Where the Burnsville office is located and what it handles

The Burnsville Driver's License Office is operated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and serves residents in the south metro area. It is located at 14600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337. This office issues driver's licenses, state ID cards, and handles renewals, replacements, and address changes for people who live in or near Burnsville.

The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are handled by the county assessor's office. If you need to register a vehicle or transfer a title, you will need to go to the Dakota County Government Center instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burnsville office is at 14600 Nicollet Avenue and issues driver's licenses, state IDs, and handles renewals and replacements.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the office website lists which documents are accepted for each category.
  • Hours and wait times change by season and day of week, so check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website before you go.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you are not changing your address or photo, which is faster than visiting in person.
  • Vehicle registration and title work are handled at the Dakota County Government Center, not at the driver's license office.

What documents you need to bring

Minnesota requires three categories of proof when you explore for or renew a driver's license or state ID. You need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website lists the full set of accepted documents in each category. Not all documents work for all purposes — for example, a school ID counts as proof of identity for a first-time license but not for a renewal. Bring originals, not copies, unless the office specifically says a copy is acceptable.

If you are changing your name, you will also need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Hours, wait times, and how to prepare for your visit

The Burnsville office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but hours may vary by season. Wait times are typically longest on Mondays and Fridays and shortest on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website shows current wait times for the Burnsville location and allows you to check before you go.

You do not need an appointment at the Burnsville office — service is first-come, first-served. However, arriving early in the day or mid-week will usually mean a shorter wait. Bring all required documents and be prepared to have your photo taken and your signature captured digitally.

Renewing your license by mail or online instead

If your license is not expired and you are not changing your address or photo, you can renew by mail or online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; online renewal is when ready if you have a valid email address on file. Both options cost less than an in-person renewal and let you skip the office visit entirely.

You cannot renew by mail or online if you are over 65, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you are changing your address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must visit the Burnsville office or another Minnesota driver's license office in person.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at the Burnsville office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. You will have your photo taken again and receive a new license with a new number.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the police for your records, though this is not required to get a replacement. The replacement fee is set by the state and is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

Changing your address on your license

You can change your address at the Burnsville office by bringing your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and proof of identity. You do not need to bring proof of your Social Security number for an address change alone.

Address changes can also be done online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file. Online address changes are processed when ready and cost less than an in-person change.

Getting a state ID card instead of a driver's license

If you do not drive or do not want a driver's license, you can get a Minnesota state ID card at the Burnsville office. A state ID card works for identification purposes and can be used to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and prove your age. The process is the same as getting a driver's license — you bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, and you have your photo taken.

A state ID card costs less than a driver's license and lasts for the same length of time. If you later decide you want a driver's license, you can upgrade at any driver's license office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a license at the Burnsville office?

The office typically processes applications in 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy it is and whether your documents are in order. Your license is printed on-site and you receive it before you leave. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Fridays and shortest mid-week.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from your current expiration date, not one year from the renewal date.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Minnesota driver's license or state ID. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can visit the driver's license office.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test at the Burnsville office?

If you are renewing an existing license or getting a replacement, you do not take any tests. If you are getting your first license or upgrading from a state ID to a driver's license, you must pass a written test and a driving test, which are scheduled separately from your office visit.

What if my documents are from another state or country?

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety accepts documents from other U.S. states and from other countries, but they must be originals or certified copies. The office website lists which foreign documents are accepted. If you are unsure whether your document will work, call the office before you go.