What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license
Minnesota issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division. To get your first license or renew an expired one, you'll need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing and your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office and a written knowledge test if you're getting your first license or upgrading to a different class. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices specific to Minnesota law. If English is not your first language, you can request the test in other languages — call ahead to confirm availability at your location.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number.
- Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for four years for adults under 65 and eight years for adults 65 and older, with renewal notices mailed about two months before expiration.
- The written knowledge test is required for first-time licenses and class upgrades but not for standard renewals if your license is not expired.
- You can renew online or by mail only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require additional proof of citizenship and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025.
How long a Minnesota license lasts and when to renew
A standard Minnesota driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue if you are under 65 years old. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
About two months before your license expires, the Department of Public Safety will mail you a renewal notice to the address on file. This notice tells you your expiration date and reminds you to renew. You can renew before the expiration date — there is no penalty for renewing early, and your new license will be valid for a full term from the renewal date.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Minnesota. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test when you renew, not just pay the fee.
Renewing online or by mail instead of visiting an office
Minnesota allows online renewal through the Secretary of State's website if three conditions are met: your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address since your last renewal, and you have not changed your legal name. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as in-person renewal, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal is also available under the same conditions. You can request a renewal form by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services office or downloading it from the Secretary of State's website. Mail the completed form with your fee to the address provided. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and your new license will arrive by mail.
If any of those three conditions do not explore — your license is expired, you moved, or your name changed — you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The office staff will update your address and name in the system and issue your new license on the spot.
Real ID-compliant licenses and what they mean for travel
Minnesota offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Both cost the same and look similar, but the Real ID version has a gold star in the upper right corner and requires additional proof of citizenship when you explore.
Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant license or passport will be required to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you have a standard Minnesota license without the gold star, you will not be able to use it as your only form of ID at airport security after that date — you will need a passport or other federal ID instead. You can still use a standard license for driving and other purposes.
To get a Real ID license, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office with your regular documents plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport showing U.S. citizenship. You cannot upgrade to Real ID online or by mail — it requires an in-person visit. If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to do anything; it will remain valid past May 2025.
Finding a Driver and Vehicle Services office near you
Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Secretary of State's website and using the office locator tool, or by calling 651-296-6911. Office hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours.
Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings and early afternoons on weekdays tend to be less busy than late afternoons. Some offices allow you to check current wait times online before you go. If you need to renew your license urgently, calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.
Bring all required documents with you. If any document is missing or does not meet the requirements, the office staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete your transaction without all required documents, so it is worth double-checking the list before you leave home.
Fees for Minnesota driver's licenses
The cost of a Minnesota driver's license depends on the type and how long it is valid. A four-year standard license costs one amount, and an eight-year license (for drivers 65 and older) costs more. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses. The exact fee amounts are set by state law and change periodically; you can find the current fees on the Secretary of State's website or by calling a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at in-person offices. Online and mail renewals accept card payments only. If you are renewing by mail, include payment with your form. If you are renewing online, you will enter your payment information during the process.
If you cannot afford the fee, contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services office to ask about hardship options. Some offices may be able to work with you, though this varies by location.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A Minnesota driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain car insurance. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and what you need to do to restore it. Do not ignore this notice. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a crime in Minnesota and carries serious penalties including fines and jail time.
To find out whether your license is currently suspended or revoked, you can check the Secretary of State's website using your driver's license number. If it is suspended, the notice you received will explain the steps to lift the suspension — this might include paying fines, completing a substance abuse program, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office for specific instructions about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you will need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee. You must do this in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
Report the loss or theft to your local police department and get a report number. Then visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office with your police report, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee (less than a full renewal) and receive a new license on the spot. You can also request a duplicate by mail if you prefer, though it takes longer.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license?
If you are renewing in person at an office, yes — a new photo is taken as part of the process. If you are renewing online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is used, so no new photo is taken. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person.
What is the difference between a Class D and Class A license in Minnesota?
A Class D license allows you to drive regular passenger vehicles. A Class A license allows you to drive heavy trucks and tractor-trailers. If you want to upgrade from Class D to Class A, you must pass a written knowledge test and a skills test specific to large vehicles. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state now?
No. If you have moved out of Minnesota, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. Minnesota requires proof of residency to renew, and you cannot provide that if you no longer live there. You can renew your Minnesota license only if you still live in Minnesota or have a Minnesota address on file.