How to Apply for a Minnesota Driver's License or ID Card

What You Need to Know Before You explore

Minnesota issues two main credentials through the Department of Public Safety: a driver's license (which lets you drive) and a Minnesota ID card (which is an ID-only credential if you don't drive or can't drive). Both are issued by the same office, use the same process process, and require the same documents. The main difference is that a driver's license includes driving privileges and requires you to pass a written test and a driving test; an ID card does not.

You can explore in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. There is no online process for a new credential — you must visit a physical location. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

You must explore in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office with proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number.
A driver's license requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a road test; an ID card does not.
You can find your nearest DVS office and check current wait times on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
New credentials cost money — the fee depends on the type of credential and how long you want it to be valid.
You will receive a temporary paper credential on the day you explore, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Documents You Must Bring to the DVS Office

Minnesota requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot explore without all three.

Proof of identity means an original or certified copy of one of these: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, a permanent resident card (green card), or a tribal ID card. A photocopy of any of these is not acceptable — it must be the original document or a certified copy from the issuing agency. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your birth certificate and your naturalization papers or green card.

Proof of residence means a document showing your current Minnesota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or notice. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or a bill from an online service usually does not count.

Proof of Social Security number means an original or certified copy of your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a benefit statement from Social Security. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not acceptable.

Steps to explore for a Driver's License

If you want to drive, you will explore for a driver's license. You must pass two tests: a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test where a DVS examiner rides with you.

Step 1: Visit a DVS office with your documents. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number. You can find office locations and current wait times at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website (dps.mn.gov). Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment. Check your local office's policy before you go.

Step 2: Complete the process form. A DVS staff member will help you fill out the MN Form DL-44 (process for Driver's License or ID Card). You will provide your name, address, date of birth, and other personal information. You will also declare whether you want to be an organ donor and whether you want to register to vote.

Step 3: Have your photo taken. DVS will take a digital photo for your license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; you cannot wear a hat or sunglasses, but religious head coverings are permitted.

Step 4: Pass the written knowledge test. You will take a computer-based test about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the DVS website.

Step 5: Schedule your road test. After you pass the written test, DVS will schedule you for a practical driving test. The road test usually happens within one to four weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a notice in the mail with your test date and time. You must bring your own vehicle (or borrow one) that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Step 6: Pass the road test. A DVS examiner will ride with you and watch you drive. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the road test fee again.

Step 7: Receive your temporary credential. Once you pass both tests, DVS will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Steps to explore for a Minnesota ID Card

If you do not drive or cannot drive, you can explore for a Minnesota ID card instead. It works as a state-issued photo ID but does not allow you to drive.

Step 1: Visit a DVS office with your documents. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number. Find your nearest office and check wait times at dps.mn.gov.

Step 2: Complete the process form. A DVS staff member will help you fill out MN Form DL-44. You will provide your personal information and make choices about organ donation and voter registration.

Step 3: Have your photo taken. DVS will take a digital photo for your ID card using the same rules as for a driver's license.

Step 4: Receive your temporary credential. Once your process is processed, you will receive a temporary paper ID on the spot. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. There are no tests required for an ID card.

Fees and How Long Your Credential Is Valid

Minnesota charges different fees depending on what you are getting and how long you want it to be valid. Driver's licenses and ID cards can be issued for 4 years, 8 years, or until age 65 (if you are between 17 and 49). The longer the validity period, the higher the fee.

As of 2024, fees range from about $16 to $27 for an ID card and $25 to $35 for a driver's license, depending on the validity period you choose. These fees change periodically, so check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for current pricing before you go to the office. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DVS office.

If you are 65 or older, your driver's license or ID card is valid for 8 years and costs less than a younger person's credential. If you are between 17 and 18, your driver's license will have restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you; these restrictions lift when you turn 18.

What Happens After You explore

You will leave the DVS office with a temporary paper credential that is valid for driving (if you got a driver's license) or for ID purposes (if you got an ID card). This temporary credential is good until your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the DVS office where you applied. If you move before your card arrives, you can update your address on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or at any DVS office, and the card will be sent to your new address.

Your new credential is valid for the number of years you chose at the time of process. When it expires, you will need to renew it. Renewal can often be done by mail or online, depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Minnesota law requires proof of a Social Security number to issue any driver's license or ID card. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you cannot get a Minnesota driver's license or ID card through the standard process. Contact a DVS office to ask about other options.

What if I fail the written test or the road test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail the road test, you must schedule another test, and you will have to pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on the DVS office. Some offices accept walk-ins during certain hours; others require appointments. Check your local office's website or call ahead to find out. You can see wait times for many offices on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You will need to bring your original birth certificate and proof of your legal status in the U.S. (such as a green card or naturalization certificate). These documents must be originals or certified copies. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator.

Can I renew my license or ID card online or by mail?

It depends on your situation. If your credential is not expired and you have not changed your name or address, you may be able to renew by mail or online. If your credential is expired or you have had a major life change, you may need to explore in person. Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or call a DVS office to find out whether you can renew without visiting an office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.