Drivers license renewal is a process necessary for Minnesota drivers to complete every few years. Driving permits give residents the ability to operate motor vehicles throughout the state. DMV license renewal ensures that applicants are continually meeting state requirements for driving safely and holding permits. Licenses must be renewed by the expiration date contained on official permit cards. Missing this date could lead to extra fees and potential complications in the future.

License renewal is a separate process from replacement. Permit replacement should occur when official cards are lost, stolen or damaged. Alternatively, renewal occurs periodically to reinstate driving privileges among residents. If applicants meet the instated eligibility requirements, updated license cards are issued. Additionally, specific fees must be paid to complete the process. To learn more about MN driver permit renewal, continue reading the following sections.

Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Minnesota

Drivers license renewal guidelines in Minnesota must be met by all drivers living in the state. Some general eligibility rules that apply to license renewal applicants include:

• Applicants must be renewing a regular passenger vehicle license.
• Applicants must have a valid drivers license on hand.

Applicants should provide certain information when renewing permits in Minnesota. This information is used to verify the driver meets eligibility standards in the state. Specific documents are used to prove the identity, residency and citizenship status of drivers. To renew drivers license online or in person, applicants should offer proof of the following qualifications:

• United States citizenship status
• Valid Social Security Number (SSN)
• MN residency

Specific items that prove eligibility requirements include the following:

1. Documents proving Social Security Number (SSN):
   • Social Security Card
   • W-2
   • 1099 form
   • Pay stub
2. Documents proving citizenship:
   • Valid U.S. Passport
   • Certificate of Citizenship
   • Certificate of Naturalization
   • Foreign password with U.S. visa
   • Birth Certificate
3. Documents proving residency:
   • Current license, permit or Minnesota ID card
   • Letter stating applicant’s name and residential address
   • Mail from schools, including transcripts
   • Recent government-issued mail
   • Mortgage documents

To prove Minnesota resident to drivers license offices, only permanent addresses can be provided. P.O. boxes are ineligible because they do not meet state verification standards.

Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Minnesota

DMV permit renewal for MN residents cannot be completed in certain situations. Drivers should ensure they meet licensing standards before starting the application process. Renewed driving privileges are not granted for residents with the following:

• Current license suspension or revocation
• Current unpaid parking or driving tickets on record

All outstanding tickets should be successfully paid before the renewal process may begin.

How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, drivers licenses can be renewed up to 12 months before the official expiration date. For drivers younger than 21 years of age, license renewal should not be completed until three weeks before their 21^st birthday.

Minnesota DMV License Renewal Options

MN residents can renew licenses in person or at an exam kiosk only. Renewing drivers licenses online is not an option in the state. Because in-person renewal is the only option for drivers, planning in advance is necessary for obtaining new licenses on time. Drivers should understand what is needed to renew drivers licenses to complete this process most efficiently.

How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person

“Where can I renew my drivers license?” is a common question asked by MN residents. Drivers can easily locate licensing locations offered within the state. Permit offices provide renewal services to applicants. Additionally, specific exam kiosks can be used to obtain renewed licenses.

When the nearest license office or exam kiosk is found, drivers can prepare to visit the location. First, applicants should gather all required documents in advance.

When visiting Minnesota licensing locations, drivers license renewal requests, verification documents and fees must be provided. Presenting accurate and up-to-date personal information is a necessity for successful renewal by drivers.

Documents verifying Social Security Number (SSN), citizenship status and MN residency must be provided. Next, vision exams are administered at the renewal location. In some cases, driving and/or road sign tests are administered to meet eligibility standards.

Lastly, drivers are required to pay drivers license renewal fees to obtain updated licenses. Only these forms of payment are accepted:

• Check
• Cash

When payment and verification documents are processed, drivers must take updated pictures to be used for their new licenses. Finally, permit cards are provided upon approval by the official licensing agency.

Military & Out of State Renewal in Minnesota

Renewing drivers permits is not required for active military members stationed outside of the state. This rule applies to military members, no matter how long their length of service is assigned. However, drivers license renewal requirements are applied upon discharge from active duty orders. At this time, expired licenses should be renewed via the regular process.

Out-of-state MN residents must complete a special renewal process to obtain updated driver privileges. First, drivers can receive an out-of-state renewal packet by calling or emailing the official state licensing location. This packet should be filled out, signed and notarized.

Next, the application packet, a valid vision report and fee payment should be mailed to a DVS office. Only checks and money orders can be submitted as valid forms of payment. New licenses will be mailed within 6 weeks of application approval.

Minnesota REAL ID Drivers License Renewal

When renewing regular licenses, MN residents can choose whether to apply for standard or REAL IDs. REAL IDs are new options for residents that provide authorization for federal actions taken throughout the United States. For example, unlike standards IDs, these cards allow drivers to fly on federally maintained aircraft and access federal buildings.

In Minnesota, drivers license renewal requirements for REAL IDs require the submission of additional documentation and fees by applicants.

Minnesota Drivers License Renewal Fees

How much does it cost to renew drivers licenses for eligible state residents? Renewal fees for MN drivers licenses are provided below:

• Class D license renewal: $25.25
• Filing fee: $8

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