Renewing Your License in Minnesota

Determine the Status of Your License

You must hold a valid driver’s license to get behind the wheel, renewing it every year on or before your birthday. Additionally, you must carry adequate insurance as proof of responsibility, including no-fault insurance to cover the drivers who don’t pay attention to this rule. If you feel you need to purchase more insurance, try shopping our Insurance Center online.

Valid License

Class D regular licenses and motorcycle licenses expire on your birthday every four years. Provisional licenses expire two years from the date of application instead of your birthday.

If you’re uncertain as to what type of license you have or when it needs to be renewed, look at your driving record.

NOTE: Commercial Drivers License holders have different renewal rules.

Expired License

You must renew on or before your birthday. If you let your license expire, you may have to pay extra fees. Check with the DPS office to find out.

If you aren’t sure of your license’s status, get a copy of your driving record.

Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license is against the law. To find out whether your license is suspended or on the verge of suspension, read your driving record, which contains useful information about points and infractions against you.

After you get your license back, you’ll have to pay higher insurance premiums. Consider shopping around for a new rate.

Lost License

When you misplace your license, it’s important to get a new one as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to report it, especially if you think it’s been stolen.

Check Your Renewal Notice

Renewal notifications are mailed approximately two to three months in advance of your license's expiration date. These serve as a reminder, nothing more. You do not need to bring the notification in with you for renewal. Nor do you have to wait for the notification to renew. You can renew your license up to 12 months prior of its expiration.

Renew Online

There is no online renewal.

Renew By Mail

There is no mail renewal.

Renew In Person

You must appear in person to renew your license. Appointments are not accepted. Be prepared to:

• Bring your old license and provide your Social Security number (if you don’t have one, you can check the appropriate box on the form).

• Get a new picture taken.

• Pass a vision screening.

• Pay $24 for a Class D, $20.50 for a provisional license upgrade, or $19.75 for a provisional. Check with the office to see if they accept credit cards; checks and cash are the best bets.

Update Your Driving Skills

Even a regular driver’s license renewal doesn’t take the place of learning new traffic laws or refreshing your skills. Every once in a while, it’s smart to take a supplemental driving school course. Besides better driving, you may find your insurance rates lowered as a result.

Look at your current policy to see if there’s a discount for taking this course. Or, you may want to start shopping around for a new rate.

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