How to Get and Renew Your Minnesota Driver's License

What you need to know about Minnesota driver's licenses

A Minnesota driver's license is issued by the state's Department of Public Safety and serves as both proof that you can legally drive in Minnesota and a form of state identification. You can get one at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, and the process depends on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state.

The main routes are in-person at a DVS office (the only way to get a new license) or by mail for renewals if you meet certain conditions. Processing times vary: in-person applications are usually completed the same day, while mail renewals take about two weeks. The cost depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to get your first Minnesota driver's license or replace a lost one; there is no online or mail option for new licenses.
Renewals by mail are available only if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had certain violations in the past three years.
Bring a Social Security number, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) to your appointment.
Standard driver's licenses cost around $25 to $30 for a four-year license, though prices vary slightly by office and license type.

Getting your first Minnesota driver's license

To get your first Minnesota driver's license, you must visit a DVS office in person. You cannot complete this step online or by mail. Before you go, gather your documents: a Social Security number, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address), and proof of identity (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or state ID from another state).

At the DVS office, you will take a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a photo. If you pass the knowledge test, you will receive your license the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake it at the same office after a waiting period. You will also need to pass a driving test before you can get an unrestricted license; some DVS offices offer this test on-site, while others refer you to a third-party testing location.

The cost for a standard four-year driver's license is typically $25 to $30. You can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices. If you need an REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is slightly higher and the process is the same.

Renewing your Minnesota driver's license

If your license is still valid or expired by five years or less, you may be able to renew by mail instead of visiting an office. To use the mail renewal option, you must have no medical restrictions on your license, no suspended or revoked driving privileges, and no certain traffic violations in the past three years. The state will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires; follow the instructions on that notice to renew by mail.

Mail renewals take about two weeks to arrive. If you cannot wait that long or do not meet the mail renewal requirements, you can renew in person at any DVS office. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day. The cost for a four-year renewal is the same as a new license.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the knowledge test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Transferring a license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Minnesota, you can transfer it to a Minnesota license. You must do this in person at a DVS office within 60 days of establishing residency in Minnesota. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

You will not need to retake the knowledge test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken. The cost is the same as a new license. If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to retake the knowledge test.

Finding a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website by entering your city or zip code. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially since the pandemic; check the website or call ahead before you go. Some offices have longer wait times than others, so calling ahead can help you plan.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, some counties offer mobile DVS services that visit smaller towns on a rotating schedule. Check your county's website or call the main DVS office to ask whether a mobile service comes to your area.

Documents you need to bring

The documents you need depend on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or transferring. For any transaction, bring your Social Security number (you can write it on a form if you do not have a card). For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Minnesota address. For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID from another state, or tribal ID.

If you are renewing by mail, you do not need to bring anything; just follow the instructions on the renewal notice the state sends you. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license or the renewal notice. If you are transferring from another state, bring your out-of-state license.

Costs and payment methods

A standard four-year Minnesota driver's license costs around $25 to $30, depending on the DVS office and the type of license. An eight-year license costs more. REAL ID-compliant licenses cost a few dollars more than standard licenses. You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card at most offices, though some smaller offices may accept only cash or check. Ask when you call to make an appointment.

If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the cost is the same as a new license. If you need to correct information on your license (such as your name or address), you may be able to do so for free or a small fee depending on the reason for the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Minnesota does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions or recent violations. Otherwise, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

What if I lost my driver's license?

Visit a DVS office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency. You will pay the same fee as a new license and receive a replacement the same day. You do not need to retake the knowledge test.

How long does it take to get a Minnesota driver's license?

In-person applications are usually completed the same day. Mail renewals take about two weeks. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it after a waiting period, which delays the process.

Do I need a REAL ID license to fly domestically?

Yes, starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID to board domestic flights. A standard Minnesota driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant. You can request a REAL ID license at any DVS office for a slightly higher fee.

What happens if I move to a different Minnesota address?

You must update your address with the state within 30 days. You can do this by mail using a form from the DVS website, or in person at a DVS office. You do not need to pay a fee to update your address if your license is still valid.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.