What you need to do to get a replacement license in Minnesota
To replace a lost driver's license in Minnesota, you visit a Deputy Registrar office in person with proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 60 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your old one unless you choose to renew it at the same time.
Minnesota does not issue replacements by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Deputy Registrar office — these are scattered throughout the state in county auditor offices, some city halls, and private licensing agents. You cannot go to a Secretary of State office; only Deputy Registrars handle replacements.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Deputy Registrar office in person with a valid ID document and pay the replacement fee, which is $16.50 for a standard license.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 60 days, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.
- Your replacement license keeps the same number and expiration date as your lost license unless you choose to renew it at the same time.
- Deputy Registrar offices are located in county auditor offices, some city halls, and private licensing agents throughout Minnesota — not at Secretary of State offices.
- If you cannot find your lost license or need to report it stolen, you do not need to file a separate report; the replacement process handles this.
Documents you need to bring to the Deputy Registrar
You must bring one form of valid photo identification. Acceptable documents include a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or a Real ID-compliant ID from another state. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, or bank statement with your current address.
You also need to bring proof of your current Minnesota address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works. If you have moved recently and your address has not updated on any documents, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of mail from a government agency.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. The Deputy Registrar will ask for it during the transaction. If you do not know your number, you can look it up on a tax return, W-2, or Social Security card before you go.
The replacement fee and what it covers
The replacement fee for a standard Minnesota driver's license is $16.50. This fee covers the plastic card that will be mailed to you. You pay this fee at the Deputy Registrar office when you submit your replacement request.
If your lost license was a Real ID-compliant license and you want your replacement to be Real ID-compliant as well, there is no additional fee — the $16.50 covers it. However, if your old license was not Real ID-compliant and you want to upgrade to Real ID at the same time, you will pay the standard replacement fee plus the Real ID upgrade fee, which varies but is typically around $15 to $20 additional.
Payment methods vary by Deputy Registrar office. Most accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, but some smaller offices may accept only cash or check. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
Where to find a Deputy Registrar office near you
The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a searchable map of all Deputy Registrar locations. You can search by city or ZIP code to find the nearest office. Most county auditor offices serve as Deputy Registrars, so if you know your county seat, you can start there.
Private licensing agents also operate throughout Minnesota. These are independent businesses that handle driver's license transactions on behalf of the state. They charge the same state fee but may add a small service fee on top — usually $2 to $5. Check the Secretary of State's office locator to see which private agents are near you and whether they charge an additional fee.
Hours vary widely. County auditor offices typically keep standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch. Private agents may have extended evening or weekend hours. Check the office's hours before you go, especially if you are planning to visit during a lunch break or after work.
How long it takes to get your new license
The in-person transaction at the Deputy Registrar takes about 15 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave, valid for 60 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can use it to drive, board a plane, or prove your identity anywhere a driver's license is accepted.
Your plastic replacement card is mailed to the address you provide at the Deputy Registrar office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though delivery times can vary depending on where you live. If you live in a remote area, allow up to two weeks.
If your plastic card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.
What happens to your old license number and expiration date
Your replacement license will have the same license number as your lost license. Minnesota does not issue new numbers for replacements — the number stays with you. This means your driving record, insurance history, and any other records tied to that number remain unchanged.
Your expiration date also stays the same as your original license. If your lost license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will expire in 2027. You do not get extra time on your license just because it was lost.
If you want to renew your license at the same time you replace it, you can do that at the Deputy Registrar office. This costs an additional renewal fee (typically $24.50 for a standard license) on top of the $16.50 replacement fee, but you will receive a new expiration date and avoid having to return to the office again soon.
If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud
You do not need to file a separate police report to replace a stolen license. The replacement process itself is sufficient. However, if you believe someone may be using your license number fraudulently — for example, if you received a traffic ticket you did not receive or a violation notice — you should contact the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services office to report the fraud.
When you replace your license at the Deputy Registrar, mention that it was stolen rather than lost. The staff will make a note in the system. This does not change the replacement process or fee, but it creates a record that may help if fraudulent activity shows up on your driving record later.
If you are concerned about identity theft beyond just your driver's license, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitoring your credit report for unauthorized accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Minnesota requires you to appear in person at a Deputy Registrar office. You cannot replace a lost license online, by mail, or through any remote process. You must bring identification documents and pay the fee in person.
What if I do not have a photo ID or proof of address?
You can bring two non-photo documents instead of a photo ID — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, or bank statement. For proof of address, bring any document dated within the last 30 days showing your current address. If you have just moved and nothing is updated yet, a letter from your landlord or recent mail from a government agency will work.
Will my replacement license have a different number?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license. Minnesota does not issue new numbers for replacements. Your driving record and insurance history remain tied to the same number.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license?
The state replacement fee is $16.50. If you use a private licensing agent instead of a county auditor office, they may add a small service fee of $2 to $5 on top of the state fee. If you want to renew your license at the same time, add the renewal fee (typically $24.50).
What if my plastic card does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911. They can check whether your card was mailed and reissue it if it was lost in transit. In the meantime, your temporary paper license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere a plastic license is accepted.