What you need to get a Minnesota driver license

Minnesota issues driver 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 online if you meet specific conditions.

For a first-time license, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth), proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days), and your Social Security number. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. The written test is offered in multiple languages.

If you're renewing a license that hasn't expired more than five years ago, the requirements are simpler — you may not need to retake the written test, depending on your age and license type. Check the Department of Public Safety website or call your local office before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time applicants must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at your appointment; the written test is available in multiple languages.
  • License renewal by mail or online is available only if your license has not expired more than five years ago and you meet age requirements.
  • Minnesota licenses are valid for four, six, or eight years depending on your age; the expiration date appears on your card.
  • You can schedule an appointment online at the Department of Public Safety website to reduce wait times at the office.

Driver and Vehicle Services office locations and hours

Minnesota operates Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. The main office is in St. Paul, but you can visit any location in the state — you don't have to go to the one in your county. Hours vary by location; many are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours.

Scheduling an appointment online through the Department of Public Safety website is the fastest way to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first. If you cannot find an appointment time that works, call the office directly — staff can sometimes fit in urgent cases or direct you to a less busy location.

Costs and payment methods

A four-year driver license costs $24.50, a six-year license costs $36.75, and an eight-year license costs $49 for applicants 65 and older. First-time applicants and those renewing after expiration pay the full fee. The fee for a duplicate or replacement card (if yours is lost or damaged) is $13.50.

Driver and Vehicle Services offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some locations may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm. Fees do not include the cost of the knowledge test if you're required to take it — that test itself has no separate fee, but it's included in your appointment.

Renewing by mail or online

You can renew your Minnesota driver license by mail or online if your license has not been expired for more than five years, you are not required to take a new photo, and you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. The online renewal system is available through the Department of Public Safety website.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the office receives your process. Online renewal is faster — you'll receive a temporary license when ready and your physical card within one to two weeks. Both methods cost the same as in-person renewal. If you don't meet the conditions for mail or online renewal, you must visit an office in person.

What happens after you pass the test

Once you pass the vision and knowledge tests, the office will take your photo and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Check the expiration date on your temporary license — it tells you when your permanent license expires. If you don't receive your permanent card within three weeks, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office where you applied. Keep your temporary license until the permanent one arrives; it's your proof of licensure if you're stopped by police.

Special licenses and endorsements

Minnesota offers several license types beyond the standard driver license. A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work; it requires additional testing and a separate process process. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to operate a motorcycle on your regular license; you'll need to pass a motorcycle knowledge test and a riding skills test.

If you need a license to operate a motorized bicycle (moped), that also requires a separate endorsement. Hazmat endorsements for commercial drivers are available through a separate federal background check process. The Department of Public Safety website lists all endorsement types and their specific requirements.

Changing your name or address

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver license. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office. There is no fee to update your name on an existing license.

If you move to a new address within Minnesota, you can update your address online through the Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at an office. You do not need to renew your license when you move within the state — only your address changes. If you move to Minnesota from another state, you must obtain a Minnesota license within 60 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?

No. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired within the last five years. If it's been longer, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person and retake the written knowledge test.

Do I have to take the written test again when I renew?

Not always. If you're renewing in person and your license hasn't been expired for more than five years, you may skip the written test depending on your age. Call your local office or check the Department of Public Safety website to confirm whether you'll need to retake it.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There's no fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Public Safety website.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within one to two weeks. If it doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the office where you applied.

What do I do if my license is lost or stolen?

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office and request a duplicate. Bring your proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $13.50, and you'll receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent card within one to two weeks.