What you need to do to replace your Minnesota driver's license

If your Minnesota driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out, you can get a replacement through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process is straightforward: you visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person, show proof of identity and Minnesota residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within one to two weeks.

The main thing to know upfront is that Minnesota treats a replacement differently from a renewal. A replacement is for a license that still has time left on it; you're straightforward getting a new card because the old one is gone or damaged. If your license has also expired, you'll need to renew it at the same time, which adds a few steps and a second fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with valid proof of identity and Minnesota residency to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $16.50 for a standard license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card within one to two weeks.
  • If your license has expired, you'll need to renew it at the same time, which costs an additional $24.50 and requires you to pass a vision test.
  • You can find your nearest Driver and Vehicle Services office and check its hours on the Minnesota DPS website before you go.

Documents you need to bring to the office

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of Minnesota residency. Primary ID means a valid passport, military ID, or state ID card. If you don't have one of those, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but this takes longer to process.

For proof of residency, bring something with your current Minnesota address on it: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency works too. If you've recently moved and your ID doesn't show your new address yet, bring the residency document and your old license together.

You do not need to bring your old license if it's lost or stolen. If you have it and it's just damaged or worn, bring it along—it makes the process faster.

Where to go and what to expect

Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. You can search for the office nearest you on the Minnesota DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others; if you go early in the morning or on a weekday, you'll usually wait less time than on a Saturday afternoon.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell them you need a replacement license. A staff member will review your documents, ask you a few questions to confirm your identity, and take a new photo. The whole visit typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll pay the $16.50 fee by card or cash, and they'll hand you a temporary paper license on the spot. This paper license is valid for driving when ready while you wait for your plastic card.

Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If more than two weeks pass and you haven't received it, contact the office where you applied.

If your license has also expired

When you go in for a replacement, the staff will check your license's expiration date. If it has expired or will expire within 30 days, Minnesota requires you to renew it at the same time. This means you'll take a vision test (reading an eye chart from a set distance) and pay an additional $24.50 renewal fee on top of the $16.50 replacement fee.

The vision test is quick and happens right there in the office. You don't need to bring glasses or contacts unless you normally wear them while driving. If you fail the vision test, you'll be asked to get a vision correction from an eye doctor and come back, or the office may issue you a license with a restriction requiring you to wear corrective lenses while driving.

If your license expired more than a year ago, you may also need to answer questions about traffic laws or take a written test, depending on how long it's been. Ask the office staff when you call or visit to find out what applies to you.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license was stolen, you don't need to file a police report before getting a replacement, though you can if you want a record of the theft. Just tell the staff at the Driver and Vehicle Services office that it was stolen. They'll note that in the system, and your old license number will be deactivated so no one else can use it.

If your license was lost and you're not sure where, the same process applies. Bring your documents, pay the fee, and get a new one. There's no penalty for losing your license—you straightforward pay the replacement fee like anyone else.

Replacing a damaged or worn license

If your license is still valid but the card itself is damaged—cracked, faded, unreadable, or falling apart—you can get a replacement for the same $16.50 fee. Bring the damaged license with you if you have it; it helps the staff process your request faster. If the damage is severe enough that your photo or information is hard to read, the staff may ask you to take a new photo, but often they can reuse your existing photo if the damage is only to the card itself.

A worn license that's straightforward faded but still readable can also be replaced. There's no rule saying you have to wait until it's unreadable; if you want a fresh card, you can get one.

Cost and payment methods

A replacement license costs $16.50. If you're also renewing an expired license at the same time, add $24.50 for the renewal, bringing the total to $41. Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services offices accept cash and card (debit or credit). Some offices may accept checks, but card or cash is safest.

There are no additional fees for a temporary paper license or for mailing your permanent card. The $16.50 or $41 is the total you'll pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license by mail or online?

No. Minnesota requires you to appear in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office to get a replacement license. You must show your documents and have a new photo taken. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

You'll need to bring something with your Minnesota address on it dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or bank statement, ask the office staff what other documents they accept—some offices may take a lease, mortgage statement, or government mail. If you have nothing, you may need to come back after you've received a piece of mail at your current address.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving until your permanent plastic card arrives by mail, which is usually within one to two weeks. If your plastic card doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the office where you applied.

Do I need an appointment to get a replacement license?

Most Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services offices accept walk-ins, but some locations now use an appointment system. Check the Minnesota DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are required or recommended. Even if walk-ins are accepted, arriving early or on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

What if I moved and my ID doesn't show my new address?

Bring both your old ID and a proof of residency document (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) showing your new Minnesota address dated within the last 60 days. The staff will accept this combination to process your replacement.