What you need to get a Minnesota driver's license

Minnesota issues a standard driver's license to residents who pass a written test, vision screening, and driving test. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. The state also requires you to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and signature.

The documents that satisfy each requirement vary. For identity, Minnesota accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate paired with a photo ID from another source. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. Your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return works for the Social Security number requirement.

Lawful presence is the requirement that most often trips people up. You'll need an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card. If you were born outside the U.S., the document must be certified by the issuing country or a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original or certified documents proving identity, Minnesota residency, Social Security number, and lawful presence — photocopies alone will not work.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Minnesota Driver's Manual online.
  • A standard Minnesota driver's license costs $24.50 and is valid for eight years, or $16.50 for a four-year license if you are under 21.
  • The entire process from first visit to license in hand typically takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly the state processes your process.
  • You must pass the vision screening and written test at your first visit, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test.

Where to explore and what to bring

You explore at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The state operates about 90 exam stations across Minnesota, including locations in most county seats and major cities. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies — the DVS will not accept photocopies. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration; this adds several weeks to the timeline. Bring glasses or contacts if you need them for driving. Bring a pen to sign documents at the office.

You do not need to make an appointment at most Minnesota DVS offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's website before you go, because walk-in availability varies by location and time of day.

The written test and vision screening

At your first visit, you'll take a vision screening and a written test. The vision screening checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without correction. If you fail, you may be referred to an eye care professional, and you cannot proceed to the driving test until you pass.

The written test has 40 questions covering Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the DVS staff which languages are available at your location. You can study using the free Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is available online and in print at DVS offices.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. There is no fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the manual beforehand.

The driving test and scheduling

You cannot take the driving test on the same day as your written test. After you pass the written test and vision screening, DVS staff will give you information about scheduling your driving test. In most of Minnesota, you can schedule online through the Secretary of State website or by phone. Some rural areas may require you to schedule in person.

The driving test takes about 30 minutes. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle belonging to someone else, as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A DVS examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. The examiner also observes your use of mirrors, signals, and awareness of other traffic.

You must pass the driving test to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but there is usually a wait of several days to a few weeks depending on how busy the office is. Each retake costs the same as the original test.

Cost and how long it takes

A standard Minnesota driver's license costs $24.50 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, you can choose a four-year license for $16.50. The fee covers the written test, vision screening, driving test, and the license itself.

The entire process from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail typically takes two to four weeks. The DVS processes applications in the order they are received. You will receive a temporary paper license at your first visit, valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

If you need your license faster, some DVS offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15. Ask at your local office whether rush processing is available and what the exact cost is.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Minnesota, you do not have to take the written or driving test again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Minnesota license by visiting a DVS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of lawful presence. The exchange fee is usually $24.50, the same as a new license.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to take the written test and driving test as if you were a new driver. If your license was suspended or revoked in another state, Minnesota may not issue you a license until you clear that status with the other state.

Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses

Minnesota offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 7, 2025.

To get a REAL ID-compliant license, you follow the same process as a standard license, but you must bring additional proof of your current address. The fee is the same: $24.50 for an eight-year license. Your REAL ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, a REAL ID-compliant license is now required. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving and other everyday uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Minnesota offers the written test in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and several other languages. The available languages vary by DVS office location. Call your local office or check the Secretary of State website to confirm which languages are offered where you plan to test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after a waiting period, usually several days to a few weeks. Each retake costs the same fee as the original test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing more.

Do I need a Minnesota address to get a Minnesota driver's license?

Yes. You must show proof of Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact your local DVS office to ask about alternative documentation options.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew a Minnesota driver's license online if your license is not expired and you have no suspensions or restrictions. Visit the Secretary of State website to renew online. If your license is expired or you have restrictions, you must renew in person at a DVS office.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card to prove lawful presence. If your birth certificate was issued outside the U.S., it must be certified by the issuing country or a U.S. embassy or consulate. A photocopy will not work.