The Documents You'll Need

To get a Minnesota Enhanced Driver's License, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of Minnesota residency. You'll also need your Social Security number. Unlike a standard Real ID driver's license, an Enhanced license requires one extra document: proof of citizenship. That's the main difference in what you bring to the exam station.

Minnesota accepts a limited list of citizenship documents. You can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of Citizenship, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you're bringing a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal — a photocopy won't work. The document must show your name, date of birth, and place of birth.

You'll also need to show your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. This proves your Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return or W-2.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of citizenship — a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad — which is required for an Enhanced license but not a standard Real ID license.
  • Bring one document proving your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or a 1099 form.
  • You need proof of Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • Bring a valid form of identity such as a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver's license.
  • If you're renewing an Enhanced license, you may be able to use the mail-in process and won't need to bring all documents in person.

Proof of Identity

Minnesota accepts several forms of identity at the exam station. A U.S. passport is the strongest option. You can also bring a military ID, a current driver's license or ID from another state, a tribal ID, or a passport card. If you're under 18, a school ID paired with another document may work, but call your local exam station first to confirm.

The document must not be expired, or it must have expired no more than five years ago. If you're bringing an out-of-state driver's license, it should still be valid or expired within the last five years.

Proof of Minnesota Residency

You need one document showing you live in Minnesota. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a bank or credit union statement, an insurance policy, or a vehicle registration.

The document must show your name and your current Minnesota address. A post office box does not count as proof of residency. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or mortgage statement along with a utility bill in your old name, and explain the situation at the exam station.

What to Bring If You're Renewing by Mail

Minnesota allows you to renew an Enhanced Driver's License by mail if your current license is not expired and you haven't changed your name, address, or other information. If you renew by mail, you don't need to bring documents to an exam station — you mail in your process, your current license, and a check or money order.

You'll still need to provide your Social Security number on the process form. If you're renewing by mail and your citizenship status has changed, or if you need to update any information, you must go to an exam station in person and bring all the documents listed above.

Documents You Don't Need to Bring

You do not need to bring your original Social Security card if you have another document showing your number. You do not need to bring your birth certificate if you have a passport or Certificate of Naturalization. You do not need to bring multiple forms of identity — one valid form is enough.

You do not need to bring documents proving your name change if you're renewing a license that already shows your current legal name. If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document showing the change.

What Happens at the Exam Station

When you arrive at a Minnesota exam station, a staff member will review your documents and make copies of them. They will verify your identity, check your citizenship status, and confirm your residency. They will also take your photograph and your signature for the license.

You'll pay the fee for an Enhanced Driver's License at this time. The fee varies depending on whether you're explore for a new license or renewing, and how long you want the license to be valid. After you pass the written and road tests (if required), your Enhanced license will be mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days.

If You're Missing a Document

If you arrive at the exam station without one of the required documents, staff cannot issue your Enhanced license that day. You'll need to go home, find the document, and return. Some exam stations are very busy, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm you have everything.

If you don't have a certified birth certificate and can't get one quickly, ask the exam station whether you can use a different citizenship document. If you don't have proof of your Social Security number, you may be able to explore for a Social Security card first — the Social Security Administration office can issue one in a few days if you bring your birth certificate and passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. Your birth certificate must be a certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal. A photocopy is not accepted. You can order a certified copy from the county or state where you were born, usually for $10 to $25.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport is still accepted as proof of citizenship and identity at a Minnesota exam station. However, if your passport expired more than five years ago, call your local exam station to confirm it will be accepted.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, tax return, or 1099 form is enough to prove your Social Security number. You don't need to bring your card. The document must show your name and Social Security number clearly.

Can I use a lease with my roommate's name on it?

No. Your proof of residency must show your name and your current Minnesota address. If you're on a lease with a roommate, ask your landlord for a letter on company letterhead confirming your residency, or bring a utility bill in your name instead.

What if I changed my name but my birth certificate still shows my old name?

Bring your birth certificate along with a legal document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The exam station will use both documents to verify your identity and citizenship.