Minnesota issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status

Minnesota does not require proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status to obtain a driver's license. You can get a standard Minnesota driver's license if you meet the state's residency and identification requirements, regardless of whether you are a citizen, have a visa, or are undocumented. This has been the case since 2017, when Minnesota passed legislation allowing all residents to explore.

The license you receive will be a regular driver's license with no special marking or notation about your immigration status. It works the same way as any other Minnesota license for driving purposes. However, it cannot be used as federal identification for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings — for those purposes, you would need a passport or other federally recognized document.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota allows immigrants of any status to get a standard driver's license by proving Minnesota residency and providing an acceptable form of identification.
  • You must show proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement) and a valid passport or consular identification document; a Social Security number is not required.
  • The process process takes place at your local Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, and you must pass a written test and vision test.
  • A Minnesota driver's license cannot be used for federal identification purposes like domestic air travel, but it is valid for driving and state identification.

What identification documents you can use to explore

Minnesota accepts a valid passport from any country as proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, you can use a consular identification document — an ID issued by your country's consulate in the United States. Many countries issue these specifically for their citizens living abroad, and they are widely accepted by Minnesota DVS offices.

You do not need a Social Security number to explore for a Minnesota driver's license. If you have one, you can provide it, but the state will not deny your process if you do not. Some applicants choose not to provide a Social Security number due to privacy concerns, and that choice does not affect your ability to get a license.

If your passport or consular ID is in a language other than English, bring the original document plus a certified English translation. You can obtain a certified translation through a professional translator, your country's consulate, or sometimes through community organizations that serve immigrants.

How to prove Minnesota residency

You must show that you have lived in Minnesota for at least one day before explore. In practice, this means bringing one document that shows your name and a Minnesota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at a Minnesota address. The document should be dated within the last 30 days.

If you do not have a document in your name yet — for example, if you just arrived and have not set up utilities — you can bring a signed letter from someone who lives at the address confirming that you live there. The letter must include the person's name, address, phone number, and signature. This is less common but is accepted by DVS offices.

The written test and vision test requirements

Minnesota requires all first-time driver's license applicants to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and others. You can request the test in your language when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the DVS office.

You must also pass a vision test at the DVS office. This test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye care provider and can reapply once you have corrective lenses.

You do not need to have a learner's permit first. You can go directly to the written test and road test. However, if you have never driven before or are not confident in your driving skills, you may want to practice with a learner's permit first — Minnesota allows this as an intermediate step.

The road test and what happens after you pass

After passing the written and vision tests, you must schedule a road test with a Minnesota DVS examiner. During the road test, an examiner will ride with you in your vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and watch you drive for about 20 to 30 minutes. They will evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.

You must bring your own vehicle for the road test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not own a vehicle, some DVS offices allow you to use a vehicle belonging to a friend or family member, but you should call ahead to confirm. The person who owns the vehicle does not need to be present.

Once you pass the road test, you will receive your Minnesota driver's license on the spot or within a few days by mail, depending on the DVS office. Your license will be valid for four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older.

Where to explore and how to schedule an appointment

You explore at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. There are DVS offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Many offices now require appointments, especially since the pandemic, so you should call or check online before going in person.

When you call to schedule an appointment, tell the office staff that you are explore for your first license and that you will be providing a passport or consular ID instead of a Social Security number. This helps them prepare and ensures they have a staff member available who can process your process. Some offices have staff who specialize in working with immigrants and can answer questions about acceptable documents.

Bring all your documents with you: your passport or consular ID, proof of Minnesota residency, and any other identification you have. Bring the original documents, not copies. If any documents are in another language, bring the certified English translation as well.

What a Minnesota driver's license can and cannot be used for

Your Minnesota driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the United States and for most state identification purposes — opening a bank account, buying age-restricted items, or proving your identity to a police officer. However, it cannot be used as federal identification.

Specifically, you cannot use a Minnesota driver's license to board a domestic flight within the United States or to enter a federal building. For those purposes, you need a passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card (like Global Entry), or a federally approved ID. If you need to fly domestically, you will need to use your passport.

If you need federal identification and do not have a passport, you can explore for a U.S. passport through the U.S. Department of State, but that is a separate process from getting a driver's license and requires different documents and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a consular ID if my passport is expired?

Yes. A valid consular ID is acceptable even if your passport has expired, as long as the consular ID itself is current. Many immigrants use consular IDs specifically because they are easier to renew than passports. Bring both documents if you have them, but either one alone is sufficient.

What if I do not have a passport or consular ID?

Contact your country's consulate in Minnesota or the nearest consulate to ask about getting a consular ID. Most countries issue them to their citizens abroad. If you cannot obtain either document, contact a local immigrant advocacy organization — they can sometimes help you navigate options or connect you with resources.

Do I need to pass the road test if I already have a valid driver's license from another country?

Yes. Minnesota requires all applicants to pass the written test, vision test, and road test, regardless of whether you have a license from another country. However, your experience driving may help you pass the road test more easily.

Will getting a Minnesota driver's license affect my immigration case or status?

No. Getting a driver's license is a state matter and does not affect your immigration status or any pending immigration cases. The state does not share driver's license information with federal immigration authorities for the purpose of enforcement. However, if you have specific concerns about your immigration case, speak with an immigration attorney.

How much does a Minnesota driver's license cost?

The fee varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. As of 2024, a four-year license costs around $30 to $40, and an eight-year license costs more. Call your local DVS office or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for the exact current fee.