What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license
To get a Minnesota driver's license, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Minnesota does not issue licenses by mail or online. You will need to prove your identity, Minnesota residency, and Social Security number before you can take either test.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. A first-time applicant needs different paperwork than someone renewing, so knowing which category you fall into saves a trip back home for a forgotten form.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DVS office in person with proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number to get or renew a Minnesota driver's license.
- First-time applicants must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; renewals do not require retesting unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
- The fee for a standard four-year license is $48, and you can check wait times and book an appointment online before you go to the office.
- You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and Minnesota will mail your new license to you within two weeks of approval.
Documents you need to bring to the DVS office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Minnesota. For identity, the DVS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate plus a photo ID from school or work. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement with your name and current address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign the process.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you do not need to retake the tests. Bring your current or expired license along with the identity and residency documents. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to retake both tests as if you were a first-time applicant.
Taking the written knowledge test
The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DVS office. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
You can study for free using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is available on the DVS website and in print at any DVS office. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Most people study the manual for a few hours before taking the test, though some study for several days.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You have up to three attempts within a 12-month period before you must wait and start over.
Taking the driving test and what happens after
After you pass the written test, you schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DVS examiner. The test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and gives you directions. You must use your own vehicle or a vehicle owned by someone else, and the vehicle must be registered and insured.
If you pass the driving test, the examiner gives you a temporary license valid for 30 days while the DVS mails your permanent license. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting at least one business day. You have up to three attempts within a 12-month period.
Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. The temporary license works everywhere a regular license does, including for driving and identification at banks or stores. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid.
Renewing your license before it expires
You can renew your Minnesota license up to one year before the expiration date printed on the front. If your license is still valid and has not been expired for more than five years, you do not need to retake the written or driving tests. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any DVS office.
The renewal process takes the same amount of time as a new license process — you will receive a temporary license good for 30 days and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. The fee is the same: $48 for a four-year license.
If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will be valid for four years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. This means renewing early does not extend your total time — you straightforward start the four-year clock sooner.
Fees and what affects the cost
A standard four-year Minnesota driver's license costs $48. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same. The fee covers the written test, driving test, and the license itself.
If you fail a test and retake it, there is no additional fee. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, that costs $20. If you change your name or address, you can update your license at a DVS office for $20 without retaking tests, as long as your license is still valid.
You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DVS office. Some offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You cannot pay online or by mail.
Finding a DVS office and booking an appointment
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Many offices allow you to book an appointment online, which usually reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes instead of one to three hours.
If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait longer. Some smaller offices have limited hours, so check the website before you go. If an office is very busy, you can visit a different office in another county — your license is valid statewide regardless of where you get it.
The DVS website also shows which offices have the shortest wait times on any given day. If you are flexible about when you visit, going on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait than evenings or Saturdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Minnesota driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Minnesota law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. You can explore for a Social Security number at any Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot get a new license while a suspension or revocation is active. You must contact the DVS to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to pay a fee or complete a program. Call the DVS at 651-296-6911 to learn your status.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Minnesota?
No. A standard Minnesota driver's license is sufficient for driving anywhere in the state and for identification at banks, stores, and most other places. Real ID is required only if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and is obtained the same way.
How long does it take to get a Minnesota driver's license after I pass the tests?
You receive a temporary license when ready after passing the driving test, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call the DVS to check the status.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
No. Minnesota requires you to renew in person at a DVS office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your license is still valid. However, you can book an appointment online to reduce your wait time at the office.