Check the Status of Your Minnesota License Online First
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not offer a real-time tracking system for licenses in transit. However, you can check whether your license has been processed and mailed by logging into your account on the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-2126. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
If the system shows your license was mailed but you have not received it, the next step depends on how long ago you applied or renewed. Standard processing takes 5 to 7 business days after you pass your test or submit your renewal. Mailing typically adds another 5 to 10 business days depending on your location within Minnesota.
If you applied online or by mail, confirm that DPS received your documents. You can request a status update by phone or by visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with your receipt or process confirmation number.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota DPS does not track licenses in the mail, but you can confirm whether yours was processed and mailed by calling 651-297-2126 or checking your online account.
- Standard processing takes 5 to 7 business days, and postal delivery adds another 5 to 10 business days depending on where you live in Minnesota.
- If your license was mailed more than three weeks ago and you still have not received it, contact DPS to report it as lost in transit and request a replacement.
- A temporary paper license issued at the time of your test or renewal is valid for driving while you wait for your plastic card to arrive.
- If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can request an expedited replacement at a Driver and Vehicle Services office for an additional fee.
Timeline: When Your License Should Arrive
The arrival window depends on when and how you submitted your process. If you took your test at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, your temporary paper license was issued on the spot and is valid for driving when ready. Your plastic card is mailed within 5 to 7 business days after you pass.
If you renewed by mail, the timeline starts when DPS receives your completed process and documents. Mail delivery to DPS can take 3 to 5 business days, so add that to the processing window. Once processed, your new license is mailed within the same 5 to 7 business day window.
If you renewed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, processing is faster — usually 3 to 5 business days — because your documents are already in the system. Mailing still takes 5 to 10 business days after that.
| process Method | Processing Time | Mailing Time | Total Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person test at office | Same day (temporary issued) | 5–10 business days | 5–10 business days for plastic card |
| Renewal by mail | 3–5 days to receive + 5–7 days to process | 5–10 business days | 13–22 business days |
| Renewal online | 3–5 business days | 5–10 business days | 8–15 business days |
What to Do If Your License Has Not Arrived After Three Weeks
If more than three weeks have passed since DPS confirmed your license was mailed and you still have not received it, contact Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-2126 to report it as lost in transit. Have your process confirmation number or receipt ready. DPS will file a report and can issue a replacement card.
You have two options for a replacement: standard reissuance (mailed within 5 to 7 business days) or expedited replacement (available at a Driver and Vehicle Services office the same day). Expedited replacement costs an additional fee — check the current fee on the Minnesota DPS website, as it changes periodically.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, your temporary paper license remains valid. You can also request a duplicate temporary license at any Driver and Vehicle Services office if you have lost the original.
How to Request an Expedited Replacement License
An expedited replacement is the fastest way to get a new plastic license if yours is lost in the mail or damaged. You must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with your receipt or process confirmation number and a valid form of identification. The office will issue your new license on the spot, usually within the same day.
Expedited replacement is not the same as expedited mail delivery. You cannot pay extra to have DPS mail your license faster. The only way to speed up the process is to pick up your replacement in person at an office.
Bring your Social Security number or driver's license number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and a valid ID. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, you may also need to sign a statement explaining what happened. Call ahead to confirm which documents your local office requires.
Verify Your Address Is Correct in the System
A common reason licenses do not arrive is an incorrect mailing address on file with DPS. If you moved recently or updated your address during renewal, confirm that DPS has the right information. You can check your address by calling 651-297-2126 or by logging into your account on the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
If your address is wrong, you must correct it before requesting a replacement. You can update your address online through the Secretary of State website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Once corrected, request a replacement license and it will be mailed to your current address.
If your license was mailed to an old address and you no longer live there, contact the current resident or your mail forwarding service to see if they can intercept it. You can also file a report with DPS that your license was mailed to an incorrect address and request a replacement to your current address.
Temporary License: What It Is and How Long It Is Valid
When you pass your driving test or complete an in-person renewal at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, you receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary is valid for driving in Minnesota and nationwide while you wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail.
Your temporary license is valid for 60 days from the date it was issued. If your plastic card has not arrived by then, you can request a duplicate temporary at any Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your receipt or confirmation number and a valid ID.
Do not laminate or alter your temporary license. Carry it with you whenever you drive, along with proof of insurance. Law enforcement will accept it as a valid license. If you lose your temporary, you can get a replacement at any office, but you will need to show ID and may need to pay a small replacement fee.
Contact Information and Office Locations
To check the status of your license or report it lost in transit, call Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-2126. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Have your driver's license number, Social Security number, or process confirmation number ready.
You can also visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to check status, request a replacement, or update your address. Office locations and hours are listed on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment. Check your local office's website or call ahead before visiting.
If you are outside Minnesota and need to reach DPS, you can mail a written inquiry to the address listed on the Secretary of State website, but phone contact is faster for status checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with my temporary license if my plastic card is lost in the mail?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 60 days and is accepted for driving in all 50 states. You do not need to wait for your plastic card to arrive. If your temporary expires before your plastic card arrives, you can request a duplicate temporary at any Driver and Vehicle Services office.
What if I moved after I applied for my license?
Contact DPS at 651-297-2126 to update your address before your license is mailed. If it was already mailed to your old address, request a replacement and it will be sent to your new address. You can also update your address online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
How do I know if DPS actually mailed my license?
Call 651-297-2126 with your process confirmation number or driver's license number. The representative can tell you whether your license was processed and mailed, and when. If it was mailed more than three weeks ago and you have not received it, report it as lost in transit.
Can I pay to have my license mailed faster?
No. DPS does not offer expedited mail delivery. The only way to get your license faster is to request an expedited replacement at a Driver and Vehicle Services office and pick it up in person the same day. This costs an additional fee beyond the standard replacement cost.
What do I do if someone else receives my license in the mail?
Contact DPS when ready at 651-297-2126 to report it. If the person who received it is willing to return it, ask them to mail it back to you or to DPS. If you cannot recover it, request a replacement license. You may also want to monitor your credit report in case the license is used fraudulently.