What a Deputy Registrar and Driver's License Agent Does
A Deputy Registrar and a Driver's License Agent are two different offices in Burnsville that both issue Minnesota driver's licenses and ID cards, but they handle different types of transactions. Understanding which one you need saves you a trip.
The Deputy Registrar's office is run by Dakota County and handles the full range of license services: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. A Driver's License Agent is a private business licensed by the state to issue licenses and ID cards, but with some limits on what they can do. Both can take your photo, collect your documents, and process your process on the spot.
For a first-time license in Burnsville, either location works, but the Deputy Registrar is the official county office and may have more availability during busy seasons. The Driver's License Agent can be faster if you need to get in and out quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Burnsville has a Deputy Registrar office (Dakota County) and private Driver's License Agents, both of which can issue your first driver's license.
- The Deputy Registrar handles all license types and transactions, while Driver's License Agents have some restrictions on what they can process.
- You will need your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number at either location.
- Both offices take your photo and collect documents the same day, but processing times and hours vary between locations.
- Call ahead or check online hours before you go, because both can have wait times during peak hours.
Dakota County Deputy Registrar in Burnsville
The Dakota County Deputy Registrar is located at 1590 Cliff Road, Burnsville, MN 55337. This is the official county office, and it is the most complete resource for driver's license services. You can get a new license, renew an expired one, replace a lost or damaged license, change your address, or update your name.
The Deputy Registrar is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Wait times are typically shorter in the morning and mid-week. You do not need an appointment, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times: (952) 891-7000.
Bring your learner's permit, a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of residence (utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The Deputy Registrar will take your photo, verify your documents, and issue your license the same day if everything is in order.
Private Driver's License Agents in Burnsville
Burnsville has several private Driver's License Agents licensed by the state to issue licenses and ID cards. These are independent businesses, not county offices, and they often have evening and weekend hours. Common locations include offices near shopping centers and downtown areas.
Driver's License Agents can issue new licenses, renewals, and replacements, but they cannot handle certain transactions like name changes or address corrections on licenses issued in other states. For a first-time Minnesota license, a Driver's License Agent works fine. Hours vary by location, but many are open until 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and some are open on Saturday mornings.
To find a Driver's License Agent near you, search online for "Driver's License Agent Burnsville" or call the Dakota County Deputy Registrar at (952) 891-7000 and ask for a list of nearby agents. Bring the same documents you would bring to the Deputy Registrar: learner's permit, photo ID, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number.
Documents You Need at Either Location
Whether you go to the Deputy Registrar or a Driver's License Agent, you must bring the same core documents. Have them ready before you arrive so the process moves faster.
Proof of identity: A government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. A learner's permit counts as proof of identity for a first-time license.
Proof of residence: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Burnsville address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.
Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your card, bring a document with your number on it.
Your learner's permit: You must have a valid Minnesota learner's permit before you can get a driver's license. If your permit has expired, you will need to renew it first.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive at either the Deputy Registrar or a Driver's License Agent, you will check in and wait for your turn. The staff will review your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take a new photo for your license. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if your documents are complete and correct.
The staff will verify that your learner's permit is valid, check your proof of residence and Social Security number, and confirm your address. If everything matches, they will issue your license on the spot. You will walk out with a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If any document is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not leave without asking exactly what is wrong so you can fix it before your next visit.
Differences Between the Deputy Registrar and Driver's License Agents
| Service | Deputy Registrar | Driver's License Agent |
|---|---|---|
| New driver's license | Yes | Yes |
| License renewal | Yes | Yes |
| License replacement (lost/damaged) | Yes | Yes |
| Name change on license | Yes | No |
| Address change on license | Yes | Limited |
| Weekday hours | 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Often until 6–7 p.m. |
| Weekend hours | No | Some locations open Saturday |
Tips for a Smooth Visit
Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you do not lose anything while you wait. Make a copy of your Social Security card and proof of residence before you go, in case the staff needs to keep them on file.
Arrive early in the day or mid-week if you can. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are typically the busiest times. If you are going to a Driver's License Agent, call first to confirm they are open and ask about current wait times.
Wear something you are happy with in a photo, because your license photo will be taken that day and will be valid for the next eight years. Avoid hats, sunglasses, and busy patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going in person?
Minnesota allows online renewal for some licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or name. For a first-time license, you must go in person to the Deputy Registrar or a Driver's License Agent to take the written and road tests and have your photo taken.
What if I do not have proof of residence?
You must have proof of residence dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address, or bring a lease agreement with your name on it. Call the Deputy Registrar at (952) 891-7000 to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, call the Deputy Registrar to report it.
Do I need an appointment at the Deputy Registrar?
No appointment is required, but you can call (952) 891-7000 to ask about wait times before you go. If wait times are very long, you might choose to visit a Driver's License Agent instead, which often has shorter lines.
Can a Driver's License Agent handle my name change?
No. If you need to change your name on your license, you must go to the Dakota County Deputy Registrar. Bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change, along with your other documents.