What Minnesota requires from immigrants explore for a driver's license

Minnesota issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. The state requires proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you cannot provide a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still get a license using an affidavit stating you do not have one.

The process is the same whether you are a permanent resident, on a visa, or undocumented. Minnesota treats all applicants the same at the driver's license office. You will take a written test, a vision test, and a driving test, just as any other applicant would.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota allows immigrants of any status to get a driver's license if they can prove identity, residency, and either a Social Security number, ITIN, or sign an affidavit saying they do not have one.
  • You must bring original documents or certified copies to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety office — photocopies alone will not work.
  • The written test is offered in multiple languages, and you can request an interpreter for the driving test at no cost.
  • The entire process, from first visit to receiving your license, typically takes two to four weeks depending on how quickly you schedule your driving test.
  • A Minnesota driver's license does not affect your immigration status or create a record that immigration authorities can access.

Documents you need to bring to the driver's license office

Bring one document that proves your identity. This can be a passport, national ID card from your home country, visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. The document must be original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not be accepted. If your document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Minnesota. These can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A lease agreement counts even if it is not yet signed, as long as it shows your name and the address where you will live.

Bring proof of your Social Security number, ITIN, or a signed affidavit. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have an ITIN, bring your most recent tax return or an ITIN letter from the IRS. If you have neither, you can sign an affidavit at the driver's license office stating that you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN — no advance preparation is needed for this option.

How to schedule your appointment and take the written test

Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or call 651-297-3298 to find the driver's license office nearest you and check their hours. Many offices require appointments; some accept walk-ins. Booking online is faster than calling, and you can often schedule weeks in advance.

Bring all your documents to your appointment. A staff member will review them and take your photo. You will then take a written test on a computer. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, or several other languages — tell the staff member which language you need when you arrive.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Most people pass on their first attempt. After you pass, the staff member will schedule your driving test, usually within two to four weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Taking the driving test and what happens after you pass

On the day of your driving test, arrive 15 minutes early with your test permit (issued after you pass the written test), proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A staff member will inspect the vehicle, then you will drive for about 20 to 30 minutes on local roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance.

The examiner will test your ability to start and stop smoothly, turn correctly, park, follow traffic signs, and respond to other vehicles. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days. If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot.

After you pass the driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license works for driving, employment, and most other purposes while you wait for the permanent one.

Language support and interpreter services

The written test is available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian. If you speak a language not on this list, you can bring your own interpreter to the written test at no cost — the interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member. The interpreter will read the test questions and your answers aloud but cannot advise you on which answer to choose.

For the driving test, you can request an interpreter in any language at no cost. Call the driver's license office at least one week before your test to arrange this. The interpreter will be present in the vehicle during the test and will translate the examiner's instructions only — not provide driving information.

What a Minnesota driver's license does and does not do

A Minnesota driver's license is a state document that proves you can legally drive in Minnesota and other states. It is accepted as identification for banking, employment, and many other purposes. Some employers and landlords will accept it as proof of identity.

A Minnesota driver's license does not change your immigration status. It does not make you a citizen, a permanent resident, or any other immigration category. It does not create a federal record that immigration authorities can access. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety does not share driver's license information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal immigration agencies.

You can renew your license by mail or online before it expires. Renewals do not require a new driving test, only a vision test and a fee. Your license is valid for four years from the date it is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Minnesota driver's license?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can sign an affidavit at the driver's license office stating that you do not have one. This takes a few minutes and costs nothing. You will still be issued a license.

Will getting a driver's license affect my immigration case or status?

No. Minnesota does not share driver's license records with federal immigration agencies. Getting a license does not create any immigration consequences and does not help or hurt an immigration case. It is a state document only.

Can I use a passport from my home country as proof of identity?

Yes. A valid passport from any country is accepted as proof of identity. It must be original or a certified copy. If the passport is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on retakes. Each retake costs the same fee as the first test. Most people pass within two or three attempts.

Can I use my Minnesota driver's license to fly on an airplane?

Yes. A Minnesota driver's license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel within the United States. You can use it at airport security checkpoints. It is not valid for international travel — you will need a passport for that.