What the bill does

Minnesota's Driver's License for All bill, signed into law in 2024, allows people without proof of legal residency to obtain a standard Minnesota driver's license. Before this law, the state required a Social Security number or proof of lawful presence. Under the new rules, you can now show alternative documents — such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a foreign passport, or a consular ID — to get a license that works for driving and identification purposes.

The license itself is identical to any other Minnesota driver's license. It does not mark immigration status, does not restrict where you can drive, and does not expire sooner than a standard license. You use it the same way: to drive legally, board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and prove your identity to banks or other institutions.

Key Takeaways

  • You can now obtain a Minnesota driver's license using an ITIN, foreign passport, or consular ID instead of a Social Security number or proof of legal residency.
  • The license is a standard driver's license with no special markings or restrictions — it works for all the same purposes as any other Minnesota license.
  • You must still pass the written test, vision test, and driving test, and you must show proof of Minnesota residency through documents like utility bills or lease agreements.
  • The process takes place at your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, the same location where anyone renews or obtains a license.
  • This law does not change federal requirements for air travel or border crossing, which still require a passport or other federal-approved document.

What documents you need to bring

To obtain a driver's license under this law, you must bring proof of identity and proof of Minnesota residency. For identity, you can use a foreign passport, a consular ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate, or an ITIN documentation letter from the IRS. The document must be current and not expired.

For proof of residency, Minnesota requires a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and Minnesota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. If you do not have a document in your name, you can use one in a household member's name along with a signed statement from that person confirming you live there.

You will also need to pass the vision screening at the DVS office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them. You do not need to bring proof of Social Security number or legal residency status — those requirements no longer explore.

The written and driving tests

You must pass the same written knowledge test and driving test as any other person obtaining a Minnesota driver's license. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in multiple languages — Minnesota offers the test in over 20 languages at most DVS offices.

After passing the written test, you schedule a road test with an examiner who watches you drive and evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This test is the same for everyone, regardless of how you proved your identity. If you fail either test, you can retake it after waiting the required time period, just as anyone else would.

Where to go and what to expect

You obtain your license at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Minnesota has DVS locations in most cities and towns. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early or checking wait times online can save you time.

Bring all required documents, arrive with enough time to complete the process (typically one to two hours), and be prepared to pay the license fee. The fee for a standard driver's license varies depending on how long you want it valid — typically four or eight years. Bring a payment method the office accepts, usually cash, debit, or credit card.

You will have your photo taken at the office. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and follow the same photo rules as anyone else — no hats, sunglasses, or filters.

How this affects federal requirements

A Minnesota driver's license obtained under this law is valid for driving and state identification purposes. However, it does not meet federal requirements for air travel or border crossing. If you need to fly domestically or cross the U.S. border, you still need a passport, passport card, or other federally approved travel document.

For domestic air travel, you can use a passport or passport card. For crossing the land border into Canada or Mexico, you need a passport, passport card, or Enhanced Driver's License. The Minnesota driver's license alone will not work for these purposes, even though it is a valid state ID.

Renewing your license

When your license expires, you renew it the same way anyone else does — by visiting a DVS office or renewing online if you are may be able to access for online renewal. You will need to bring updated proof of residency if your address has changed. You do not need to bring your identity document again unless the office asks you to.

Online renewal is available for some people, depending on how long it has been since your last license and whether your address has changed. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to see if you are may be able to access to renew online, or ask at your DVS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this license to fly on an airplane?

No. A Minnesota driver's license obtained under this law is valid for driving and state ID purposes only. For domestic air travel, you need a passport, passport card, or other federally approved travel document. The federal government does not recognize state driver's licenses issued without proof of legal residency for air travel.

Does this license show my immigration status?

No. The license looks identical to any other Minnesota driver's license. It contains no markings, codes, or indicators of how you proved your identity or residency status. It is a standard license in every way.

What if I do not have a Social Security number or ITIN?

You can use a foreign passport or consular ID instead. A consular ID is an official document issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. If you do not have any of these documents, contact your local DVS office to ask what other documents might work in your situation.

How long does the process take?

The in-office process typically takes one to two hours, depending on how busy the DVS office is. This includes the vision screening, written test, and scheduling your road test. The road test itself is scheduled for a later date. Your license is issued the same day you pass the road test.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Some people are may be able to access for online or mail renewal, but the rules depend on how long it has been since your last license and whether your information has changed. Contact your local DVS office or check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to see if you may have access to for mail renewal.