How to schedule a Real ID appointment in Minnesota
To get a Real ID in Minnesota, you must book an appointment at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. You cannot walk in — all Real ID transactions require a scheduled time slot. Minnesota offers three ways to book: online through the state website, by phone, or in person at a DVS office.
The online booking system is the fastest route. You go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's DVS website, select your nearest office, pick an available date and time, and receive a confirmation number by email. Phone booking takes longer because you are waiting in a queue, but it works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone. In-person booking at a DVS office lets you schedule your next appointment while you are there, though you will still need to come back on your scheduled date.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota requires an appointment for all Real ID transactions — walk-ins are not accepted at any DVS office.
- Book online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website for the fastest confirmation, or call the DVS customer service line if you need phone support.
- Bring all required documents (proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence) on your appointment date or your appointment will be cancelled.
- Appointment availability varies by office and season; rural offices often have longer wait times than metro locations.
- If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you will need to book a new one and may wait several weeks for the next available slot.
Book your appointment online through the DVS website
The Minnesota Secretary of State's DVS website has a scheduling tool that shows real-time availability. Go to mn.gov/dvs, find the "Schedule an Appointment" link, and select your county or the office closest to you. The system displays available dates and times for the next several weeks, though this varies by location.
Choose your date and time, then enter your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, the office address, the date and time, and a list of documents to bring. Save this confirmation — you may need to show it when you arrive, though some offices scan it from your phone and others do not require it.
Online booking typically shows appointments 4 to 8 weeks out, depending on office demand. If no dates appear for your preferred location, try a different DVS office in your region or check back in a few days, as cancellations open slots regularly.
Book by phone if you do not have online access
Call the DVS customer service line at 651-296-6911 (Twin Cities area) or 1-800-657-3941 (toll-free from anywhere in Minnesota). Wait times are typically 10 to 20 minutes during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays) and can exceed an hour during lunch or late afternoon.
When you reach an agent, tell them you need a Real ID appointment and provide your preferred office location and general availability (weekday mornings, evenings, weekends, etc.). The agent will check the system and offer you the next available slots. You will need to confirm your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address so they can send your confirmation.
Phone appointments are booked the same way as online ones — you receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and office details. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Central Time).
What to bring and what happens on appointment day
Bring all four categories of required documents: proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of lawful presence (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents). If you are missing any category, the DVS office will cancel your appointment and you will need to reschedule.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation email or confirmation number on your phone. The DVS agent will verify your documents, take your photo, collect your fee (currently $25 for a Real ID driver's license or $16.50 for a Real ID ID card), and process your process. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Your Real ID will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, though you must ask about this when you arrive — it cannot be added after your appointment.
If your appointment time does not work anymore
Cancel through the same system where you booked. If you booked online, go back to the DVS website, find the cancellation link, and enter your confirmation number. If you booked by phone, call the same number and ask to cancel. Cancelling at least 24 hours before your appointment time opens that slot for someone else and lets you rebook when ready.
If you miss your appointment without cancelling, that slot is forfeited and you will need to book a new one. During busy seasons (summer, around holidays), the next available appointment may be 4 to 6 weeks away. Some offices have a policy of allowing one no-show before requiring you to call in person to rebook, but this varies by location.
Appointment wait times by region
Twin Cities DVS offices (St. Paul, Bloomington, Roseville) typically have appointments available within 2 to 4 weeks. Suburban offices in the metro area usually show 3 to 6 weeks. Rural offices in northern and southwestern Minnesota often have longer waits — sometimes 8 to 12 weeks — because fewer offices serve larger areas.
If your local office has a long wait, check whether a nearby office in an adjacent county has sooner availability. You can schedule at any DVS office in the state, not just the one closest to you. Some people find that driving 30 or 40 minutes to a less-busy office gets them an appointment 2 to 3 weeks sooner.
What to do if the online system is not working
The DVS website occasionally goes down for maintenance, usually announced in advance on the homepage. If the scheduling tool is unavailable, call the customer service line instead. If the phone line is also down (rare), you can visit a DVS office in person and ask to schedule your appointment at the front desk — staff will book you for a future date even though you cannot complete your Real ID transaction that day.
Check the DVS website for any service alerts or office closures before you travel. Some offices close for staff training or building maintenance, and this information is posted on the scheduling page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an appointment for someone else?
No. The person getting the Real ID must book their own appointment or have someone call on their behalf with their full name, date of birth, and phone number. The confirmation will be sent to the phone number or email you provide, so make sure it is one the person can access.
What if I do not have a current Minnesota driver's license?
You can still book a Real ID appointment. You will be getting a Real ID driver's license or ID card, so you do not need to have one already. Bring your other proof of identity documents (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state ID) instead.
Do I need to bring my confirmation email to the appointment?
It is not required, but bringing it on your phone or printed makes check-in faster. The DVS agent can look up your appointment by your name and date of birth if you do not have the confirmation number.
What if I book an appointment but my documents are not ready?
Contact DVS and cancel your appointment so you do not lose the slot. Rebook once you have all four document categories. Showing up without complete documents will result in your appointment being cancelled, and you will have to wait for the next available time.
Can I book multiple appointments at different offices?
Technically yes, but you should cancel the ones you do not plan to use. Booking multiple appointments and not showing up takes slots from other people and may result in your future bookings being flagged in the system.