What Minnesota requires from immigrants explore for a driver's license

Minnesota issues driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. The state accepts several forms of identification that immigrants commonly hold, including an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a valid passport, or a consular ID card from your country of origin.

The core requirement is proof of identity and proof of Minnesota residency. Minnesota also requires a Social Security Number or ITIN. If you have neither, you can still get a license, but you will be issued a card marked "Not for Federal Purposes" — this license works for driving and state ID but cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving skills test. These are the same tests all applicants take. The written test is offered in multiple languages, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and others. You can request an interpreter at the exam.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota does not require citizenship or permanent residency to get a driver's license; immigration status does not bar you from explore.
  • You need proof of identity (passport, consular ID, or ITIN letter), proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and either a Social Security Number or ITIN.
  • The written test is available in multiple languages; you can request an interpreter at no cost.
  • A license issued without a Social Security Number will be marked "Not for Federal Purposes" and cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building access.
  • You must pass the knowledge test, vision test, and road test; you can schedule the road test after passing the written and vision portions.

Documents you need to bring to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office

Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted. You need one document for identity, one for residency, and proof of your Social Security Number or ITIN.

For identity, acceptable documents include a valid passport, a consular identification card issued by your country's embassy or consulate, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or an ITIN letter from the IRS. A driver's license from another state or country also works if it is still valid.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Minnesota address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from the homeowner or leaseholder stating you live there, plus your own ID.

For your Social Security Number or ITIN, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, an IRS letter, or a W-2 form. If you do not have any of these, you can still explore, but your license will be marked "Not for Federal Purposes."

How the written test works in languages other than English

Minnesota offers the written knowledge test in at least 10 languages. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, you can request the language you need. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to answer up to 40 questions; you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

If your language is not listed, you can bring a certified translator to the exam at no cost. The translator must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member. You will need to arrange this in advance by contacting the Driver and Vehicle Services office where you plan to test.

You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts.

The vision and road tests

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the same office. This checks your eyesight and color blindness. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor; you cannot proceed to the road test until you pass.

Once you pass both the written and vision tests, you can schedule a road test. The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working brakes, lights, and wipers.

You can take the road test in a vehicle registered to someone else, but that person does not need to be present. The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and direct you through the test route. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one business day.

Fees and how long the process takes

The fee for a Minnesota driver's license is $25 for an eight-year license (or $20 for a four-year license if you prefer). This is a one-time fee; you do not pay separately for each test. If you fail a test and retake it, there is no additional charge.

The written and vision tests can usually be completed on the same day you visit the office. The road test must be scheduled separately; wait times vary by location and season, but typically range from a few days to several weeks. Once you pass all three tests, your license is issued the same day or mailed to you within a few business days.

You can schedule your appointment online at mn.gov/dvs or by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services office in your county. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointments are faster and more reliable.

Differences between a standard license and a "Not for Federal Purposes" license

If you provide a Social Security Number or ITIN, you receive a standard Minnesota driver's license. This license can be used for driving, as state identification, for boarding domestic flights, and for entering federal buildings.

If you do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN and choose not to provide one, your license will be marked "Not for Federal Purposes." You can still drive legally in Minnesota and use it as state ID for most purposes. However, you cannot use it to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access certain federal facilities. Some private businesses may also refuse it as ID.

You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS even if you do not have work authorization. An ITIN is a nine-digit number used for tax purposes. If you obtain an ITIN after getting your "Not for Federal Purposes" license, you can return to the Driver and Vehicle Services office and request a replacement license with federal purposes. There is a small fee for the replacement.

Renewing your license and changing your address

Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for eight years (or four years if you chose the shorter term). You can renew by mail, online, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to retake the tests — only your vision will be checked if you renew in person.

If you move to a new address in Minnesota, you must update your address within 30 days. You can do this online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. There is no fee to change your address.

If you move out of Minnesota, your license remains valid for driving in other states until it expires. However, if you move to another state and want a license there, you will need to explore through that state's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Minnesota driver's license if I am undocumented?

Yes. Minnesota does not require proof of legal immigration status to issue a driver's license. You need an identity document (such as a passport or consular ID), proof of Minnesota residency, and either a Social Security Number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security Number or ITIN, you can still get a license marked "Not for Federal Purposes."

What if my passport or consular ID is expired?

An expired passport or consular ID can still be used as proof of identity for a driver's license. The document itself does not need to be valid; it only needs to show who you are. Bring the expired document along with your other required paperwork.

Do I need to take the road test if I already have a valid driver's license from another country?

Yes. Minnesota requires all first-time applicants to pass the knowledge test, vision test, and road test, regardless of driving experience or licenses held elsewhere. However, if you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you may be able to transfer it without retesting; contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services office for details.

How much does it cost to get a Minnesota driver's license?

A standard eight-year Minnesota driver's license costs $25. A four-year license costs $20. This is a one-time fee that covers all three tests. If you retake a test, there is no additional charge.

Can I use a consular ID card as my only form of identification?

Yes, as long as it is a valid identification card issued by your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. It must show your name, date of birth, and a photo. Bring it along with proof of Minnesota residency and your Social Security Number or ITIN.