What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license
To get a Minnesota driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. Minnesota does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must bring proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or proof you don't have one.
Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last three months. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.
The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the DVS website. The road test requires you to demonstrate basic driving skills in a vehicle you provide — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number.
- The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs; study materials are free on the DVS website.
- You will take a road test in your own vehicle, which must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
- A Minnesota driver's license is valid for four years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older.
- You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.
Finding a Driver and Vehicle Services office near you
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you on the state DVS website by entering your city or zip code. 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 save you a trip.
You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices, but some locations now offer appointment scheduling online. If your local office offers appointments, booking one in advance will reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are still accepted at all locations.
Costs and what to expect on test day
The fee for a new driver's license is $24.50. The written test is given on a computer at the DVS office. You will have 40 minutes to answer 40 questions; you must get at least 32 correct to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day for no additional fee, or come back another day.
The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one, usually within a few days.
Renewing your Minnesota driver's license
How you renew depends on your age and when your license expires. If you are under 65 and your license has not been suspended or revoked, you can renew online through the DVS website without visiting an office. Online renewal costs $24.50 and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
If you are 65 or older, you must renew in person at a DVS office. You will need to pass a vision test but not a written or road test. If your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to change your name or address, you must also renew in person.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten how long your new license is valid — it will still expire four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on your age.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name or address, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can change your address online if your license is not suspended or revoked and you are not changing your name. Address changes made online cost nothing and take about 10 minutes.
If you are changing your name, you must visit a DVS office in person. Bring your current license and a document that shows your new name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is $24.50. You will receive a new license by mail in about two weeks.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DVS office or online through the DVS website. You can request a replacement online for $24.50, and it will arrive by mail in about two weeks. If your license is damaged but still readable, you can also replace it for the same fee.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining why and what you must do to restore it. Reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or too many traffic violations. Contact the DVS office or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Minnesota driver's license as a Real ID?
Minnesota driver's licenses are not Real ID compliant. If you need a Real ID for federal purposes like flying on a domestic flight, you will need to get a Real ID card from the DVS office. It costs $24.50 and requires the same documents as a regular license.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each time you take the test, you have 40 minutes to answer 40 questions and must get at least 32 correct.
Do I need to take the road test again if I renew my license?
No. If you renew online or in person as a regular renewal, you do not take another road test. You only take a road test when you first get your license or if your license has been suspended or revoked and you are restoring it.
How long does it take to get my new license after I pass the test?
If you pass both the written and road tests on the same day, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive during that time.
What happens if I move out of Minnesota?
If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. You can usually use your Minnesota license to drive for a short period while you get your new state's license. Contact your new state's DMV or equivalent office to find out the important date for getting a new license.