Where to Go for Your Driver License in Plymouth

Plymouth, Minnesota does not have its own dedicated Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. Instead, you will need to visit the Hennepin County DVS office in Minneapolis, which is the nearest full-service location that handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements for Plymouth residents.

The main Hennepin County DVS office is located at 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402. This office handles all license types — standard Class D (passenger vehicle), Class A (heavy truck), Class B (medium truck), and motorcycle endorsements. You can also visit other Hennepin County satellite offices if they are more convenient, though the main office has the longest hours and fewest wait times during off-peak hours.

Before you go, check the Minnesota DVS website for current wait times and office hours. Hours vary by location and season, and some offices close for lunch. Going early in the morning on a weekday typically means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Plymouth residents must visit a Hennepin County DVS office; the main office is at 300 South 6th Street in Minneapolis.
  • You will need a valid proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • First-time license applicants must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and road test before the license is issued.
  • Standard Class D license fees are $24.50 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the road test.

Documents You Need to Bring

Minnesota requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and legal presence. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The state accepts a limited list of documents for each category, so check what you have before you go.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (with raised seal), a valid state ID from another state, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, or a valid permanent resident card. A driver license from another state counts only if it is still valid.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your Plymouth address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have just moved and do not have a document yet, you can bring an affidavit of residency signed by a current resident at your address.

You will also need your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to provide the number from memory. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to provide an ITIN and bring documentation of your immigration status.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test before they can take the road test. The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 32 correct (80 percent) to pass.

The DVS office provides study materials free of charge, and the Minnesota Driver's Manual is available online and in print. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

You will also have your vision screened at the office. The screener will check your visual acuity and color blindness. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, or you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report before you can proceed.

The Road Test: What to Expect and How to Schedule

After you pass the written test and vision screening, you are ready to schedule your road test. The road test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start.

Road tests are scheduled through the DVS office, usually for a date one to four weeks in the future depending on demand. You will receive a confirmation notice with the date, time, and location. Arrive 10 minutes early. If you fail, you can retake the test, but there is a fee each time (currently $24.50 per attempt in Minnesota).

Common reasons people fail the road test include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, hitting the curb during parking, and not checking mirrors frequently enough. Practice these skills before your test, especially if you learned to drive in a different state or country.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard Class D driver license valid for eight years costs $24.50. If you want a four-year license instead (useful if your address or name may change soon), the cost is $13. These are the state fees only; some counties may charge a small additional processing fee.

The DVS office accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. There is no online payment option — you must pay in person at the office. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same as a new license. If you are renewing an existing license, the fee depends on how long you want the new license to be valid.

Motorcycle endorsements, commercial licenses, and hazmat endorsements have different fees. Ask the staff at the office for the exact cost if you need any of these.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, Minnesota requires you to complete a driver education course before you can take the road test. This course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, usually totaling 30 hours. You must complete it through a licensed driving school; online-only courses are not accepted for the behind-the-wheel portion.

After you finish driver education, you must obtain a learner's permit by passing the written test at the DVS office. You must then hold the permit for at least six months and drive at least 50 hours (10 of them at night) with a licensed adult before you can take the road test for your full license.

During the permit period, you cannot drive alone, and you have a zero-tolerance rule for alcohol — any amount of alcohol in your system is a violation. These restrictions lift once you pass the road test and receive your full license, though drivers under 18 still have a lower legal blood alcohol limit (0.02 percent) until they turn 21.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

If you already have a valid Minnesota driver license, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person. Mail and online renewals are faster and do not require a visit to the DVS office. You are may be able to access to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any major violations or address changes.

To renew online, visit the Minnesota DVS website and follow the instructions. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit the DVS office in person to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. Minnesota offers the written test in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and several other languages. Tell the staff at the DVS office which language you need when you arrive. You may also bring a certified interpreter if your language is not available, though you must arrange this in advance.

What if I have a valid license from another state?

You can exchange it for a Minnesota license without taking the written test or road test, as long as your out-of-state license is still valid and you pass the vision screening. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the DVS office. The fee is the same as a new license.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the license sooner, you can request a rush order, though this costs extra and is not always available.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DVS office?

Appointments are not required, but the office accepts them online. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Making an appointment can reduce your wait time, especially during busy hours.

What happens if I move out of Plymouth after I get my license?

Your Minnesota license remains valid no matter where you move within the state. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. If you move within Minnesota and want to update your address, you can do so by mail or online without visiting the office.