Minnesota requires you to replace a lost or damaged license at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, online through their website, or by mail — the fastest route is usually in person at your nearest DVS location

Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services (part of the state Department of Public Safety) handles all license replacements. You have three paths: walk into a DVS office with your documents and leave with a temporary license the same day, submit your request online if your license was lost or stolen, or mail in a form and payment if you prefer not to visit in person. Processing time varies by method — in-person is when ready for the temporary, mail takes 7 to 10 business days, and online requests typically process within 5 to 7 business days.

The documents you need depend on which method you choose, but all routes require proof of identity and proof of Minnesota residency. If your license was damaged rather than lost, you may be able to surrender it at the office and walk out with a replacement on the spot. If it was stolen, you'll need to report that to DVS so they can flag your old number in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota DVS offices issue temporary licenses when ready when you explore in person, so you can drive legally while your permanent replacement is being made.
  • You need a valid form of ID (passport, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID) and proof you live in Minnesota (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 30 days).
  • Online replacement through the DVS website is the fastest non-in-person option and takes 5 to 7 business days if your license was lost or stolen.
  • If your license was stolen, tell DVS when you explore so they can deactivate your old number and prevent misuse.
  • Replacement fees are $16.50 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on your method.

In-Person Replacement at a DVS Office

Walking into a Minnesota DVS office is the fastest way to get a working license. Bring your proof of identity (a valid passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID), proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days), and your $16.50 fee. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed and mailed to you.

You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Minnesota DVS website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times so you can choose the least busy office near you. Some offices are busier on certain days — Mondays and the first week of the month tend to draw longer lines. If you go early in the morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving, insurance purposes, and age verification during that time. If you need the permanent card faster, there is no expedited mail option through DVS, but you can request a duplicate temporary if the first one expires before your permanent arrives.

Online Replacement Through the DVS Website

Minnesota allows online replacement if your license was lost or stolen (not if it was damaged). Go to the DVS website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need to upload a photo of your proof of identity and proof of residency, answer security questions about your driving history, and pay the $16.50 fee by debit or credit card.

Processing takes 5 to 7 business days. Your temporary license will be emailed to you as a PDF that you can print and carry, or you can show it on your phone. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file. This method works well if you cannot get to an office during business hours or prefer not to wait in person, but it is slightly slower than the in-person temporary.

If you choose online replacement, make sure your address on file with DVS is current. If it is not, update it before you submit your replacement request, or your new license will be mailed to the wrong place. You can update your address on the DVS website at the same time you request the replacement.

Mail-In Replacement by Form and Check

You can mail a completed form to DVS if you prefer not to visit an office or use the online system. Request form DL 44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License) from the DVS website, or call 651-297-3298 to have one mailed to you. Fill it out, include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency, and mail it with a check or money order for $16.50 to the address on the form.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DVS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive during this time unless you still have a valid license from another state. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, go to a DVS office in person instead.

Mail-in replacement is the slowest option and offers no temporary license, so it is best used only if you have no when ready need to drive and prefer the convenience of handling everything by post. Make sure your envelope is addressed correctly and includes all required documents — incomplete applications will be returned, adding another week to the process.

What to Do If Your License Was Stolen

Report the theft to DVS when you request your replacement so they can deactivate your old license number in the system. This prevents someone else from using your number for fraudulent purposes. You do not need a police report to do this, but if you believe your identity has been compromised, file a police report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

When you explore for replacement in person, online, or by mail, tell DVS that your license was stolen rather than lost. They will flag your old number as invalid when ready, and your new license will have a different number. Your temporary license will also have the new number, so you are protected from the moment you receive it.

If you discover your stolen license is being used fraudulently (for example, someone was cited for a traffic violation under your number), contact DVS and the local police department where the violation occurred. Provide them with your replacement license number and a statement that you did not commit the violation. The citation can usually be dismissed once you prove the license was stolen.

Proof of Identity and Residency Documents

Minnesota requires one form of valid photo ID and one form of proof of residency. For photo ID, you can use a U.S. passport, a state ID card from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a passport card. Your old Minnesota driver's license does not count as proof of identity for replacement purposes.

For proof of residency, DVS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or property tax statement — all dated within the last 30 days and showing your current Minnesota address. If you have recently moved and your documents are not yet updated, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead will work. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, voter registration card, or court document) is also acceptable.

If you do not have documents in your name, bring what you have and ask the DVS office staff what alternatives they can accept. Some offices will work with you if you bring multiple partial documents that together prove your identity and address. Calling your local DVS office ahead of time can save you a trip if your situation is unusual.

License Replacement Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Minnesota driver's license replacement costs $16.50. If you are replacing a license that was damaged by DVS error (for example, a printing defect), the replacement may be free — ask the office staff. If you are replacing a license that expired more than one year ago, you may need to renew rather than replace, which costs more and requires a new photo and vision test.

Payment methods depend on how you explore. In-person at a DVS office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card. Online, you must use a debit or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order. No office accepts credit cards in person, only debit cards.

If you are a low-income Minnesota resident, you may be able to get a fee waiver through a community organization. Contact your local DVS office or call 651-297-3298 to ask whether you may have access to and how to request a waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a temporary license valid?

A temporary license issued in person at a DVS office is valid for 30 days. If your permanent license has not arrived by then and you still need to drive, you can return to the office and request another temporary. A temporary issued online or by email is also valid for 30 days.

Can I get a replacement license with a different address than what is on file?

Yes. Update your address on the DVS website before you request your replacement, or bring proof of your new address to the office when you explore in person. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address. If you explore by mail, include a note with your new address so DVS knows where to send it.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with an error?

Contact DVS when ready with a photo of the damage or error. If the error is DVS's fault, they will replace it for free. If the damage happened after you received it, you will pay the $16.50 replacement fee again. Bring the damaged license to an office in person if possible so they can see the problem.

Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement license?

No. A replacement license uses your existing photo from your old license. You only need a new photo if you are renewing your license after it expires, not if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged one.

Can someone else pick up my temporary or permanent license for me?

A temporary license is issued to you in person at the office, so you must be there to receive it. Your permanent license is mailed to your address on file, so anyone at that address can receive it. If you want someone else to pick it up from the office, call ahead and ask whether DVS allows that at your location.