What You Need to Do to Get Your First Minnesota License

If you are moving to Minnesota or getting your first driver's license, you will explore for what the Minnesota Department of Public Safety calls a new credential. This is different from renewing an existing Minnesota license — you are starting from scratch with the state's system. You will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes one visit, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office and time of day.

Minnesota does not allow online applications for new licenses. You cannot mail in your documents or use a third-party service. You must appear at a DVS office yourself, answer questions about your identity and driving history, and have your photograph taken on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person with original or certified documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Minnesota residency.
  • The fee for a new driver's license is $25 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you explore.
  • You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test at the same office or a separate testing location, depending on which DVS office you visit.
  • If you hold a valid license from another state or country, you may not have to take the written test, but you must still pass the vision and driving tests.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, a document proving your identity, and two documents proving your Minnesota address.

Documents You Must Bring to the DVS Office

Minnesota requires you to prove three things: who you are, your Social Security number, and that you live in Minnesota. You will need to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, a certified birth certificate, or a valid ID issued by another state or country. If you bring a foreign passport or ID, it must be valid and readable.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

For proof of Minnesota residency, bring two documents that show your name and current Minnesota address. These can include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax statement, an insurance policy, or a government document (such as a tax return or court order). The documents must be dated within the last 30 days or must be recent enough that the address is still current. A piece of mail from a government agency counts if it shows your name and address.

The Written Knowledge Test and What It Covers

If you do not hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or Canada, you must pass Minnesota's written knowledge test. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You have 30 minutes to complete it.

The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. The questions come from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which you can read online at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or pick up at any DVS office. You can study the manual before your appointment, but you cannot bring it or any notes into the test room.

If you hold a valid license from another U.S. state or Canada, you may be waived from the written test. However, you must still pass the vision test and the driving test. Ask the DVS staff when you arrive whether you are waived.

Vision and Driving Tests Required for All New Applicants

Everyone explore for a new Minnesota license must pass a vision test and a driving test, regardless of whether you hold a license from another state. The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The driving test is a practical test in which you drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some offices have test vehicles) while an examiner watches and scores your performance. The test includes basic maneuvers such as starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. It also includes driving on public roads at normal speeds. The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's instructions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment.

Some DVS offices conduct the vision and driving tests on the same day as your process. Others require you to schedule a separate appointment at a testing location. When you call or visit to find your nearest office, ask whether testing is done on-site or at a separate location.

Fees and License Validity Periods

The fee for a new Minnesota driver's license is $25 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you explore. You pay at the DVS office when you submit your documents. Minnesota accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Your license will be valid for the term you choose, starting on the day it is issued. If you turn 65 during the validity period, your license will remain valid until the expiration date printed on it. Renewal rules are different from new credential rules, so keep track of your expiration date.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel), there is no additional fee. You will receive a Real ID-compliant license automatically if you bring the required documents. If you do not want a Real ID-compliant license, you can request a standard license instead, but it will not be accepted for federal purposes.

How to Find a DVS Office and Schedule Your Appointment

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and using their office locator tool. You can also call 651-297-3298 to speak with someone who can direct you to the right location.

Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Check the website or call ahead to find out whether your office takes appointments and how to book one. During busy times (such as the beginning of the month or before holidays), wait times can be long even with an appointment.

Bring all your documents with you, along with your Social Security card or proof of your number. Arrive a few minutes early. If you fail the driving test, you can usually schedule a retest at the same office, but you will need to pay the fee again.

What Happens If You Fail the Driving Test

If you do not pass the driving test on your first attempt, you are not alone — many new drivers need more than one try. You can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment and pay the full fee again ($25 or $40, depending on which license term you chose). There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can schedule your retest as soon as the next available opening at your DVS office.

Before you retake the test, practice the skills the examiner noted as weak. Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop, speeding, not signaling, or hitting a curb while parking. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can focus your practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for proof of identity?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport card counts as proof of identity. It must be current and readable. A passport card is smaller than a full passport but serves the same purpose for driver's license applications.

What if my residency documents are older than 30 days?

Documents older than 30 days may still work if the address is still current and you can explain why the document is dated earlier. Bring the document anyway and ask the DVS staff whether they will accept it. A recent utility bill or bank statement is your safest bet because those are typically current.

Do I have to take the written test if I have a valid license from another country?

Yes, you must take Minnesota's written knowledge test if your license is from outside the United States or Canada. If your license is from a U.S. state or Canadian province, you may be waived from the written test but must still pass the vision and driving tests.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed with the driving test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the DVS office with proof that you now meet the vision standard. Bring your glasses or contacts with you on your next visit.

Can someone else pick up my license for me after I pass the test?

No. You must be present when your license is issued. The DVS office will take your photograph and confirm your identity in person. You cannot have someone else collect it on your behalf.