Get a replacement license by visiting a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person with proof of identity and residency

Minnesota requires you to replace a lost driver's license at a DVS office — you cannot do it by mail or online. You will need to bring documents that prove who you are and where you live, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. The process usually takes less than an hour if you bring the right paperwork.

You can find your nearest DVS office on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Walk-in service is available at most locations, though some offices accept appointments. Bring your documents with you; staff will not accept them by mail or email.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office in person with a valid ID document and proof of your current address to get a replacement license.
  • The replacement fee is $16.50 for a standard license and $21.50 for an enhanced license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or another state's driver's license; a birth certificate alone is not enough.
  • Your new license will be mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days after you complete your process at the office.
  • If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper permit at the DVS office on the day you explore.

What documents you need to bring

Minnesota requires two types of documents: one that proves your identity and one that proves where you live. You cannot use a single document for both purposes.

For proof of identity, bring one of these:

  • A valid U.S. passport
  • A military ID card (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent)
  • A tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A driver's license or ID card from another U.S. state or territory
  • A passport card
  • A REAL ID-compliant ID from another state

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current Minnesota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A piece of mail from your employer, insurance company, or school counts if it shows your address.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DVS staff will not accept a name change without proof.

The replacement fee and what you get

A standard Minnesota driver's license replacement costs $16.50. If you want an enhanced license (which allows you to enter federal buildings and cross the U.S. border by land or sea without a passport), the fee is $21.50. You pay the fee at the DVS office when you submit your process.

After you pay and have your photo taken, DVS will mail your new license to the address you provide. Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. Your new license will have a new number and expiration date based on your age and license type.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the DVS staff for a temporary paper permit on the day you explore. This permit is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal driving document while you wait for your permanent license.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If someone stole your license or you think it has been used fraudulently, tell the DVS staff when you explore for the replacement. They can flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. You do not need a police report to do this, though you may want to file one separately if you believe identity theft has occurred.

If you are concerned about fraud beyond the lost license itself — for example, if you think someone opened accounts in your name — contact the Minnesota Attorney General's office or the Federal Trade Commission. They can guide you through steps to protect your identity. The DVS replacement process itself does not address identity theft; it only replaces the physical license.

Replacing a license if you have a suspended or revoked status

If your Minnesota license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. A lost license does not clear a suspension — the suspension stays on your record.

Before you go to a DVS office, check your driving status on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. If you have a suspension or revocation, contact the court or agency that issued it to find out what you must do to restore your driving rights. This might involve paying a fine, completing a program, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your status is cleared, you can explore for a replacement license.

Replacing a license if you do not have a current address

Minnesota requires a current address on your driver's license. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a trusted friend's or family member's address, or a social service agency's address as your mailing address. Bring a document from that location dated within the last 30 days that shows the address and your name.

Some DVS offices work with homeless services organizations. Call ahead to ask if your local office has experience with this situation — staff can sometimes help you find an acceptable address or document.

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

Minnesota does not offer mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must appear in person at a DVS office. If you are unable to travel to an office due to disability or medical reasons, call the DVS office nearest you to ask about accommodations. Some offices can arrange for you to complete the process with information or at a time that works for your situation.

If you are temporarily out of state, you can still replace your license by visiting a DVS office when you return to Minnesota. Your old license remains valid for identification purposes even though it is lost, so you can use other ID to travel or conduct business in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a passport or ID from another state?

No. Minnesota requires one of the specific identity documents listed above. A birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID does not count. If you do not have any of the accepted documents, you will need to obtain one first — usually a passport from the U.S. State Department or a tribal ID from your tribe's enrollment office.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

DVS mails licenses within 5 to 10 business days after you complete your process at the office. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days. If you have not received your license after 10 business days, contact the DVS office where you applied.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No. You can replace a stolen license without a police report. However, if you suspect the license has been used fraudulently or if identity theft is involved, filing a police report creates a record that may help you later. Tell DVS staff that the license was stolen so they can flag it in the system.

What if I moved and my address changed after I lost my license?

Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 30 days. DVS will issue your replacement license with your current address. You do not need to update your address separately — it happens as part of the replacement process.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DVS office. You cannot have it mailed to someone else or pick it up at the office later. If you need to change the mailing address after you explore, contact the DVS office where you applied as soon as possible.