What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license
Minnesota issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division. To get your first license or renew an existing one, you'll need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
The documents you bring depend on whether you're getting your first license or renewing. For a first license, you need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing, you can often do so by mail if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your address, but the office can tell you whether your specific situation qualifies.
You'll also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a driving test (unless you're renewing without changes). The written test is offered in multiple languages. Bring your current license if you have one.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, and you must visit an office in person for your first license.
- You need proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency dated within 30 days, and your Social Security number to explore.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test; renewals may skip the driving test if nothing has changed.
- The written test is available in multiple languages, and you can request an interpreter at the office.
- Fees vary by license type and age; a standard adult license costs less than a Real ID-compliant license.
The difference between a standard license and a Real ID license
Minnesota offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The main difference is what you can use it for. A standard Minnesota driver's license lets you drive in the state and serves as identification for most purposes, but it cannot be used as identification for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for those federal purposes. Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The fee is higher — roughly $10 to $15 more depending on your age and license length — and the process takes the same amount of time.
If you have a standard license and want to switch to Real ID, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting an office and paying the difference in fees. You do not have to get a Real ID license; a standard license remains valid for driving.
How to schedule an appointment and what to expect at the office
You can schedule an appointment online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling the office nearest you. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, especially in busy urban areas.
When you arrive, bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. The office will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You'll then take the written test on a computer terminal. If you pass, you'll move to the vision screening. If you're getting your first license or renewing after a suspension, you'll also take the driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a state vehicle.
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour if you pass all tests on your first attempt. If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Temporary licenses are issued on the spot while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail, usually within two weeks.
Fees and how long a Minnesota license lasts
Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age. If you're under 65, your license is valid for eight years. If you're 65 or older, your license is valid for four years. You can renew before your license expires, and the new expiration date is calculated from your renewal date, not your original expiration date.
Fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last. A standard eight-year license for an adult costs around $48 to $50. A Real ID eight-year license costs around $60 to $65. Four-year licenses for seniors cost less. The exact amount varies slightly by office location. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
If your license expires while you're out of state or unable to visit an office, you can renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, and you cannot have any address changes or other updates. Contact your local office to confirm whether mail renewal is an option for your situation.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
A Minnesota driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failure to pay child support. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. You can check the status of your license online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website using your driver's license number and date of birth. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or fees, paying them may lift the suspension when ready or within a few business days. If it's due to a DUI or point accumulation, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or wait out a mandatory suspension period before you can drive again.
To reinstate a revoked license, you must meet all conditions set by the court or the Department of Public Safety — this might include paying fines, completing an alcohol education program, or passing a new driving test. Contact the office that issued the revocation notice for the exact steps required in your case.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you need to update your driver's license. You'll need to visit an office in person and bring your original name-change document (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee for a name change is usually $10 to $15, and you'll receive a new card by mail within two weeks.
If you move to a new address in Minnesota, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this by mail if your license is not expired and you're only changing your address — send a signed form with your new address and a copy of a document proving your new residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If your license is expired or you need other changes, you must visit an office in person.
Out-of-state moves are different. If you move out of Minnesota, your Minnesota license remains valid for driving in other states, but you should obtain a license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days. You do not need to formally surrender your Minnesota license.
Getting a duplicate or replacement license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement by visiting an office in person or, in some cases, by mail. A replacement license costs around $10 to $15 and is issued the same day if you visit an office, or within two weeks if you explore by mail.
To replace a lost or stolen license in person, bring your proof of identity and residency (the same documents you'd bring to renew) and pay the replacement fee. If you believe your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the office, which may help if someone tries to use it fraudulently. To replace a damaged license by mail, send your current license with a signed letter explaining the damage and a check for the replacement fee to your local office.
A duplicate license is different from a replacement. A duplicate is an extra copy of your current license with the same number and expiration date. You might request a duplicate if you want to keep one in a safe place. Duplicates cost the same as replacements and are issued the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota license online?
You cannot renew entirely online, but you can renew by mail if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you meet other conditions. Contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services office to confirm whether mail renewal is an option for you. If you need to visit in person, you can schedule an appointment online.
What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the test the same day at most offices, or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay a retest fee each time you take the test again, usually around $10 to $15. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically?
As of now, a Real ID-compliant license is required for domestic flights. A standard Minnesota license is not sufficient for federal identification purposes. You can use a passport instead if you do not want to get a Real ID license. Check current TSA requirements before your flight.
How do I check if my license is suspended?
You can check your license status online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website using your driver's license number and date of birth. You can also call your local Driver and Vehicle Services office. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you the reason and what you need to do to lift the suspension.
Can I get a license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Minnesota issues driver's licenses to non-citizens, including people with work visas, student visas, and temporary protected status. You'll need proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring your visa or immigration document as proof of legal presence.