Senator Michael Kreun (R-Blaine) has authored key legislation that seeks to ease the burden on those looking to renew their Minnesota drivers’ licenses. The bill creates an online renewal option for licenses and allows those who have a valid license to designate a secondary mailing address for license and identification card renewals. This would be beneficial for “snowbirds” who have a secondary address, and for Minnesotans who are traveling or serving in the military.

“This is a commonsense bill that will not only help make things easier for Snowbirds those looking to renew their licenses, but will also make life easier for all Minnesotans when renewing their driver’s licenses,” said Kreun. “Many Minnesotans dread upcoming renewals, because it often means driving extended distances to a licensing location, waiting in line, and waiting weeks for their new licenses to be delivered. This bill truly presents a win-win for all parties and makes the entire process easy and streamlined for all involved.”

Notably this bill does not make changes to the portion of state statute that does not allow for licenses to be forwarded when an applicant has a forward on their mailing address. It does however allow the license to be mailed directly to the temporary mailing address on file. The language allows online license renewals to occur when the applicant has both a picture on file that is not older than 5 years, as well as proof of an adequate vision examination certificate that is not more than 2 years old. This would effectively allow for online renewal for every other renewal. The bill does not allow first-time applications to be submitted online.

The bipartisan bill was heard in the Senate Transportation Committee and will be considered for possible inclusion in the transportation omnibus bill.