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

In St. Paul, you get your driver's license at a Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main office that serves St. Paul residents is located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101. This is the downtown St. Paul location and handles both new licenses and renewals.

You can also visit other DPS offices in the Twin Cities area if the downtown location is inconvenient — there are offices in Blaine, Burnsville, and other suburbs. However, the St. Paul office is the most direct option if you live in the city. You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any temporary closures. DPS offices sometimes adjust their schedules or close for maintenance.

Key Takeaways

  • The St. Paul DPS office is at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore for a new license.
  • A new Minnesota driver's license costs $25 for an eight-year license, and renewals cost the same amount.
  • Processing takes a few minutes for the written and vision tests, and your temporary license is issued on the spot; your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license that is not expired by more than five years.

Documents you need to bring

For a new driver's license, bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Minnesota. A valid passport works as identity proof. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and St. Paul address on it. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, a property tax statement or mortgage statement also works.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you do not know your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one — the DPS staff will collect it when you get your Minnesota license.

If you are renewing a Minnesota license that is still valid, you need only your current license and proof of residency. The residency requirement applies even to renewals.

The written test, vision test, and photo

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will take a written test on Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study the Minnesota Driver's Manual online before you go — the DPS website has a free PDF version. Many people also use the practice tests on the DPS website to prepare.

After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening. The screener checks whether you can read the eye chart at the required distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can return after you have seen an eye doctor.

You will also have your photo taken at the office. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for eight years. The DPS has rules about what you can wear in the photo (no hats, no sunglasses, no filters), but normal clothing is fine.

Cost and how long it takes

A new Minnesota driver's license costs $25 for an eight-year license. A renewal also costs $25. The DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. If you need a replacement because your license was lost or stolen, the cost is the same.

The entire process at the office — writing the test, vision screening, and photo — usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive when ready. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to report it.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your Minnesota license is still valid and not expired by more than five years, you can renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office. To renew online, go to the DPS website and follow the link for online renewal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal costs $25 and takes about two weeks for your new card to arrive by mail.

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DPS office or read it from the website. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $25, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal also takes about two weeks. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your address, or if you need a new photo.

If your license is expired or suspended

If your Minnesota license is expired, you can still renew it in person at the DPS office as long as it has not been expired for more than five years. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license — identity, residency proof, and your Social Security number. You will take the written and vision tests again.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DPS directly to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions can happen for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or other reasons. The DPS office staff can tell you what you owe and how to resolve it.

Changing your address or name

If you move to a new address in Minnesota, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at the DPS office. To change your address by mail, read the form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it in. There is no fee to change your address. Online address changes are also free and take about two weeks.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit the DPS office in person. Bring your current license, a document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. There is no fee to change your name on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a real ID at the St. Paul DPS office?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal identification standard required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Minnesota Real IDs cost $25 and require the same documents as a regular license, plus proof of your Social Security number. You can request a Real ID when you explore for a new license or renew an existing one at the St. Paul office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at most DPS offices. There is no additional fee. You have three attempts to pass the test before you must wait seven days to try again. Many people study the Minnesota Driver's Manual between attempts.

How do I know if I need a new license or can just renew?

If your current Minnesota license is valid and not expired by more than five years, you can renew. If your license is expired by more than five years, lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a new license in person and take the written and vision tests again.

What if I moved to St. Paul from another state?

You must get a Minnesota license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency in St. Paul, and your Social Security number to the DPS office. You will take the written and vision tests. Your out-of-state license will be collected when you receive your Minnesota license.

Can I renew my license if I do not have proof of residency?

No. Proof of residency is required for both new licenses and renewals. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, bring a bank statement, property tax statement, or mortgage statement with your name and St. Paul address. If you have none of these, contact the DPS office to ask what other documents they accept.