What you need to do right now

To replace a lost Minnesota driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, bring proof of identity and Minnesota residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online — Minnesota requires you to appear in person. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 60 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

The replacement fee is $16.50 for a standard license and $19.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license. You will leave with a temporary paper license that works for driving when ready, and your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office in person with a valid ID and proof of Minnesota residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $16.50 for a standard license and $19.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license, as of 2024.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that works for 60 days, and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.

Documents you need to bring to the DVS office

Minnesota requires two types of documents: one for identity and one for residency. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your passport, U.S. birth certificate, Social Security card, or a valid ID from another state. A photocopy will not work — the document must be original or certified.

For proof of Minnesota residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or a letter from your employer or school. A piece of mail with your name and address will work if it is from a government agency, financial institution, or utility company.

If you do not have these documents, you can bring other forms of ID — ask the DVS office what alternatives they accept. Some offices are more flexible than others, so calling ahead can save you a trip.

Finding a DVS office near you and what to expect

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State website and searching their office locator, or by calling 651-296-6911. Some offices take walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check before you go, because wait times vary widely.

When you arrive, bring your documents and be ready to pay the replacement fee in cash, check, or debit card (credit cards are not accepted at all offices). You will be asked to sign a form confirming that your license was lost, and you will have a new photo taken. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will leave with a temporary paper license that is valid for 60 days. This temporary license works for driving, voting, and most other purposes. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The fee to replace a lost Minnesota driver's license is $16.50 for a standard license and $19.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license. These prices were current as of 2024 but may change — confirm the exact amount when you call or visit the office.

The fee covers the new license card and the temporary paper license you receive on the spot. If you need your license sooner than 7 to 10 business days, Minnesota does not offer expedited mail service, so the temporary license is your only option for driving in the meantime.

If your license was stolen rather than lost

If your license was stolen, the steps to replace it are the same as for a lost license — you still visit a DVS office with your documents and pay the replacement fee. However, you may also want to take extra steps to protect yourself from identity theft.

Consider reporting the theft to your local police department and getting a report number. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them — they will notify the others. A fraud alert is free and lasts one year, and it tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also request a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to check for unauthorized accounts or activity.

What to do if you cannot visit a DVS office in person

Minnesota law requires you to appear in person to replace a lost license — there is no exception for people who are homebound, out of state, or unable to travel. If you are temporarily out of state, you can visit a DVS office when you return to Minnesota. If you are unable to leave your home due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local DVS office to ask whether they can make an exception or refer you to an alternative process.

If you are in the military and stationed outside Minnesota, you may be able to renew or replace your license by mail through the Military Interstate Driver's License Compact. Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State office at 651-296-6911 to ask whether you may have access to.

After your new license arrives

Your new plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, your temporary paper license is no longer valid for driving, though you can keep it as a record. Destroy the temporary license or keep it in a safe place — do not carry it as a backup ID.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DVS office where you applied. They can check the status of your order and reissue the license if it was lost in the mail. There is no additional fee for a reissue due to mail loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license online or by mail?

No. Minnesota requires you to replace a lost license in person at a DVS office. You cannot do it online, by mail, or by phone. You must bring original or certified proof of identity and residency.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid for 60 days from the date you receive it. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary license is usually just a backup. Once your plastic license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid for driving.

What if I lost my license out of state — can I replace it by mail?

No. You must return to Minnesota and visit a DVS office in person. If you are stationed out of state in the military, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State at 651-296-6911 to ask about the Military Interstate Driver's License Compact, which may allow you to renew or replace your license by mail.

Do I need to report a lost license to the police?

You do not have to report a lost license to police unless you believe it was stolen or used fraudulently. If you suspect theft, a police report can help protect you from identity theft and provides documentation if someone uses your license illegally.

What if my new license arrives with the wrong information on it?

Contact the DVS office where you applied when ready. Bring your temporary paper license and the incorrect plastic license. They will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was made by the DVS office.