What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license
Minnesota issues a standard driver's license to anyone who passes the written test, vision screening, and driving test. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number to the exam station. The state does not require you to hold a learner's permit first, though many people do.
The documents that count as proof of identity include a U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or a previous driver's license from any state. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Minnesota also offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. The Real ID version requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your lawful presence in the United States — such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa. You can choose either version when you explore.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency dated within 30 days, and your Social Security number to take the driver's license test.
- Minnesota does not require a learner's permit before taking the full driving test, though getting one first gives you supervised practice time.
- A standard Minnesota driver's license will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025; you'll need the Real ID version instead.
- The Real ID version requires one additional document proving you are lawfully present in the United States, such as a birth certificate or visa.
- You can take the written test, vision test, and driving test on the same day if you're ready, or spread them across multiple visits.
The written test and vision screening
The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which the state publishes online for free. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you'll need to schedule another appointment.
The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. Minnesota requires you to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the exam station. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the written or driving test that day.
Both tests are offered at Minnesota exam stations run by the Department of Public Safety. You can find the station nearest you and book an appointment on the state's website. Walk-ins are not accepted; you must schedule ahead.
The driving test and what happens after you pass
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public roads near the exam station. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting and stopping, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current.
If you pass the driving test, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you'll need to wait at least one day before retesting.
Your Minnesota driver's license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, and four years if you're 65 or older. You'll need to renew it before the expiration date printed on the card.
Getting a learner's permit first
A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the full driving test. It's not required, but many people use it to build confidence and experience. To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and vision screening — the same tests required for a full license — but you do not take the driving test.
Once you have a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. A learner's permit is valid for one year.
After you've had your permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule the driving test. Some people hold a permit for several months to practice more before testing.
Costs and processing times
The written test and vision screening cost $10. The driving test costs $10. A standard Minnesota driver's license costs $16.50 for an eight-year license if you're under 65. A Real ID-compliant license costs $24.50 for the same period. These fees are paid when you pass your tests and receive your temporary license.
If you fail a test, you pay the test fee again when you retake it. A learner's permit costs $10 and is valid for one year.
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass the driving test. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. During high-volume periods, processing can take longer.
What to do if you're moving to Minnesota from another state
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written or driving test again. You can exchange it for a Minnesota license by visiting an exam station with your out-of-state license, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number. The exchange fee is $16.50 for a standard license or $24.50 for a Real ID license.
Your new Minnesota license will have the same expiration date as your old one, unless that date is more than eight years away. If your out-of-state license has expired, you'll need to take the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.
If you want a Real ID-compliant Minnesota license during the exchange, bring the additional document proving lawful presence — such as your birth certificate or visa — at that time.
Real ID requirements and why they matter
A Real ID-compliant driver's license meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight within the United States or to enter certain federal buildings. A standard Minnesota driver's license will not work for these purposes after that date.
The Real ID version looks like a standard license but has a small star in the upper right corner. It costs $8 more than a standard license. You get one when you explore for a new license and provide proof of lawful presence — a document like a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, passport, or visa.
If you have a standard Minnesota license now and want to switch to Real ID before May 2025, you can visit an exam station and pay the difference. You don't need to retake any tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
Yes. If you pass the written test and vision screening, you can take the driving test the same day if an examiner is available. Many people schedule both appointments back-to-back to get it done in one visit. You'll need to bring a vehicle registered and insured for the driving test portion.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You'll pay the $10 test fee again. There's no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass the written test and vision screening again if more than one year has passed since your last attempt.
Do I need to take a test if I'm renewing my license?
No. When you renew a valid Minnesota license, you don't take any tests. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an exam station. Renewal costs $16.50 for a standard license or $24.50 for a Real ID license.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your proof of identity and residency. The rest of the process is the same.
Can I get a Real ID license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have lawful presence in the United States. This includes people with visas, work permits, green cards, and other valid immigration documents. Bring your immigration document along with your proof of identity and residency when you explore.