What the Saint Paul License Bureau Does

The Saint Paul License Bureau is the office where you go to get a Minnesota driver's license, renew one, or obtain a state ID card. It is run by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and handles the written test, vision screening, and photo for your license or ID. The office is located at 100 East 10th Street in Saint Paul.

You cannot do everything online. Minnesota allows you to renew a valid license by mail or through the state website, but you must visit the bureau in person for a first license, a replacement after suspension or revocation, a name change, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. The bureau also issues Minnesota ID cards for people who do not drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Saint Paul License Bureau is at 100 East 10th Street and is the only place in the city where you can take the written driving test and get your photo taken for a license or ID.
  • You must bring a Social Security number, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) to your appointment.
  • You can schedule an appointment online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, and walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices, and you must pass it before you can take the road test with a separate examiner.
  • Fees vary by license type and whether you are renewing or getting a new license, so check the state website before you go.

Documents You Need to Bring

Minnesota requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all three from the same source, but you must have at least one from each.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, passport card, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. If you do not have a residency document in your name, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or property owner on their letterhead, plus a document showing their ownership of the property.

If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you may be able to skip some of these documents. Bring your current license anyway, even if it is expired, because it speeds up the process.

How to Schedule an Appointment

You can book an appointment online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website at mn.gov/dvs. The site shows available times at the Saint Paul bureau and lets you choose a date and time that works for you. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer.

Walk-ins are accepted at the Saint Paul bureau, but you may wait one to three hours depending on how busy the office is that day. If you cannot get an appointment online and need a license quickly, arriving early in the morning on a weekday gives you the best chance of being seen the same day.

The bureau is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. It does not have evening or weekend hours.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and ask you questions about your address and driving history. They will then direct you to a computer station where you take the written test.

The written test has 40 questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test is available in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, though you may have to wait.

After you pass the written test, you will receive a temporary permit that lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot get your full license until you pass the road test with a separate examiner, which you must schedule through a third-party testing site. The bureau staff will give you a list of testing sites in the Saint Paul area.

Fees and Payment Methods

A new Minnesota driver's license costs $25 and is valid for four years. A renewal costs $25 for four years or $35 for eight years. A Minnesota ID card costs $16.50 and is valid for four years. These fees are set by the state and do not vary by location.

The Saint Paul bureau accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by card, there is a small processing fee added to your total. Ask the staff member at checkout what the exact fee is before you pay.

Getting Your Road Test

After you pass the written test, you must pass a road test with a licensed examiner before you can get your full driver's license. The Saint Paul License Bureau does not conduct road tests; you must go to a third-party testing site.

Minnesota has several private testing companies that conduct road tests. The bureau will give you a list when you pass your written test. You call the testing site directly to schedule an appointment, and you pay them separately for the test fee, which is usually between $35 and $50. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.

Once you pass the road test, the examiner sends your results to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and your full license is mailed to your address within one to two weeks.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online

If your Minnesota driver's license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or revocations, you can renew by mail or through the state website without visiting the bureau. You can renew online at mn.gov/dvs if your license is not expiring within 30 days and you do not need a new photo.

To renew by mail, fill out the renewal form that comes with your notice in the mail, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and send it to the address on the form. Renewals by mail take two to three weeks. Online renewals are processed when ready, and your new license is mailed within one to two weeks.

If you need a new photo or your license has been expired for more than five years, you must visit the Saint Paul bureau in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Saint Paul License Bureau offers the written test in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Vietnamese. Tell the staff member at check-in which language you need, and they will direct you to the correct computer station.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra charge. Most people who fail study the Minnesota Driver's Manual (available free on the state website) and come back the next day or later in the week. You do not have to pay again or reschedule your appointment.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

Your full driver's license is mailed to your address within one to two weeks after you pass the road test. You will receive a temporary permit at the bureau that you can use to drive alone while you wait for the license to arrive in the mail.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended because walk-in wait times can be one to three hours. You can book an appointment online at mn.gov/dvs up to several weeks in advance.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You must visit the Saint Paul bureau in person to get a replacement. Bring your documents and ask for a duplicate license. The fee is the same as a renewal. You will get a temporary permit when ready and your replacement license in the mail within one to two weeks.