Minnesota issues driver's licenses to people regardless of citizenship or immigration status

Minnesota's Driver License For All program lets you get a standard driver's license even if you are not a U.S. citizen, do not have a Social Security number, or cannot prove your legal presence in the state. The license works the same way as any other Minnesota driver's license — it is valid for driving, passes a background check at a bar or bank, and renews on the same schedule. The main difference is what documents you use to prove your identity and residency instead of a passport or birth certificate.

The program launched in 2021 and is open to anyone at least 16 years old who can pass the written and driving tests. You do not need to be a permanent resident, have work authorization, or have any particular immigration status. If you live in Minnesota and can show you are who you say you are, you can get a license.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota issues standard driver's licenses to all residents regardless of citizenship or immigration status through the Driver License For All program.
  • You must prove your identity with a passport, national ID, or consular document, and prove Minnesota residency with a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • The license costs the same as a regular Minnesota license and works for all the same purposes — driving, identification, and age verification.
  • You still must pass the written knowledge test and the road test, and you must be at least 16 years old.
  • The license does not change your immigration status or create any record that affects your legal standing.

What documents you need to bring

You will need to prove two things: who you are, and that you live in Minnesota. For identity, Minnesota accepts a valid passport from any country, a national ID card, or a consular document issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo. An expired document is acceptable as long as it was not expired when you submitted it.

For Minnesota residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a paycheck stub. The document must show your name and a Minnesota address. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address — for example, a bank statement plus a letter from your employer on company letterhead.

You will also need to provide a Minnesota address where you can receive mail. If you are unhoused, you can use a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a mailing service address.

The process process at the Driver and Vehicle Services office

Go to any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring your identity document, your residency proof, and your Social Security number if you have one (it is optional). You will fill out Form DLTS (the standard driver's license process) and pay the fee — currently $48 for an eight-year license or $24 for a four-year license, though prices may change.

At the office, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or in one of several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back later. Most people pass on their first try.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test appointment. The appointment is usually within two to four weeks. You must bring your own vehicle (or borrow one) that is registered and insured. During the road test, a DVS examiner watches you drive and scores you on basic skills like starting, stopping, turning, and parking. If you pass, you get your license the same day or within a few days by mail.

How the license looks and what you can use it for

A Driver License For All license looks identical to a standard Minnesota driver's license. It has your photo, name, date of birth, address, and license number. It is valid for eight years (or four years if you choose the shorter term). You can use it to drive anywhere in the United States, and it is accepted as a form of ID at banks, airports, bars, and other places that check identification.

The license does not have any marking or code that says it was issued under the Driver License For All program. No one can tell from looking at it whether you are a citizen or not. It functions exactly like any other Minnesota license for all legal purposes related to driving and identification.

Cost and renewal

A new eight-year license costs $48. A four-year license costs $24. These are the standard fees for any Minnesota driver's license. There is no extra charge for the Driver License For All program. When your license expires, you renew it the same way anyone else does — by mail, online, or in person at a DVS office. Renewal costs $48 for eight years or $24 for four years.

If you renew by mail or online, you will not need to retake the written or road tests. You will just need to send in your current license and pay the fee. If you renew in person, you may be asked to update your photo.

What the license does not do

Getting a driver's license does not change your immigration status. It does not make you a permanent resident, a citizen, or give you work authorization. It is purely a license to drive and a form of identification. The state does not share your information with federal immigration authorities based on your license alone.

The license also does not count as proof of residency for purposes of voter registration or other government programs. If you need to prove residency for another reason — to open a bank account, to register to vote, or to sign up for a program — you will need to bring the same documents you used to get the license (utility bill, lease, etc.) to that agency.

Where to find a DVS office and what to expect

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by searching "DVS office locations" or calling 651-296-6911. Some offices are busier than others; you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and the office. Many offices now let you make an appointment online, which can shorten your wait.

Bring all your documents, arrive early, and be prepared to spend two to three hours at the office if you are taking both the written test and scheduling a road test the same day. If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready, so plan for extra time. Bring a pen and wear clothes you can move in comfortably for the road test if you are doing that the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a consular ID from my country if it is expired?

Yes, as long as it was not expired when you submitted it to DVS. An expired document is acceptable for the Driver License For All program. However, the document must still show your name, date of birth, and a photo clearly enough for the examiner to verify it is you.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You do not need a Social Security number to get a Driver License For All license. It is optional. If you have one, you can provide it, but if you do not, you can leave that field blank on the process.

Can I get a license if I am currently in Minnesota without permission?

Yes. The Driver License For All program does not check immigration status. You only need to show that you live in Minnesota and can pass the driving tests. The state does not verify your legal presence or share your information with immigration authorities based on your license process.

Do I have to take the road test, or can I just get the license?

You must pass both the written test and the road test to get a driver's license in Minnesota, regardless of which program you use. There is no way to skip the road test. You must be at least 16 years old and demonstrate that you can drive safely.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test as many times as you need. There is usually a waiting period of a few days between attempts, and you pay a small fee each time you retake it (currently around $10 to $15, though this may vary). Many people pass on their second or third try.