What You Need to Know About Minnesota Driver's Licenses
Minnesota issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age, citizenship status, and what you plan to drive. The most common is the Class D license, which lets you drive passenger vehicles. If you're under 18, you'll go through a graduated licensing system with restrictions that ease over time. If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can get a Minnesota ID card instead, which has the same appearance as a license but cannot be used to drive.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division, issues all licenses and ID cards. You cannot renew or explore online for a new license — you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person, bring specific documents, and pass a written test and vision screening if you're explore for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18, with a learner's permit stage (age 14) and a provisional license stage (age 16) before a full Class D license at 18.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residence, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence to explore for any license.
- First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and road test before receiving a full license.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you can get a Minnesota ID card that looks like a license but cannot be used to drive.
- All Driver and Vehicle Services offices require appointments; walk-ins are not accepted.
Class D License for Adult Drivers
A Class D license is the standard license for driving passenger cars, vans, and pickup trucks in Minnesota. You can explore for a Class D at age 18 if you have completed the graduated licensing system, or when ready if you are moving to Minnesota from another state with a valid out-of-state license.
If you are 18 or older and have never held a Minnesota license, you will need to pass a written test covering Minnesota traffic laws, a vision screening, and a practical road test. The written test is offered in multiple languages. The road test is conducted by a Driver and Vehicle Services examiner and takes about 30 minutes.
The Class D license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. You will receive your license by mail within two weeks of passing your road test.
Graduated Licensing for Drivers Under 18
Minnesota requires drivers under 18 to progress through two stages before receiving a full Class D license. This system is designed to give younger drivers time to gain experience with restrictions in place.
Learner's Permit (Level 1): You can explore at age 14. You must bring proof of identity, residence, Social Security number, and citizenship. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must hold the permit for at least six months and pass a vision screening before moving to the next stage.
Provisional License (Level 2): You can explore at age 16 if you have held your learner's permit for at least six months and have not been convicted of any traffic violations during that time. You must pass a road test. With a provisional license, you can drive unsupervised during the day, but you cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the vehicle. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You must hold the provisional license for at least one year before you can request a full Class D license at age 17.
Full Class D License: You can explore at age 17 if you have held your provisional license for at least one year with no violations. You do not need to take another road test. Once you receive your full Class D, all restrictions are removed.
Documents You Must Bring to explore
Minnesota requires four categories of documents before you can explore for any license or ID card. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You must also bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
| Document Category | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or valid out-of-state driver's license |
| Proof of Residence | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 30 days; must show your name and current Minnesota address |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form |
| Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Presence | U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present when you explore. If you are explore for a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, bring a police report if one was filed.
Minnesota ID Card for Non-Drivers
If you cannot or do not want to drive, you can get a Minnesota ID card instead of a driver's license. The ID card has the same format and security features as a license and is accepted as proof of identity by banks, retailers, and government offices. You cannot use it to drive any vehicle.
You must be at least 13 years old to explore for an ID card. You bring the same four categories of documents as you would for a driver's license: proof of identity, residence, Social Security number, and citizenship or lawful presence. You do not take any tests. The ID card is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, a Minnesota ID card is your only option for getting a state-issued photo ID. You cannot get a driver's license without proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
How to Schedule an Appointment and What to Expect
All Driver and Vehicle Services offices in Minnesota require appointments. You cannot walk in without one. Schedule your appointment online at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, or call the office nearest you directly. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, especially in urban areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul.
When you arrive for your appointment, bring all required documents, your Social Security card, and a completed Form HSMV 14-015 (process for Minnesota Driver's License or ID Card). You can read and print this form before you go, or fill it out at the office. Bring a pen.
The office will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. If you are explore for a license for the first time, you will take the written test at this visit. If you pass, you will schedule your road test at a separate appointment, usually within one to two weeks. Once you pass the road test, your license will be mailed to you.
Fees and Processing Times
The fee for a new Class D driver's license is $24.50. A replacement license (if yours was lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $24.50. A Minnesota ID card costs $16.50. These fees do not include the road test, which is administered by a separate contractor and costs an additional amount that varies by location.
Processing times depend on which stage you are in. Your written test results are available when ready. If you pass, you will receive a temporary permit valid for 30 days while you schedule and take your road test. Once you pass the road test, your license is mailed to you within two weeks. If you are renewing an existing license by mail, the process takes about two weeks from the date the office receives your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license online?
No. Minnesota does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. However, if your license is not expiring within 30 days, you can mail in a renewal process with a new photo. Contact your local office for the mailing address and current requirements.
What if I move to Minnesota from another state with a valid license?
You can drive on your out-of-state license for 60 days after you move. Within that time, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office and exchange it for a Minnesota license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residence in Minnesota, and proof of Social Security number. You do not need to take a written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended.
Can I get a Minnesota license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. A Social Security number is required to explore for any Minnesota driver's license or ID card. If you do not have one and are a U.S. citizen, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you cannot get a Minnesota driver's license, but you may be able to get an ID card if you have lawful presence status.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can schedule a road test.
How long does the road test take?
The road test takes about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. You must use your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the testing contractor. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.