How to Replace Your Minnesota Driver's License

How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Minnesota Driver's License

You can replace your Minnesota driver's license in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, or by mail if your license is lost or stolen and you do not need it urgently. The in-person route takes about 20 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but costs less and requires no trip to an office.

You will need to bring proof of your identity and Minnesota residency — a birth certificate or passport works for identity, and a utility bill or lease agreement works for residency. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to the police and bring the report number, though this is not required. The replacement fee is $16.50 for a standard license.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at a DVS office takes about 20 minutes and you receive a temporary license on the spot; mail replacement takes two to three weeks but costs less.
You must bring proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or state ID) and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement).
If your license was stolen, file a police report first — the report number helps but is not required to replace your license.
The replacement fee is $16.50 for a standard five-year license or $24.50 for an enhanced license that works for border crossing.

Replacing Your License in Person at a DVS Office

Walk into any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office with your documents and you can replace your license the same day. The office will take a new photo, verify your identity and residency, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address. The temporary license works for driving, voting, and most other purposes that require a photo ID.

You do not need an appointment at most DVS offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul tend to be busier in the morning and at lunch. If you want to avoid a long wait, call the office ahead of time or check the DVS website for current wait times.

Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact DVS to report it missing. You can drive on your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Replacing Your License by Mail

If your license is lost or stolen and you do not need to drive when ready, you can mail your documents to DVS and they will process your replacement by mail. Send a completed Form HSMV 82101 (process for Minnesota Driver's License), a copy of your proof of identity, a copy of your proof of residency, and a check or money order for $16.50 to the address listed on the DVS website.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the date DVS receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license this way, so you cannot drive during this period. This route is best if you have time to wait or if you do not need your license for driving right away.

Keep a copy of everything you mail in case DVS needs to contact you with questions. Send your documents by certified mail if you want proof of delivery, though regular mail works fine.

What Documents You Need to Bring or Mail

For identity, bring one of the following: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID card, or an expired Minnesota driver's license. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Minnesota address: a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a bank statement, or a government check. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The name on your residency document should match the name on your identity document.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have the original, a certified copy from the county clerk works.

If Your License Was Stolen

Report the theft to your local police department and ask for a report number. Bring this number with you when you go to DVS, or include it in your mail-in process. The report number helps DVS flag your old license so it cannot be used fraudulently, though you can replace your license without it.

You do not need to wait for the police report to be filed before you go to DVS. You can give DVS the report number when you explore, or call them later with it once you have it. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at the same time.

Enhanced Licenses and Real ID Compliant Licenses

When you replace your license, you can choose a standard license or an enhanced license that allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. An enhanced license costs $24.50 instead of $16.50 and requires proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport) in addition to your identity and residency documents. The enhanced license is valid for five years, the same as a standard license.

Minnesota licenses are also Real ID compliant, which means they work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You do not need to do anything special to get a Real ID compliant license — all Minnesota driver's licenses are compliant by default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online?

No. Minnesota does not offer online license replacement. You must go in person to a DVS office or mail your documents to DVS. In-person replacement is faster if you need your license soon.

How long does my temporary license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have it before the temporary expires. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact DVS.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it by mail from anywhere. Mail your documents to the DVS address on their website along with the completed process form. Processing takes two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can go to any DVS office in Minnesota in person.

Do I need a new photo for my replacement license?

Yes, if you replace your license in person at a DVS office. If you mail in your replacement, DVS will use the photo from your current or most recent license unless you request a new one in writing.

What if my name changed and I do not have the original document?

Get a certified copy from the county clerk or the agency that issued the original document — the county recorder for marriage certificates, the district court for divorce decrees, or the state vital records office for birth certificates. A certified copy has the same legal weight as the original.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.