132K Minnesotans have 1 week to renew driver’s license, ID card

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DPS-DVS) says 132,000 Minnesotans who have COVID-19 driver’s license and ID card extensions have just one week left to renew their credentials.

Back on Jan. 27, DPS-DVS announced that about 300,000 Minnesotans needed to renew their driver’s license or ID card by March 31. To maintain a valid driver’s license or ID, anyone with an extension must renew by the deadline.

"We sent out almost 300,000 letters to Minnesotans with expired licenses saying you have the next few months to renew, at this point about half have renewed, but about half are still yet to renew, so this is that reminder to please come in and allow us to help you. Help us to help you," said Emma Corrie, Director of Driver and Vehicle Services within the Department of Public Safety.

There are a couple of different options Minnesota residents can take to get their renewals done. The quickest and easiest way is to renew online. This option is available for standard driver’s license or ID card renewals that don’t require name, address, signature or driver’s license number changes. A person’s record is updated as soon as the online application is complete.

Another option is to renew in-person. Pre-applying online will reduce the time spent in the office, according to the DPS-DVS. Exam stations accept renewal applications on a first-come-first-served basis and no appointments are required.

Corrie points out that many sites have virtual waiting rooms now, a change during this global pandemic.

"You come in, you scan your phone, you can go wait in your car, or run an errand, you get a text that tells you we’re ready for you, you come in and you are served within minutes," Corrie explains.

"These are changes that have come from COVID, and we aren’t retiring them when COVID is done, we will keep that," she adds.

With extension for expired licenses and ID cards coming to an end, Minnesotans asked to make plans to renew

The following exam stations are open Saturday to serve Minnesotans who received extensions and need to renew their expiring driver’s license: Anoka, downtown St. Paul, Arden Hills, Eagan, Hastings, Plymouth, Rochester, Austin, Mankato, Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud, Duluth, Virginia and Bemidji.

Minnesotans are advised to check the locations page before visiting their exam station Saturday, as hours are subject to change.

Additionally, deputy registrar and driver’s license agent offices are independently owned and operated. Many require appointments for services and have limited appointments available. Those who cannot obtain an appointment by March 31 should check for offices that don’t require appointments, renew at an exam station or renew their standard license online.