What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license
Minnesota issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, and you'll explore in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot complete the entire process online, though you can renew some licenses by mail or through their website if you meet certain conditions.
To get a new license, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth), proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), and your Social Security number. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws, then take a driving test with an examiner.
The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, available free on the Department of Public Safety website. Most people schedule their tests in advance rather than walk in, which reduces wait times.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
- Minnesota requires a vision test, written knowledge test, and driving test before you receive your first license.
- You can renew by mail or online only if your license is not expired more than one year and you meet other conditions; otherwise you must renew in person.
- A standard driver's license is valid for four years if you're under 65, and eight years if you're 65 or older.
- The fee for a new license is different from the fee for renewal, and both vary slightly depending on the type of license you need.
How to schedule your appointment and what to expect
You can schedule an appointment online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling 651-297-2126. Scheduling ahead is strongly recommended because walk-in wait times can be several hours, especially in urban areas. When you arrive, bring all required documents in original form—photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
The vision test is brief and checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The written test is multiple choice and covers about 40 questions; you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.
The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. An examiner sits in the car with you and scores your performance. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it.
Renewing your Minnesota driver's license
If your license is still valid and not expired more than one year, you may renew by mail or online without visiting an office. To renew online, go to the Department of Public Safety website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee. The new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (available on the Department of Public Safety website), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks.
If your license has been expired more than one year, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You'll need to bring the same documents as for a new license and may need to retake the written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
Different types of Minnesota licenses and what they cover
Minnesota issues several classes of driver's licenses based on the type of vehicle you drive. A Class D license is for regular passenger cars and small trucks. A Class A license is for tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles and requires additional testing and a commercial learner's permit first. A Class B license covers single-unit trucks and buses.
You can also add endorsements to your license, such as an air brake endorsement (required to drive vehicles with air brakes) or a hazmat endorsement (required to transport hazardous materials). Each endorsement requires passing an additional written test.
If you are under 18, you receive a provisional license with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. without an adult, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after holding the provisional license for one year, whichever comes first.
Fees and how long your license lasts
A new Class D driver's license costs $24.50 if you're under 65. If you're 65 or older, the fee is $13.50. Renewal by mail or online costs $24.50 for those under 65 and $13.50 for those 65 and older. In-person renewal costs the same as mail or online renewal. Fees may change, so check the Department of Public Safety website before you go.
A standard driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue if you're under 65. If you're 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the police and then contact the Department of Public Safety to request a replacement. You can explore for a duplicate in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office or by mail. A duplicate costs $8.50 and takes about two weeks by mail or is issued when ready if you explore in person.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at any office. Bring your damaged license and pay the replacement fee. If your license is damaged and unreadable, you may need to provide proof of identity and residency again.
Changing your name or address on your Minnesota license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license. Bring your current license, a document proving the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your new address if it has also changed. You can update your name in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office.
If you move to a new address within Minnesota, you must update your license within 30 days. You can change your address online through the Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person. Changing your address online or by mail is free and takes about two weeks. A new license with your updated address will be mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Minnesota license?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in a citation. If your license has expired, you must renew it before driving. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you may face a fine.
What if I fail the written or driving test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. For the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though each attempt may have a small fee.
Do I need a Minnesota license if I just moved here?
Yes. Minnesota law requires you to obtain a Minnesota driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. You can use an out-of-state license during that 30-day period, but after that you must have a Minnesota license to drive legally in the state.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
If your license is not expired more than one year, you can renew by mail or online without being in Minnesota. If your license has been expired longer than one year, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minnesota.
What happens if I get a ticket while driving?
A traffic ticket does not affect your ability to renew your license, but unpaid tickets can result in a suspended license. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until you resolve the ticket or pay the reinstatement fee through the court.