Senior drivers in Minnesota—defined as those aged 65 and older—should be aware of the rules and options regarding driver’s license renewal in 2025. The most important point is that Minnesota does not have special or more frequent renewal requirements specifically for seniors. Like all other adult drivers, seniors must renew their driver’s license every four years; there is no accelerated renewal cycle or mandatory re-examination purely due to age. The renewal process is largely uniform across age groups, with a few distinctions for seniors regarding fees and optional designations.
To renew a license, seniors must do so in person at a local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The state does not currently permit renewal by mail or online for regular Class D licenses, making a visit to a DMV office obligatory for everyone, regardless of age. While at the DVS, all renewing drivers—including seniors—are required to take a vision (and peripheral vision) test. Passing this vision test is necessary to receive a new license. There is no upper age limit for driving in Minnesota; a license can be renewed as long as the vision and any other basic eligibility requirements are met and there is no evidence of unsafe driving.
Minnesota does not automatically label or restrict older drivers’ licenses based on age. However, drivers 65 and older may request the optional “SENIOR” label on their new license, but it will only be added upon request and is not required. Fees for renewing a standard Class D driver’s license decrease slightly for seniors: for drivers aged 65 and older, the fee for a standard renewal is $27, and for an Enhanced ID, it is $30.50. This markdown recognizes the needs of older adults and applies only from the 65th birthday onward.
If a license has expired by over a year, the applicant must take both a written knowledge and road test, regardless of age. Therefore, seniors should be careful to renew on time.
There are no automatic medical or cognitive screening requirements based on age. However, if there are concerns about a senior’s fitness to drive—due to medical, cognitive, or vision issues—a family member, doctor, or law enforcement official can request a driver evaluation through the DVS. The state encourages proactive self-monitoring and family involvement to address any driving safety issues in older adults.
Minnesota’s policy aims to balance road safety with senior independence, applying the same fundamental rules to all adults while offering recognition and slightly reduced fees for older individuals. Seniors and their families should monitor health and driving ability over time and consult with healthcare professionals or the DVS if concerns arise.
To summarize, seniors in Minnesota renew their licenses every four years in person, must pass a vision test, can request a “SENIOR” label, pay a discounted renewal fee, and are not subject to age-based restrictions, but timely renewal is essential to avoid the need for retesting.
Sources
[1] https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/license-and-id/dl-and-id-card-fees
[2] https://www.co.nicollet.mn.us/329/Drivers-Licenses
[3] https://www.co.aitkin.mn.us/departments/license/license-dl-info.php
[4] https://www.co.wright.mn.us/340/Drivers-License-Information
[5] https://www.meshbesher.com/news-and-updates/licensing-restrictions-for-senior-drivers-in-minnesota/
