Minnesota driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Minnesota driver's license costs $25 for an eight-year license, or $16.50 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, an eight-year license costs $20. These are the fees you pay to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety when you get a new license or renew one. The actual total you pay may be higher if you also need to pay for a knowledge test, a driving test, or a replacement ID photo.

The fee covers the cost of producing the card itself, processing your process, and maintaining the licensing system. Minnesota does not charge extra fees for standard services like address changes or correcting your name after marriage — those updates happen when you renew. However, if you need a replacement card before your renewal date (for example, because your license was lost or stolen), you will pay an additional $20 replacement fee on top of the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Minnesota driver's license costs $25; a four-year license costs $16.50.
  • Drivers under 21 pay $20 for an eight-year license instead of the standard $25.
  • A replacement license issued before your renewal date costs an additional $20 on top of the renewal fee.
  • You pay the fee when you explore in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office, and payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
  • The fee does not include the cost of a knowledge test ($10) or a driving test ($20) if you need either one.

When you pay the fee and what happens next

You pay the driver's license fee when you appear in person at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot pay online or by mail — the state requires you to show up with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Once you pay, the office will take your photo, process your process, and issue your license on the spot if everything is in order. You walk out with your new license the same day. If the office finds a problem with your documents, they will tell you what is missing and you will need to return with the correct paperwork before they can issue the license.

Additional costs you might encounter

The $25 or $16.50 fee covers only the license itself. If you are getting your first license or your license has been suspended or revoked, you will also need to pass a knowledge test and a driving test. The knowledge test costs $10 and the driving test costs $20, for a total of $30 in test fees on top of the license fee.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay the $20 replacement fee plus the standard renewal fee. If you want to change your name on your license (for example, after marriage or divorce), you do not pay an extra fee — the name change is processed when you renew, and you pay only the standard renewal fee. However, if you want to change your name before your renewal date, you will need to get a replacement license, which means paying both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.

How to find the Driver and Vehicle Services office nearest you

Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you by visiting the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and using their office locator tool. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which lets you reserve a time slot instead of waiting in line. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area. If you live far from an office or have difficulty traveling, some counties offer mobile services or satellite locations on certain days.

Payment methods and what to bring

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services offices accept cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by check, make it out to the State of Minnesota. Bring your payment method with you — you cannot pay over the phone or online.

Along with your payment, bring the documents the office requires: a valid passport or birth certificate (proof of identity), a recent utility bill or lease (proof of residency), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The office will make copies of these documents, so bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies are generally not accepted.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — you pay the same $25 (or $16.50 for a four-year license) whether you renew early or wait until the expiration date. The new license will be valid for eight years (or four years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at any Driver and Vehicle Services office. An expired license is treated the same as a current license for renewal purposes, so you pay the standard renewal fee. However, if you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic citation, so it is best to renew as soon as possible.

Special licenses and their costs

Minnesota offers several types of licenses beyond the standard driver's license, and each has its own fee. An ID card (for people who do not drive) costs $25 for eight years or $16.50 for four years — the same as a driver's license. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more: $40 for an eight-year license. A motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license costs $20.

If you want to add a REAL ID endorsement to your license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), there is no extra fee — you straightforward bring the additional documents the office requires when you renew. The REAL ID endorsement is marked on your license with a star in the top right corner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Minnesota requires you to renew your driver's license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You must show up with original documents and have your photo taken. Online and mail renewal are not available for standard driver's licenses.

What if I cannot afford the license fee right now?

Minnesota does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's license fees. The fee is set by state law and applies to everyone. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services office to ask if they have information about community resources that might help.

Do I have to pay the fee if my license was suspended or revoked?

Yes. When you are may be able to access to get your license back after a suspension or revocation, you must pay the standard license fee plus any reinstatement fees required by the court or the Department of Public Safety. Reinstatement fees vary depending on why your license was suspended or revoked.

Is the fee different if I get a REAL ID license?

No. A REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license — $25 for eight years or $16.50 for four years. You do not pay extra for the REAL ID endorsement. You will need to bring additional documents (like a passport or birth certificate) to prove your identity, but there is no additional fee.

What happens if I lose my license shortly after I get it?

You will need to get a replacement license, which costs $20. You pay the replacement fee at the Driver and Vehicle Services office when you explore for the new card. You do not pay the full renewal fee again unless your license is also expiring soon.