A new credential process is how Minnesota tracks that you're getting your first driver's license or ID card, or replacing one that's expired, lost, or damaged

When you walk into a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office or explore online, the form you fill out is called a new credential process. It's the official paperwork that tells the state you want a license or ID card issued in your name. The word "new" doesn't always mean you've never had one before — it means the state is creating a fresh credential for you, whether that's your first one or your fifth.

Minnesota uses this term to separate applications for brand-new credentials from applications to renew a license that's still valid. If your license hasn't expired yet and you just want to update your address or photo, that's a renewal. If your license expired, you lost it, or you're explore for the first time, that's a new credential process. The distinction matters because the documents you need and the steps you follow are different.

Key Takeaways

  • A new credential process is Minnesota's term for getting a driver's license or ID card issued for the first time, or replacing one that expired, was lost, or was damaged.
  • You can submit a new credential process in person at any DVS office or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, depending on your situation.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — the exact documents vary by credential type.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and a road test before the state issues a driver's license; ID card applicants do not take tests.
  • Processing time is typically two to three weeks after you submit your process, though expedited options exist if you pay an extra fee.

When you need a new credential process instead of a renewal

You file a new credential process if your current license or ID card is expired, lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use. You also file one if you've never had a Minnesota driver's license or ID card before, even if you hold a valid license from another state. The state treats these situations the same way — as requests for a fresh credential — even though your experience at the DVS office will be different depending on whether you're a first-time driver or someone replacing an old one.

If your license is still valid but you need to change your address, update your photo, or correct your name after marriage or legal change, you file a renewal process instead. Renewals are simpler and faster because you're not getting a new credential issued; you're updating an existing one. The DVS website has a tool that tells you which type of process you need based on your situation.

Documents you'll bring to a new credential process

Minnesota requires three categories of documents for a new credential process: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You don't need all three from the same source — the state accepts a list of documents for each category, and you pick one from each.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a visa, or a military ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement with your name and current Minnesota address. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you're explore for a Real ID-compliant credential (which you'll need for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), you'll also need to prove your legal presence in the U.S. — usually with a passport or birth certificate.

Bring the originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DVS office will examine them and may keep copies on file. If you don't have one of the required documents, ask the DVS staff what alternatives they accept — some documents can substitute for others depending on your situation.

How to submit a new credential process online or in person

Minnesota allows you to start a new credential process online through the Secretary of State website, but you will still need to visit a DVS office in person to finish it. The online step lets you fill in your information, upload photos, and pay fees before you go — which saves time when you arrive. You'll get a confirmation number that you bring with you.

If you prefer to skip the online step, you can walk into any DVS office, fill out the process on paper, and complete the whole process in one visit. DVS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening or Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Secretary of State website.

Bring all your documents, your confirmation number (if you applied online), and a valid payment method. The fee for a new driver's license is $40 for an eight-year credential or $25 for a four-year credential. An ID card costs $16.50 for four years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Written and road tests for first-time driver's license applicants

If you're explore for your first Minnesota driver's license, you must pass a written test and a road test before the state issues your credential. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices — it's based on the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which you can read free online or pick up at any DVS office. You have 40 questions and must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

The road test happens after you pass the written test. A DVS examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) and watches you drive for about 20 minutes. They're checking that you can handle basic driving tasks — starting, stopping, turning, parking, and responding to traffic. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you fail either test, you can retake it, though you may have to pay a retest fee.

If you're explore for an ID card instead of a driver's license, you don't take any tests. An ID card proves your identity and residency but doesn't give you permission to drive.

Processing time and what happens after you submit

After you submit your new credential process, Minnesota typically processes it within two to three weeks. You'll receive your credential by mail at the address you provided on the process. If you need it faster, you can pay an extra fee for expedited processing, which usually cuts the time in half, though exact timelines vary.

While you're waiting, you can request a temporary paper permit that lets you drive legally if you passed your road test. This temporary permit is valid for 30 days and gives you time to receive your plastic card in the mail. Ask the DVS staff about this option when you submit your process.

If your process is missing information or documents, the DVS office will contact you by phone or email. Respond quickly so your process doesn't get delayed. If you move before your credential arrives, contact the Secretary of State to update your address.

Real ID compliance and what it means for your new credential

When you explore for a new credential in Minnesota, you can choose a standard driver's license or ID card, or a Real ID-compliant version. A Real ID credential has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting in 2025, you'll need a Real ID credential or a passport to enter federal buildings, military bases, and to board domestic flights.

Getting a Real ID credential costs the same as a standard one, but you need to bring extra documents proving your legal presence in the U.S. — usually a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. If you don't have these documents, you can still get a standard credential, but you'll need a passport or other federal ID to fly or enter federal buildings.

You don't have to choose Real ID right now. You can get a standard credential and upgrade to Real ID later by visiting a DVS office with the required documents. Many people wait until they need to fly or enter a federal building, then upgrade at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a new credential online and skip the office visit?

No. Minnesota lets you start the process online to save time, but you must visit a DVS office in person to finish it, provide your original documents, and take any required tests. You cannot complete the entire process online.

What if I moved to Minnesota from another state and still have a valid license?

You can keep your out-of-state license as long as it's valid. When it expires, you'll file a new credential process to get a Minnesota license. If you want to switch to a Minnesota license before it expires, you can file a new credential process right away — bring your current out-of-state license as proof of identity.

Do I have to take the written test again if I failed it the first time?

Yes. You can retake the written test as many times as you need. Each attempt may have a retest fee, which varies. There's no waiting period between attempts, so you can retake it the same day if you want to study and try again.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Minnesota requires proof of a Social Security number for a new credential. If you don't have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you visit the DVS office. Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the SSA confirming your number.

Can someone else pick up my credential if I can't go to the office?

No. You must appear in person to submit your new credential process and provide your original documents. The DVS staff verify your identity before accepting your process. You cannot send someone else to do this step for you.