What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license

To get a Minnesota driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and bring specific documents that prove your identity and Minnesota residency. The process takes at least two visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — and you cannot skip either one, even if you have a license from another state.

Minnesota requires you to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and two documents proving you live in Minnesota (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DVS office.

The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the state DVS website or available in print at any DVS office. The driving test happens on a separate day and involves an examiner riding with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) while you demonstrate basic driving skills on public roads.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original birth certificate, Social Security card, and two documents proving Minnesota residency to your first DVS visit.
  • The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free Minnesota Driver's Manual before you go.
  • The driving test happens on a separate appointment and requires you to bring a vehicle and proof of insurance.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign your process at the DVS office.
  • Fees vary depending on your age and license type, so check the DVS website or call your local office for the exact cost.

Where to find a DVS office near you

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties, and you can find the one closest to you on the state DVS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoons, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait.

You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you reserve a specific time slot. Check your local office's website to see whether appointments are available in your area.

The written test: what to expect and how to prepare

The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what different road signs mean. You have 30 minutes to complete it, and you can take it again if you do not pass — most offices let you retake it the same day or within a few days.

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is the official study guide, and every question on the test comes from information in that manual. You can read it online for free on the DVS website, read it as a PDF, or pick up a printed copy at any DVS office. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test, though the amount of time you need depends on how familiar you already are with Minnesota traffic laws.

If you are a non-English speaker, the test is offered in several languages including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Vietnamese. Ask at your DVS office which languages are available in your location.

The driving test: scheduling and what happens

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test at the same DVS office. The driving test usually happens within one to four weeks, depending on how busy your local office is. During the test, an examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads for about 15 to 20 minutes. You must demonstrate that you can start the vehicle, control it safely, follow traffic signs and signals, turn correctly, park, and back up.

You must bring your own vehicle to the driving test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work before you start driving. If the vehicle is not safe, the test will be postponed. You also need to bring proof of insurance — your insurance card or a printed copy of your policy.

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it, usually within a few days or weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, though you will pay the test fee each time.

Documents you must bring to each visit

For your first visit (written test), bring your original or certified birth certificate, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and two documents proving you live in Minnesota. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all dated within the last 30 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

For your driving test appointment, bring the same documents plus your proof of insurance and the keys to the vehicle you will be driving. If someone else owns the vehicle, bring a signed note from the owner saying you have permission to use it for the test. Bring your written test passing certificate or your temporary instruction permit (which you receive after passing the written test).

Fees and how long the license lasts

The cost of a Minnesota driver's license depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard adult license (age 21 and older) costs one amount for a four-year license and a different amount for an eight-year license. Younger drivers pay different fees. The written test and driving test each have separate fees as well. Check the DVS website or call your local office for the exact current fees, as they change periodically.

Once you receive your license, it is valid for the number of years you chose at the time you got it. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires. If your license expires, you will need to retake both the written and driving tests to get a new one.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Minnesota, you can exchange it for a Minnesota license without retaking the written and driving tests. You will still need to visit a DVS office in person and bring your out-of-state license, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security card or number. You will pay a fee for the new license, but you skip the testing step.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake both tests as if you were a new driver. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Minnesota that make the process faster, so ask at your DVS office whether your state is one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card counts as proof of identity and citizenship, and you do not need a birth certificate if you bring a valid passport. You still need to bring your Social Security card and two documents proving Minnesota residency.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a Minnesota ID card instead of a driver's license if you do not have a Social Security number. The ID card requires the same documents and visits as a driver's license but does not involve driving tests. You can also explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration if you are may be able to access.

How long does it take to get a license from start to finish?

The entire process usually takes three to six weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail. This includes time to study for the written test, schedule and take both tests, and wait for the license to be printed and mailed to you. If you fail a test, it takes longer.

Can I drive alone before I get my full license?

After you pass the written test, you receive a temporary instruction permit that lets you drive with certain restrictions. The restrictions depend on your age — younger drivers have more limits on when and where they can drive, and who can be in the car with them. Check the DVS website for the specific rules for your age group.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Most offices let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks. You pay the test fee each time you take it. There is no limit on how many attempts you get.