What you need to know about Minnesota driver licenses
A Minnesota driver license is issued by the state's Department of Public Safety and serves as your legal permission to drive on public roads. You will need one before you can legally operate a vehicle in Minnesota, and it also works as a state-issued photo ID for other purposes like banking or air travel.
The process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Each path has different documents you need to bring and different fees. Minnesota also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Minnesota driver and vehicle services office in person to get or renew your license; you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online.
- First-time applicants need proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and a Social Security number or proof you do not have one.
- Standard driver licenses cost $25 for an eight-year renewal, while Real ID licenses cost $30 and require additional documentation like a birth certificate or passport.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations, but you still need to visit an office for your first license.
Getting your first Minnesota driver license
To get your first license, you must visit a Minnesota driver and vehicle services office in person. You cannot start this process online or by mail. Bring your original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID from another state as proof of identity. You will also need two documents showing your current Minnesota address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.
You must also provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that fact. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test at the office or at a separate testing site. The fee for a standard eight-year license is $25.
Renewing your Minnesota driver license
If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you may renew by mail or online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks; online renewal is faster. The fee is $25 for a standard eight-year renewal.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office in person and retake the written and vision tests. You do not need to retake the driving test unless the state requires it based on your driving record or age. Bring the same proof of identity and residency documents as a first-time applicant.
Real ID licenses and federal requirements
A Real ID-compliant license meets federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States. Minnesota offers Real ID licenses at the same offices where you get a standard license.
To get a Real ID license, bring your original or certified birth certificate, passport, or passport card in addition to the proof of identity and residency required for a standard license. The fee is $30 for an eight-year Real ID license. If you already have a standard Minnesota license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any driver and vehicle services office without retaking tests.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any Minnesota driver and vehicle services office. Bring a valid form of ID and proof of your Minnesota address. The replacement fee is $20. You do not need to retake any tests. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement.
If you need a replacement quickly, some offices offer rush service for an additional fee. Call ahead to your local office to ask whether rush service is available and what the extra cost is.
Finding a Minnesota driver and vehicle services office
Minnesota has driver and vehicle services offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website by entering your city or zip code. Many offices require you to schedule an appointment in advance, especially for first-time applicants taking the driving test. Check the office's website or call ahead to see whether walk-ins are accepted or if you need an appointment.
Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Bring all required documents with you; if you are missing any, the office will not process your process and you will need to return another day.
Costs and payment methods
Here is what you can expect to pay for common transactions:
| Transaction | Fee |
|---|---|
| First-time standard license (8 years) | $25 |
| First-time Real ID license (8 years) | $30 |
| Renewal standard license (8 years) | $25 |
| Renewal Real ID license (8 years) | $30 |
| Replacement lost or damaged license | $20 |
Most offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit cards. Call your local office to confirm which payment methods they take. If you pay by check, make it out to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail if it is expired?
You can renew by mail or online only if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office in person and retake the written and vision tests. Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website to start an online renewal.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a valid passport, passport card, or state ID from another state as proof of identity instead. If you have none of these, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety office to ask what other documents they will accept.
How long does it take to get a first-time license?
You can complete the written and vision tests at your appointment, but you may need to schedule the driving test for a later date depending on the office's availability. Once you pass all tests, your license is usually mailed within one to two weeks.
Do I need a Real ID license?
You need a Real ID license only if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you only drive and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. You can upgrade to Real ID at any time without retaking tests.
What happens if I move to a different Minnesota address?
You must update your address at a driver and vehicle services office within 30 days of moving. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. There is no fee to update your address on an unexpired license.