Where to get a Minneapolis driver license

Minnesota driver licenses are issued by the state, not by Minneapolis itself, so you will go to a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The closest office to central Minneapolis is the downtown location at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 165. There is also a DVS office in the south Minneapolis area and several in surrounding suburbs. You cannot get a license at Minneapolis City Hall or any city office — you must visit a DVS location.

DVS offices handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and changes to your existing license. They also issue state ID cards if you do not drive. You can find the full list of Minnesota DVS office locations and hours on the state's website, and most offices accept walk-ins, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota driver licenses are issued by the state's Driver and Vehicle Services, not by the city of Minneapolis, so you must visit a DVS office.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or proof you do not have one.
  • The fee for a new license is different from the fee for a renewal, and fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid.
  • Most DVS offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must meet specific requirements — not all renewals can be done remotely.

Documents you need to bring

Before you go to a DVS office, gather these documents. You will need proof of identity — a valid passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. You will also need proof of Minnesota residency, which can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last three months.

Bring your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security stating you do not have one. If you are renewing a license and your name has not changed, you may be able to bring fewer documents — ask the DVS office when you call or check their website for renewal-specific requirements. If you are changing your name, you will need a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the DVS office, you will check in and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity and residency, and take a photo for your license. You will also take a vision test — bring glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you are getting a new license, you may be asked to take a written knowledge test and a driving test, depending on your age and whether you already hold a valid license from another state.

The staff member will enter your information into the system and tell you when your license will arrive. New licenses are mailed to your address within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your current Minnesota license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions, you may be able to renew without visiting an office. Minnesota allows online renewal for some drivers — you can renew online if your license is still valid, your name has not changed, and you do not need to update your address or medical information. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

Mail renewal is also an option for some drivers. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires; follow the instructions on that notice to renew by mail. Not all drivers are may be able to access for mail or online renewal — for example, if you are over 65, have a commercial license, or have had certain violations, you must renew in person. Check the DVS website or call your local office to confirm whether you are may be able to access before you attempt to renew remotely.

Fees and how long the license is valid

The cost of a new driver license in Minnesota depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard license valid for four years costs one amount; a license valid for eight years costs more. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees. You will pay the fee at the DVS office when you submit your documents. DVS accepts cash, check, and card payment.

A standard Minnesota driver license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive — you must renew before the expiration date on your card. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, you may have to explore for a new license rather than renew, which means taking the written and driving tests again.

If you have had a suspension or revocation

If your Minnesota driving privileges have been suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new license or renew your current one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, DWI convictions, or accumulating too many points from violations. You will need to resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, complete a DWI program, or wait out the suspension period — before you can return to the DVS office.

You can check the status of your driving privileges on the DVS website or by calling the DVS office. If you are unsure why your privileges were suspended, the DVS staff can tell you what you need to do to restore them. Some situations require a hearing or a letter from a court or agency before DVS will reinstate your license.

Getting a replacement if your license is lost or stolen

If your license has been lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any DVS office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is lower than the fee for a new license. You will receive your replacement license in the mail within one to two weeks, and you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days if you need to drive before it arrives.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to the Minneapolis Police Department, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license in Minneapolis if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from Social Security stating you do not have a number, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The DVS office will accept either document in place of a Social Security number.

What if I moved to Minneapolis from another state and still have an out-of-state license?

You must get a Minnesota license within 60 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency to a DVS office. You will not have to take a written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will have to pay the new license fee.

How long does it take to get a license if I go in person?

Wait times at DVS offices vary. During busy times, you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour. Your license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after your visit. If you need to drive before it arrives, request a temporary paper license at the office.

Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a DVS office and may have to take a vision test or other tests depending on how long it has been expired.

What if my name has changed since I got my current license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to renew in person at a DVS office. The staff will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.