Book your Minnesota DMV appointment online or by phone before you visit

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety runs the DMV, and you can schedule an appointment through their website at mn.gov/dvs or by calling 651-297-2126. The online system is faster — you pick your location, the service you need, and an available time slot. Phone appointments take longer because staff handle requests one at a time, but you can ask questions while booking.

You do not have to make an appointment to visit a DMV office, but having one means you skip the walk-in line and go straight to a window at your scheduled time. Walk-ins are served after appointments, so your wait is longer without one. Most offices have appointment slots available within a few days, though busy locations in the Twin Cities sometimes book out a week or two ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule online at mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-2126 to book a time slot at your nearest DMV office.
  • You will need to know what service you are seeking — license renewal, address change, ID card, or another transaction — before you book.
  • Appointment slots fill fastest in the Twin Cities and slowest in rural areas, but most locations have openings within a few days.
  • Bring the documents listed for your specific service, because staff will not hold your appointment if you arrive without required paperwork.

What you need before you book online

The online system asks you to choose your service type first. Common options include renewing your driver's license, getting an ID card, changing your address, replacing a lost or stolen license, and taking a written or road test. If you are unsure which category fits your situation, the website has a service finder tool that asks you questions and points you to the right one.

Next, you choose your preferred location. Minnesota has DMV offices in most counties, and the system shows you the nearest ones with available slots. If your closest office is booked, you can often find an opening at a location 20 or 30 miles away. The system displays wait times for each location so you can decide whether to travel farther for a sooner appointment.

After you pick your service and location, the system shows you available dates and times. You select one and confirm your choice. The system sends you a confirmation email with your appointment number, location address, and what to bring. Save this email or write down your appointment number — you will need it when you arrive.

Booking by phone if the website is not working

Call 651-297-2126 during business hours, which are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A staff member will ask you the same questions the online system does: what service you need, which location you prefer, and what dates work for you. They will tell you available slots and book the one you choose.

Phone lines are busiest in the morning and on Mondays. If you call in the afternoon on a Wednesday or Thursday, you will usually reach someone faster. The call may take 10 to 15 minutes because the system is not automated — staff handle each request individually.

What to bring to your appointment

Your required documents depend on your service. For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). For an ID card, bring a birth certificate or passport and proof of residence. For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

The confirmation email lists the specific documents you need for your appointment. Read it carefully before you go, because if you arrive without required paperwork, staff may not be able to serve you and you will have to reschedule. Bring originals, not copies, unless the confirmation says otherwise.

What happens if you miss or need to reschedule

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through the website or call 651-297-2126 to free up the slot for someone else. Canceling online is when ready — log in with your confirmation number and select cancel. If you call, staff will remove you from the schedule right away.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose that time slot and have to book a new one. There is no penalty or fee, but you will go to the back of the line for your next appointment. Rescheduling through the website is usually faster than calling, because you can see all available slots at once.

Walk-in visits if you cannot get an appointment

You can walk into any DMV office without an appointment, but you will wait after all scheduled appointments are served. During busy times, walk-in waits can be an hour or longer. Rural offices usually have shorter walk-in waits than Twin Cities locations.

If you walk in, bring the same documents you would bring to a scheduled appointment. Arrive early in the day if you can — offices tend to be less crowded before noon. Check the office hours on mn.gov/dvs before you go, because some locations have different hours on different days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No, the person who needs the service must schedule their own appointment. You can help them navigate the website or call on their behalf, but they need to be present at the appointment with their own ID and documents.

What if I do not have a computer or phone to book online?

Call 651-297-2126 during business hours and a staff member will book your appointment over the phone. You can also visit a DMV office in person and ask staff to schedule you at the front desk, though this means waiting without an appointment first.

How far in advance can I book an appointment?

The online system typically shows slots 30 to 60 days ahead. You can book as soon as slots open for your preferred date. If you need an appointment sooner, call the phone line to ask about cancellations or walk-in availability.

Do I need to print my confirmation email?

No, but write down your appointment number and location. You can show the email on your phone or bring a printed copy. Staff will look up your appointment by number when you arrive.

What if my appointment is at a location far from home?

You can cancel and rebook at a closer office through the website, or call 651-297-2126 to ask about sooner slots at a nearer location. If the closer office is fully booked, you may have to travel or wait for new slots to open.