Book your Minnesota driver's license appointment through the state's online system or by calling your local DVS office

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety runs the driver's license system through its Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division. You can schedule an appointment online at mn.gov/dvs or by phone at 651-297-2126. The online system is faster — you pick your location and time slot in minutes — but the phone line works if you need to ask questions first or if the website is temporarily down.

You do not need an appointment to renew by mail if you are renewing early and your current license is not suspended or revoked. But if you are renewing in person, getting your first Minnesota license, or replacing a lost or damaged one, you will need a scheduled time slot. Walk-ins are not accepted at DVS offices.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. Urban offices like Minneapolis and St. Paul fill up faster than rural ones. If your preferred location has no openings for weeks, check a smaller nearby office — you can take the test or complete your transaction anywhere in the state.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule online at mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-2126; walk-ins are not accepted at any Minnesota DVS office.
  • You need an appointment for first-time licenses, in-person renewals, replacements, and any transaction involving a test or vision screening.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number; the exact documents depend on your transaction type.
  • Appointment slots typically open 30 days in advance, and urban locations fill faster than rural ones.
  • If your appointment is cancelled by DVS, you will receive a phone call or email notification and can reschedule when ready through the same system.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing, getting your first license, or replacing one. For any in-person transaction, bring your current Minnesota driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one, bring a passport or birth certificate instead.

You will also need proof of Minnesota residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Bring the original or a certified copy; a photo of the document is not accepted.

Have your Social Security number ready. If you are changing your name, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may be able to skip the residency document, but calling ahead to confirm saves a wasted trip.

How to find your nearest DVS office and check wait times

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. The online appointment system at mn.gov/dvs shows every location, current wait times, and available slots for the next 30 days. When you search, the system displays average transaction times for each office so you can pick one that matches your schedule.

If you are in the Twin Cities area, you have multiple options: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, and several suburban locations. Each fills at a different pace. If the downtown Minneapolis office is booked solid for three weeks, the Bloomington office might have openings the next day. The system shows this in real time, so you can compare before booking.

Rural and smaller-city offices usually have more availability but may have fewer appointment slots per day. If you live in a rural area and cannot find an opening nearby, calling 651-297-2126 can sometimes unlock cancellations that have not yet appeared online.

What to expect during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. A DVS staff member will verify your identity, check your residency proof, and confirm your Social Security number. If you are renewing, they will ask if any information has changed since your last license.

If you are taking the written test, you will sit at a computer terminal in the office and answer questions about Minnesota traffic laws. The test has 40 questions; you need 32 correct to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail, but you will need to pay the fee again. If you are taking the driving test, that is scheduled separately and usually happens within a few days of your appointment.

Vision screening happens at every appointment. You will read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a report before your license is issued.

Fees and what they cover

Minnesota charges different fees depending on your transaction. A standard driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for an eight-year license. A first-time license or replacement costs $24.50 plus the written test fee of $7. If you need a driving test, that is an additional $7. These fees are paid at your appointment, and Minnesota accepts cash, card, and check.

If you are under 21, your license costs the same but expires sooner — at age 21 rather than eight years later. Upgraded licenses (Real ID compliant) cost the same as standard ones and are now required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings.

Fees do not change based on how far in advance you book or which office you use. If you cancel and reschedule, you do not pay twice — you only pay at the appointment you actually attend.

If you cannot make your appointment or need to reschedule

Cancel or reschedule through the same online system where you booked, or call 651-297-2126. You can change your appointment up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. If you cancel within 24 hours, you lose the slot, but you can book a new one when ready if one is available.

If DVS cancels your appointment — which happens occasionally due to staffing or system issues — you will receive a phone call or email. You can reschedule right away through the online system or by phone. DVS prioritizes rebooking cancelled appointments, so you should find a new slot within a few days.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you will need to book a new one. There is no penalty, but you will go to the back of the queue and may wait longer for the next available slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?

No. The person whose license or ID is being renewed or issued must schedule their own appointment. If someone is unable to use the online system, they can call 651-297-2126 and a staff member can help them book over the phone. Parents or guardians cannot schedule for minors online, but calling allows a parent to help.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need to bring something with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement, bank statement, or mail from a government agency works. If you truly have nothing, call 651-297-2126 before your appointment to ask what alternatives DVS can accept.

How long does the appointment actually take?

Most appointments take 15 to 30 minutes if you are just renewing. Written tests add 20 to 30 minutes. Driving tests are scheduled separately and take 30 to 45 minutes. The online system shows average wait times for each office, so you can pick one that fits your schedule.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license by mail?

No. If your license is not suspended or revoked and you are renewing early, you can mail in your renewal form and fee without an appointment. The form is available at mn.gov/dvs. Mail renewals take two to three weeks to process.

What if I fail the written test at my appointment?

You can retake it the same day, but you will pay the test fee again ($7). You have three attempts per appointment. If you fail all three, you will need to schedule a new appointment and pay the fee again.