Minnesota allows people without legal immigration status to obtain a driver's license through its REAL ID-compliant license program
Minnesota does not require proof of legal residency or citizenship to get a standard driver's license. You can obtain one using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, along with other forms of identification and proof of residency. The license you receive will be marked as a standard Minnesota driver's license and can be used for driving, but not for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
The process is the same as for any other driver's license applicant: you visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, pass a written test and road test, and pay the standard fee. The main difference is which documents you bring to prove your identity and Minnesota residency.
Key Takeaways
- You can get a Minnesota driver's license using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, regardless of immigration status.
- You will need to bring an ITIN letter from the IRS, a form of photo ID from your home country, and proof you live in Minnesota.
- The license itself is a standard driver's license that works for driving but cannot be used for federal identification purposes.
- You must pass the written knowledge test and the road test just like any other applicant, and pay the current license fee.
What documents you need to bring to DVS
Minnesota DVS requires specific documents to issue a driver's license to someone using an ITIN. You will need to bring an ITIN letter from the IRS (the document the IRS sends when you are assigned an ITIN), a valid photo ID from your home country such as a passport or national ID card, and proof that you live in Minnesota.
For proof of Minnesota residency, DVS accepts documents like a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement that shows your name and current Minnesota address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address, such as a pay stub and a letter from an employer or school.
You will also need to provide your date of birth and answer questions about your driving history. Bring any out-of-state license you currently hold, if you have one.
The written test and road test requirements
All applicants in Minnesota, regardless of immigration status, must pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test is offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available online and at DVS offices.
After passing the written test, you must pass a road test where a DVS examiner watches you drive and evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You will need to bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and the vehicle must pass a safety inspection. The road test covers basic driving skills like starting, stopping, turning, and parking.
Finding your nearest DVS office and scheduling an appointment
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online or by phone. Some offices have walk-in hours, but wait times can be long.
Call ahead or check online before you go, because appointment availability varies by location and season. If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile DVS services on certain days.
The cost and how long it takes
A Minnesota driver's license costs the same regardless of how you prove identity. The current fee for an eight-year license is set by state law and can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You pay this fee when you pass your road test and receive your license.
The entire process—from your first visit to DVS to receiving your license in the mail—typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing your road test, and your plastic card arrives by mail. If you need your license sooner, some DVS offices can issue a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.
What you can and cannot do with a Minnesota driver's license obtained this way
A Minnesota driver's license obtained using an ITIN is a valid license for driving anywhere in the United States. You can use it to rent a car, drive for work, and prove your identity to law enforcement during a traffic stop. Insurance companies will accept it as a valid driver's license.
However, this license cannot be used for federal identification purposes. You cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal building, or access certain federal facilities. If you need to travel by air, you would need to use your passport or another form of federal identification. The license itself does not indicate your immigration status—it looks like any other Minnesota driver's license.
What happens if you are stopped by police
A valid Minnesota driver's license is proof that you are permitted to drive. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, showing your license to the officer satisfies the legal requirement to provide a driver's license. The license itself does not trigger immigration enforcement.
However, immigration enforcement is a separate issue from traffic enforcement. If an officer suspects you are in the country without legal status, they may contact immigration authorities regardless of whether your license is valid. Your best protection is to know your rights: you have the right to remain silent, you do not have to consent to a search of your vehicle or belongings, and you can ask to speak to a lawyer. Many organizations in Minnesota offer free legal resources for immigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Minnesota driver's license?
No. You can use an ITIN instead. The ITIN serves the same purpose on the process—it is a number that identifies you to the state. You must have an ITIN letter from the IRS to prove you have been assigned one.
Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case or status?
Getting a driver's license itself does not change your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities use to find you. However, the information you provide to DVS is stored in a state database. If you have an active immigration case, you may want to speak with an immigration attorney before explore.
What if I fail the written test or road test?
You can retake either test. There is usually a waiting period of a few days between attempts, and you may have to pay a retest fee. You can take the written test as many times as you need. For the road test, most people are allowed three attempts before they must reapply and start over.
Can I renew my license by mail if I got it using an ITIN?
Yes. When your license expires, you can renew it by mail or online using the same process as any other driver. You will not need to retake the tests. You may need to provide updated proof of residency depending on how much time has passed.
What if I do not have a home country passport or national ID?
Contact your nearest DVS office to ask what alternative documents they accept. Some offices may accept other forms of photo ID or allow you to bring additional documents to establish your identity. Requirements can vary slightly by office, so calling ahead is worth your time.