Where to book your Minneapolis DMV appointment

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety runs the only DMV office in Minneapolis. It is located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200, in downtown Minneapolis. You can book an appointment three ways: online through the state's appointment system, by phone, or by visiting in person.

The online system is the fastest route. Go to mn.gov/dvs and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will see available dates and times for the Minneapolis location. The phone number for the Minneapolis office is 651-297-2126. If you call, have your driver's license number or state ID number ready, and know what service you need (renewal, replacement, address change, etc.). Walk-ins are accepted but typically have longer waits, especially mid-morning and mid-week.

Appointment slots fill quickly during renewal season (around your birthday month) and before holidays. If no times show available online, check back the next day or call the office directly—cancellations open up regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Book online at mn.gov/dvs, by phone at 651-297-2126, or walk in at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200 in downtown Minneapolis.
  • The online system shows real-time availability and is usually faster than calling or waiting in person.
  • Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of residence, and any documents needed for your specific service (renewal forms, name-change documents, etc.).
  • Appointment slots fill quickly during renewal season and before major holidays, so book as early as the system allows.
  • If no appointments show available, check back daily or call the office—cancellations happen regularly and open new slots.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on the service. For a driver's license or state ID renewal, bring your current license or ID and proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing early or your license is not expiring soon, you will also need a reason—the state allows early renewal only for specific situations like a name change, address change, or if you are moving out of state.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your current ID if you have it, proof of residence, and a report number if the card was stolen. For a name change, bring your current license, proof of residence, and the legal document showing the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). For an address change only, you may be able to do this online or by mail without an appointment—check the state website first.

If you are getting your first Minnesota driver's license, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), proof of residence, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency. The requirements are longer for first-time applicants, so review the full list on mn.gov/dvs before your appointment.

How long appointments typically take

A standard appointment (renewal, replacement, or address change) usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion. This includes document review, a new photo, and payment. If the office is running behind, add 10 to 15 minutes of waiting time even with an appointment.

First-time driver's license appointments take longer—usually 45 minutes to an hour—because the examiner must verify more documents and may ask additional questions about residency and identity. If you are also taking a written test or road test on the same day, plan for two to three hours total.

Arrive 10 minutes early. Bring all documents listed on your confirmation email or the state website. If a document is missing or incomplete, the office may not be able to complete your service that day and you will need to reschedule.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

Cancel or reschedule through the online system at mn.gov/dvs if you booked online. Log in with the confirmation number from your email, and you will see options to cancel or change the date and time. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your appointment help free up slots for other people.

If you booked by phone, call 651-297-2126 to cancel or reschedule. Have your confirmation number ready. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may lose the slot and have to book again, which can mean waiting weeks for the next opening.

If you need to reschedule because of a genuine emergency (illness, family crisis, transportation failure), call the office as soon as possible. Staff cannot always move you to a new time when ready, but calling ahead is better than not showing up.

Fees and payment methods

A standard driver's license renewal costs $24.50 and is valid for eight years. A replacement license (lost or stolen) costs $24.50. An address change only costs $6.50 if done in person; it is free online or by mail. A state ID (non-driver) costs $24.50 for eight years. Prices vary slightly for different services and ages, so check mn.gov/dvs for the exact fee for your service.

The Minneapolis office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some services may also be available online or by mail at a lower cost or with no fee—for example, an address change can often be done on the state website for free. Before your appointment, check whether your service can be completed faster or cheaper through another method.

What happens if the office is closed or you need service urgently

The Minneapolis DMV is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major state holidays. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you need a service urgently and cannot wait for an appointment, some services can be done online or by mail. An address change, for example, can be submitted online when ready. A renewal can sometimes be done by mail if your license is not expired yet.

If your license is expired and you need to drive, you cannot legally do so—no grace period exists in Minnesota. If you are in this situation, call 651-297-2126 and explain the urgency. The office sometimes holds same-day or next-day slots for people with expired licenses or critical needs, though this is not may provide.

For services that cannot be done online or by mail, the only option is to book an in-person appointment. If the Minneapolis location is fully booked, you can travel to another Minnesota DMV office (Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth, or Mankato), though this may not be practical if you live in Minneapolis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person whose license or ID is being renewed or replaced must be present at the appointment. They must bring their own documents and sign their own forms. If someone else shows up with your documents, the office will not complete the service.

What if I do not have proof of residence?

Proof of residence must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. A utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail works. If you do not have one, contact the office at 651-297-2126 before your appointment—they can tell you what alternative documents might work in your situation.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted, but you will likely wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. An appointment guarantees a specific time and usually means less waiting. If you do not have an appointment, arrive early in the day (before 10 a.m.) for a shorter wait.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, but only within a certain window. Minnesota allows renewal up to one year before expiration. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. Renewing early online or by mail is usually faster and cheaper than going to the office.

What if my appointment confirmation email does not arrive?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, log back into mn.gov/dvs with the email and phone number you used to book, and your confirmation number should appear. You can also call 651-297-2126 and provide your name and date of birth to look up your appointment.