Where to go for a driver's license in St. Paul

In St. Paul, you get or renew a driver's license at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The main St. Paul location is at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55101. This is a state office, not a city office — Minnesota runs all driver's licenses statewide through DVS, which is part of the Minnesota Secretary of State's office.

You can also visit other DVS locations in the Twin Cities area if the St. Paul office doesn't fit your schedule. Locations in Roseville, Bloomington, and other nearby cities handle the same transactions. Before you go, check the DVS website or call ahead to confirm hours, because some offices have reduced schedules on certain days.

If you cannot visit in person, you can renew by mail or online — but only if you are renewing a license you already hold, not getting one for the first time. First-time licenses and certain other transactions require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The main St. Paul DVS office is at 445 Minnesota Street, and you must visit in person for a first-time license or if you have not held a Minnesota license before.
  • You will need a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), proof of residence, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Standard processing takes about two weeks; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for the card.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available only if you already hold a valid Minnesota license and meet other conditions.
  • Fees vary depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license, and they range from roughly $25 to $100.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number. For identity, DVS accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a valid ID from another state or country. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

For proof of residence, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current St. Paul address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually does not count.

Bring your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will also need to fill out form DL-44 (process for a driver's license) before you arrive or at the office. You can read it from the DVS website ahead of time.

Getting a first-time license versus renewing

If you have never held a Minnesota driver's license, you must visit the office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a driving test. The knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Minnesota traffic laws. The driving test is conducted by a DVS examiner in your own vehicle or in a vehicle you arrange.

If you already hold a valid Minnesota license and it has not expired more than a certain number of years, you can renew by mail or online without taking the tests again. Mail renewal takes longer — usually four to six weeks — while online renewal is faster if you are renewing early. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your address, name, or other information.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must return to the office in person and may need to retake the knowledge test, though not always the driving test. Call DVS to ask about your specific situation.

REAL ID versus standard license

Minnesota offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID. A REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — the federal important date for REAL ID compliance.

Getting a REAL ID costs a few dollars more than a standard license and requires one additional document: proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) or proof that you do not have a Social Security number. You bring this along with your other documents.

If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving and other everyday use. You can upgrade to a REAL ID later if you change your mind.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard five-year driver's license costs around $25 to $30, depending on your age and whether you are getting it for the first time or renewing. An eight-year license (available to drivers 65 and older) costs less per year. A REAL ID costs about $5 more. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more — typically $50 to $100 — because they require additional testing.

Processing time depends on how you explore. If you visit the office in person, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes four to six weeks. Online renewal is faster — usually one to two weeks.

You can request a rush or expedited license at the office for an additional fee, though this is rarely necessary since the temporary paper license lets you drive right away.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive with all your documents and your completed form DL-44. Check in at the front desk, and you will be assigned a number. Wait times vary — early morning and mid-week visits are usually shorter than afternoons or Fridays. You may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is.

When called, you will go to a window where staff verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. If you are getting a first-time license, you will be directed to a testing area to take the written knowledge test on a computer. You must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test appointment for a later date.

If you are renewing and do not need to test, the visit takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the window. You will leave with your temporary paper license and a receipt showing your process number. Keep the receipt — you may need it if you have questions about your order.

Renewing by mail or online

You can renew by mail if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have held it for at least one year. Fill out form DL-44, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address on the form. The DVS website lists the current mailing address.

Online renewal is faster and available through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. You log in, verify your information, pay the fee with a debit or credit card, and submit. You do not need to print or mail anything. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions — the website will tell you whether you are may be able to access when you start.

Both methods send your new card by mail. You cannot get a temporary paper license through mail or online renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit the office in person. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may need to retake the knowledge test. Call the St. Paul DVS office or check the website to find out what you will need to bring.

Do I need a REAL ID to drive in Minnesota?

No. A REAL ID is required only for boarding domestic airplanes and entering federal buildings. For driving and everyday use, a standard license is sufficient. You can get a standard license and upgrade to REAL ID later.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can test, though you may have to pay a fee for each attempt. Most people pass on the second or third try.

How do I schedule a driving test after I pass the knowledge test?

The office will give you information about scheduling when you pass the knowledge test. You can schedule online, by phone, or in person. Driving test appointments typically are available within one to three weeks.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address by visiting the office, renewing by mail, or renewing online if your license is still valid. You do not need a new photo or to retake tests — just bring proof of your new address and your current license.