Get a replacement license at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office

To replace a lost driver's license in Minnesota, you visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. Your replacement license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.

Minnesota does not issue replacements by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DVS office. The state has 97 DVS locations across Minnesota, including offices in every county, so most people can reach one within 20 to 30 minutes of home.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office in person with a valid ID and proof of Minnesota residency to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $16.50 for a standard license and $20.50 for an enhanced license, and payment is cash, check, or card.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can get a temporary paper license to use right away.
  • DVS offices do not require an appointment, but you can reserve a time slot online to avoid waiting in line.
  • If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud, report it to the police and ask DVS about a fraud alert on your record.

What documents and proof you need to bring

Bring one form of valid photo ID and one proof of Minnesota residency. Valid photo IDs include a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two forms of non-photo ID instead, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current Minnesota address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus your own ID.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the process. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before you go to DVS.

DVS office locations and how to reserve a time slot

Find your nearest DVS office at mn.gov/dvs by entering your city or zip code. The site lists hours, phone numbers, and whether the office is currently open. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

You can reserve a time slot online at the same website to skip the walk-in line. Click "Schedule an Appointment" and choose the office, date, and time that work for you. You will receive a confirmation email. Walk-ins are also accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices tend to be less busy early in the morning and mid-week.

If you cannot reach a DVS office during regular hours, some counties offer mobile DVS services at libraries or community centers on specific days. Check your county's website or call your local DVS office to ask about mobile options.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Minnesota driver's license replacement costs $16.50. An enhanced license (which allows entry to federal buildings and travel to Canada and Mexico by land) costs $20.50. These fees are set by state law and do not vary by location or office.

DVS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to "State of Minnesota." Some offices may have a minimum card payment, so ask when you arrive or call ahead if you want to confirm.

If you are over 65 or have a disability, you may be may have access to to a fee waiver or reduction. Ask the DVS staff when you arrive, or call your local office in advance to confirm whether you may have access to.

Getting a temporary paper license while you wait for the new one

When you complete your replacement process at the DVS office, ask for a temporary paper license. The staff will print one on the spot at no extra cost. This temporary license is valid for 60 days and works as a legal ID for driving, banking, and most other purposes while your permanent license is in the mail.

The temporary license shows your name, address, license number, and expiration date, but not your photo. Some businesses, bars, or banks may ask for a photo ID in addition to the temporary license. If that happens, show your passport, passport card, or other photo ID along with the temporary license.

If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DVS office where you applied. Delays are rare, but if mail is lost, DVS can reissue or investigate.

What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your license was stolen or you believe someone may use it fraudulently, file a police report first. Bring the report number with you to the DVS office when you explore for a replacement. This creates a record and protects you if the lost license is used illegally.

Tell the DVS staff that your license was stolen. They can place a fraud alert on your record, which flags your account if someone tries to renew or replace it without your knowledge. A fraud alert does not prevent you from getting a new license, but it adds a layer of protection.

If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the lost license, contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

Renewing versus replacing: which one you need

A replacement is what you get when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. A renewal is what you get when your license is still valid but expiring soon. The two processes are different and have different fees.

If your license is lost and your expiration date is more than a year away, you need a replacement ($16.50 or $20.50). If your license is expiring within the next year, you can renew it at the same time you replace it for a combined fee. Ask the DVS staff about this option when you arrive.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must explore for a new license, which requires a written test and vision test. This is a different process than a replacement and takes longer. If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it without retesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. An out-of-state license counts as valid photo ID for the replacement process. Bring it along with proof of Minnesota residency, and you can get a Minnesota license. You do not need to surrender your out-of-state license, but you should not drive with both active licenses.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

If you cannot find a document dated within the last 30 days, bring two documents that show your address, even if they are older. A lease, mortgage, or utility bill from any date works. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DVS staff about alternative proof options. Some offices accept a letter from a shelter or social service agency.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

A standard Minnesota driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. An enhanced license is valid for five years. Your replacement license will have a new expiration date printed on it, typically eight years from the date you receive it.

Can I get a replacement license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Minnesota does not deny a replacement license based on unpaid tickets or fines. However, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or DVS to find out whether your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still get a Minnesota replacement at any DVS office in the state. Bring the same documents you would bring if you lost it in Minnesota. If you need to drive before you can reach a DVS office, contact your local police department to ask about a temporary driving permit, though these are not always available.