Book your Minneapolis DMV appointment online or by phone before you visit

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety runs the Minneapolis DMV office, and you can schedule an appointment through their online system or by calling ahead. Most transactions — license renewals, address changes, ID replacements — require an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted at the Minneapolis location. Booking in advance saves you from a wasted trip and lets you know exactly when to arrive.

The fastest route is the Minnesota Secretary of State's online appointment system at mn.gov/sos. You select the Minneapolis office, choose the service you need, and pick an available time slot. If you prefer to book by phone, call the Minnesota DMV at 651-296-6911. Have your driver's license number or ID number ready when you call, along with the specific service you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your appointment online at mn.gov/sos or by phone at 651-296-6911 before visiting the Minneapolis office.
  • The Minneapolis DMV location is at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200, and does not accept walk-ins.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — the appointment confirmation will list what you need.
  • Appointment availability varies by service type and season; booking several weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a convenient time.
  • If you cannot keep your appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours in advance to free the slot for other people.

What documents to bring to your Minneapolis DMV appointment

The documents you need depend on your transaction type. For a license renewal, bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months works. For an address change, bring your current license and the same proof of residency showing your new address.

If you are explore for a new license or ID card, bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return all work. For a duplicate license or ID, you only need your current ID and proof of residency. The appointment confirmation email will list the exact documents required for your specific service.

Minneapolis DMV office location and hours

The Minneapolis DMV office is located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200, in downtown Minneapolis. Street parking is available on Minnesota Street and nearby side streets, though the area can be busy during weekday mornings. There is also a parking ramp one block away on 5th Street.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Appointment slots fill quickly during lunch hours and late afternoon, so morning appointments tend to have shorter wait times. If the Minneapolis location has no available slots, you can check other Minnesota DMV offices — the St. Paul office at 1600 University Avenue West sometimes has earlier openings.

Services available at the Minneapolis DMV

The Minneapolis office handles most common DMV transactions. You can renew your driver's license or ID card, change your address, replace a lost or damaged license, explore for a new license, update your name, and request a duplicate document. You can also renew your vehicle registration, explore for a new registration, and handle title transfers — though some title work may require a visit to a different office depending on the situation.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or issuance; those services are available only at the St. Paul office. If you need a CDL, you will have to travel to St. Paul or contact the Minnesota DMV to find out whether any other locations offer CDL services.

How to reschedule or cancel your appointment

If you need to change your appointment time, log into the Minnesota Secretary of State's online system at mn.gov/sos, find your appointment, and select a new time slot. You can also call 651-296-6911 to reschedule by phone. Canceling requires at least 24 hours' notice; if you cancel with less notice, the slot may not be available for other people and you may have to wait longer for your next opening.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one through the regular system. Repeated no-shows may result in longer wait times for future appointments, so contact the office as soon as you know you cannot make it.

What to expect during your appointment

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Check in at the front desk with your confirmation email or number. A staff member will verify your documents, ask you to confirm your information, and process your transaction. Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion, depending on the service.

If your documents are incomplete or incorrect, staff will tell you what is missing and may reschedule you for another appointment after you gather the right paperwork. Bring all documents listed on your confirmation to avoid delays. If you need a new photo for a license or ID renewal, the office will take it during your appointment at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the DMV?

Minnesota allows online renewal for some driver's licenses and ID cards if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no address changes, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. Check mn.gov/sos to see if your license is may be able to access. If it is, you can renew online without an appointment.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document showing your name and current address dated within the last three months. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can use a mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail. Call 651-296-6911 to ask whether a specific document will work before your appointment.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

Book as soon as you know you need a service. During busy seasons — summer and early fall — available slots can fill two to four weeks out. If you need an appointment within two weeks, check the St. Paul office or other Minnesota locations, which may have earlier openings.

What happens if I arrive late to my appointment?

If you are more than 15 minutes late, the office may cancel your appointment and you will need to reschedule. Traffic and parking can be unpredictable in downtown Minneapolis, so plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must be present in person for your appointment. A parent or guardian can accompany a minor, but the minor must be there. If you cannot attend, cancel your appointment and reschedule for a time you can make it.