Where to get your driver license in Plymouth

Plymouth does not have its own driver license office. Instead, you will go to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in Hennepin County, which serves the Plymouth area. The closest full-service office is in Minneapolis, about 20 minutes away depending on traffic.

You can find the exact address and hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website under "DVS Locations." The office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and changes to your existing license. You can also renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — more on that below.

Key Takeaways

  • Plymouth residents use the Hennepin County DVS office in Minneapolis, not a local Plymouth location.
  • You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired.
  • Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number when you visit in person.
  • A new license costs around $25 to $30; a renewal costs less, but prices vary based on license type and validity period.
  • Processing takes a few days to a week in person; mail renewals take two to three weeks.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one. For a new license, you need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address), and your Social Security number.

For a renewal, you typically need your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to provide the same documents as a new license. The DVS website lists the full acceptable documents for each category, so check before you go.

Renewing online or by mail instead of visiting in person

Minnesota allows online renewal if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website; the process takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Mail renewal is also an option for some drivers. You fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually two to three weeks — but you avoid the trip to Minneapolis. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your photo.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license is what you need if you have never had a Minnesota license, if your old license was lost or stolen, or if you are moving to Minnesota from another state. You must explore in person at a DVS office. Bring all the documents listed above, and expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the office. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

A renewal is simpler and faster. If your current license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes. You will receive your new license by mail, not when ready at the counter.

Costs and how long it takes

A new Minnesota driver license costs between $25 and $30, depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A renewal costs less — typically $15 to $20. These prices can change, so check the Secretary of State website for current fees before you go.

Processing time varies by method. If you explore in person, your license is usually mailed within one to two weeks. Online renewal takes one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. You will receive your license at the address you provided; there is no option to pick it up at the office.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DVS office or online through the Secretary of State website. You can then request a replacement license, which costs the same as a renewal. Bring proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at the DVS office. Bring your damaged license and proof of residency. A replacement usually arrives within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?

You can renew online only if your license has not expired. If it has expired, you must renew in person or by mail. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and provide the same documents as a new license.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DVS office in Minneapolis?

Appointments are not required, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and can have long wait times during busy hours. Visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter waits. Check the DVS website for current wait times before you go.

What if I moved to Plymouth from another state?

You must get a new Minnesota license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number. You will take a vision test and a new photo at the office.

Can I get a REAL ID license in Plymouth?

Yes. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. It costs a few dollars more than a standard license and requires additional proof of identity and residency. Ask the DVS office staff which documents they need for REAL ID when you visit.

How do I change my name or address on my license?

For a name change, bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree), and proof of residency. For an address change only, you can update online, by mail, or in person. An address change usually costs less than a full renewal.