in MN?
You must apply for a duplicate driving license if it gets lost, damaged, or stolen. A driver must pay around $17 to get a duplicate Minnesota driving license (all classes).
At what age can you get your driver’s license in Minnesota?
You must be 16 years old to qualify for a provisional license. A driver needs to meet these requirements to get an MN license.
- They should complete the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of driver education.
- The driver should hold an instruction permit for six months with no case of moving or alcohol/controlled-substance offenses.
- They must have driven at least 50 hours under the guidance of a licensed driver of at least 21 years old. They should drive a minimum of 15 hours among this 50 at night.
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