What you need to know about Minnesota driver's licenses
A Minnesota driver's license is issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division. You need one to drive legally in Minnesota, and the state issues both standard licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. The Real ID version meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings, though a standard license still works for driving.
The process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Each path has different document requirements and processing times. You can complete some transactions online or by mail, but others require an in-person visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota issues both standard and Real ID driver's licenses; Real ID is required for domestic air travel starting May 2025, but a standard license still works for driving.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test, and must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.
- License renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation and how much time you have before expiration.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of your Social Security number for any new license or major change.
- Processing times vary: in-person transactions are usually completed the same day, while mail renewals take two to three weeks.
Getting your first Minnesota driver's license
If you have never held a Minnesota driver's license, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. You cannot complete this transaction online or by mail. Bring 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 30 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
At the office, you will take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and have your photograph taken. If you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test, which you take in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the office. Once you pass the driving test, you receive your license the same day. The written test costs $10 and the driving test costs $20.
Minors under 18 have additional requirements. You must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test, and you must be accompanied by a licensed adult during that period. The learner's permit itself requires the same documents as a full license and costs $10.
Renewing your Minnesota driver's license online or by mail
If your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes (such as a name change, address change outside Minnesota, or medical suspension), you can renew online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $20.50, and your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
Mail renewal is also an option if you prefer not to go online. read the renewal form from the Department of Public Safety website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $20.50 to the address on the form. Mail renewals take two to three weeks. You do not need to provide new documents for either online or mail renewal unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
Your license is valid for four years from the date it is issued. The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Renewing in person and handling address or name changes
Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you have moved (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 30 days), and proof of a name change if applicable (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). In-person renewal costs $20.50 and is completed the same day.
If you have moved out of Minnesota and your license shows an out-of-state address, you must renew in person at an office. The same applies if you have had a medical suspension lifted or if you need to update your license class (for example, if you now need a commercial driver's license).
Real ID compliance and what it means for you
Minnesota offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. The Real ID version has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federally accepted form of ID (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
Getting a Real ID license requires an in-person visit and the same documents as a standard license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The cost is the same as a standard license. If you already have a standard Minnesota license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any Driver and Vehicle Services office. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire.
If you do not fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a standard license continues to work for driving and is valid for all state purposes.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with your proof of identity and proof of residency. Bring your Social Security card or another proof of your Social Security number if possible. A replacement license costs $20.50 and is issued the same day. You do not need to retake the written or driving test.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and request a case number, though this is not required to get a replacement. Some people do this to protect themselves in case the stolen license is used fraudulently.
Finding a Driver and Vehicle Services office and what to expect
Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. During busy times, wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.
Bring all required documents with you. If any document is missing, the office will turn you away and you will have to return another day. Bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit an office at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license if I live out of state now?
No. If you have moved out of Minnesota, you must get a license from your new state. Minnesota only issues licenses to residents. If you still live in Minnesota but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office to discuss your options.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for a renewal?
If you have already submitted an online or mail renewal before your license expired, you can continue driving legally while you wait for the new license to arrive. Carry proof that you submitted the renewal (your confirmation email or receipt). If your license has already expired and you have not renewed, you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives.
Do I need to take a new driving test when I renew?
No. Renewal applicants do not retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a medical reason or a traffic violation. Standard renewals only require updated documents if you have moved or changed your name.
How much does a Minnesota driver's license cost?
A standard or Real ID license costs $20.50 for renewal. A first-time license costs $10 for the written test plus $20 for the driving test, plus the license fee. A learner's permit costs $10. Replacement licenses cost $20.50. Prices do not vary by county or office.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you pay the $20 test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The office can tell you what areas to practice before you return.