What the Mall of America location offers for license replacement

Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) operates a full-service license office inside Mall of America in Bloomington. This location handles replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged documents the same way any other DVS office does — you bring your documents, pay the fee, and receive your replacement on the spot or by mail, depending on the type of ID you need.

The Mall of America office is not faster or cheaper than other DVS locations. It exists for convenience: if you are already at the mall, or if it is closer to your home or workplace than your local DVS office, you can handle your replacement there instead of driving to a separate government building. The process, timeline, and cost are identical to any other Minnesota DVS office.

This location does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn. Wait times vary by day and time of day — weekday mornings are typically shorter than weekend afternoons.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mall of America DVS office in Bloomington is a full-service location that handles replacement licenses the same way as any other Minnesota DVS office.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to receive a replacement license.
  • Standard replacement licenses cost $16.50 and are mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary paper license to use when ready.
  • No appointment is needed, but wait times are longest on weekend afternoons and shortest on weekday mornings.
  • If you need your license the same day, ask about the temporary license option when you arrive.

Documents you must bring to the Mall of America office

Bring the same documents you would bring to any Minnesota DVS office. You need one valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or another government-issued ID that shows your photo and signature. A Social Security card or ITIN letter is required to verify your number. You also need proof of Minnesota residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address on it.

If your original license was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it. If it was damaged, bring the damaged license itself — the office will take it and destroy it as part of the replacement process.

Bring your current address in writing if it has changed since your last license was issued. The DVS office will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.

The replacement process and timeline at this location

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. When you reach the counter, tell the staff member that you need a replacement license and explain whether it was lost, stolen, or damaged. Hand over your identification and residency proof. The staff member will verify your information in the system, take a new photo (unless you request to use your old photo), and process your replacement.

You have two options for receiving your new license. A standard replacement costs $16.50 and is mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days. A temporary paper license is printed when ready at no extra cost and is valid for 60 days while you wait for the permanent card. Most people choose the temporary license so they have proof of identity right away.

The entire transaction at the counter takes 10 to 15 minutes. The wait before your number is called depends on how busy the office is that day.

Hours and location details for the Mall of America office

The DVS office is located inside Mall of America at 5000 Center Court, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425. It is in the North Corridor of the mall. Parking is available throughout the mall; the office itself is accessible by car from the North Corridor parking area.

Hours vary by season and day of the week. The office is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on Sunday. However, hours change during holidays and may shift seasonally. Before you go, call the office at 612-297-2126 to confirm current hours, or check the Minnesota DVS website for the most recent schedule.

This location is busier than many smaller DVS offices because of its mall location and extended hours. If you want the shortest wait, go on a weekday morning between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Cost and payment methods

A replacement driver's license costs $16.50 in Minnesota, regardless of which DVS office you use. This fee covers the card itself and the processing. A temporary paper license is free and is issued on the spot.

The Mall of America office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Bring a payment method you are comfortable using; the office does not accept checks.

If you need a replacement for a different reason — such as a name change, address correction, or license class upgrade — the cost may be different. Ask the staff member at the counter if your situation involves additional fees.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you cannot go to the Mall of America office or any other DVS location, you can request a replacement license by mail. Contact Minnesota DVS directly at 651-296-6911 or visit the DVS website to request a mail-in form. You will need to mail in your documents, a completed process, and payment. Processing takes longer by mail — typically 2 to 3 weeks — and you will not receive a temporary license.

Mail-in replacement is useful if you live far from any DVS office or have a schedule that does not allow you to visit during business hours. However, it means you will be without a valid license for several weeks.

Common mistakes to avoid at the Mall of America office

Do not bring an expired or invalid ID as your proof of identity. The office will not accept it, and you will have to leave and return with a valid document. Bring a passport, military ID, or tribal ID if your driver's license is the document you are replacing.

Do not assume your address is current in the system. If you have moved since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address. The office will not update your address without documentation.

Do not forget to ask about the temporary paper license if you need to drive when ready. Some people assume they have to wait for the mailed card, but the temporary license is free and valid for 60 days.

Do not go on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday if you want a short wait. The mall is busiest then, and the office closes on Sunday entirely. Weekday mornings are your best bet for a quick transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the temporary paper license to drive right away?

Yes. The temporary license is valid for 60 days and counts as proof of your right to drive. You can use it when ready after you leave the office. Keep it with you while you drive, because police will accept it as your license.

What if I do not have proof of Minnesota residency?

You must have a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have one, contact Minnesota DVS before you go to the office to ask what alternatives they accept. Some people use a lease, others use a utility bill or bank statement. Call 651-296-6911 to confirm what will work for your situation.

How long does it take to get the permanent card in the mail?

Minnesota DVS typically mails replacement licenses within 5 to 10 business days. Delivery depends on your address and the postal service. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact DVS to check the status.

Is the Mall of America office faster than other DVS locations?

No. The process and timeline are the same at every Minnesota DVS office. The Mall of America location exists for convenience if you are already at the mall or if it is closer to your home. Choose it based on location and hours, not speed.

Can I replace my license if it is damaged but still readable?

Yes. Bring the damaged license with you. The office will take it and issue a replacement. Damage can be anything from a cracked card to faded text — the office will replace it either way.