Driver’s Licenses and MN State IDs

To renew your driver’s license:

• Submit current driver’s license
• Take the vision test
• Allow a photo to be taken
• Applicants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent
• You are encouraged to use the online pre-application tool before visiting the license center.
• Renewals are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment is required.

To obtain a duplicate driver’s license or instruction permit:

• Submit proof of identity ID/Residency Requirements. Download ID/Residency Requirements
• Applicants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent
• Duplicates are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment is required.

If you do not have a driver’s license, you may apply for a state identification card:

• Submit proof of identity ID/Residency Requirements. Download ID/Residency Requirements
• Provide verification of physical or mental disability
• Allow a photo to be taken
• MN State Identification Cards are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment is required.

To obtain a driver’s instruction permit:

• Submit valid test score sheet or current permit
• Take the vision test and allow a picture to be taken
• Applicants under 18 year of age must be accompanied by a parent.
• Permits are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment is required.

An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) is a dual-purpose, optional card that combines a standard driver’s license with a border crossing document. The card allows a Minnesota resident to re-enter the U.S. by land or seaport when returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean, speeding passage back across the border. There are specific requirements for obtaining an EDL.  Aside from the required documents, the applicant will need to provide the name and birthplace of both parents.  Always check with your destination for ID requirements before traveling. You are encouraged to use the online pre-application tool before visiting the license center.

Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment is required.

REAL IDs set the requirements for state driver’s licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes such as boarding an airplane for domestic travel or entering certain secure federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards are currently available in Minnesota. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID, Enhanced driver’s license or ID or passport to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. For more information, please visit Driver & Vehicle Services. You are encouraged to use the online pre-application tool before visiting the license center.

Driver’s Licenses and Identification Cards are processed 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on regular business days – no appointment is required.

This indicator requires a DD 214 or equivalent military discharge document such as the WD AGO, NAVPERS, military retiree identification card, veteran identification card, veteran health identification card or NGB 22 with at least 181 total days of ACTIVE military service and a characterization of services of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions).  Individuals who have retired from the National Guard or Reserve are eligible as well.  The NGB 22 or DD 214 will indicate Retired or Retirement in the Type of Separation box. “Veteran” will be listed on the front of the Driver’s License. The veteran indication is there to show the person is a veteran and the ID then may be used at businesses for veteran discounts. If a veteran does not have this indication status on their license, it does not affect any of their VA benefits or anything else.

As of March 20, 2025, updated documents are required for the following applications:

• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
• Initial Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Transfer of CDL
• Renew CDL
• Duplicate CDL
• Upgrade CDL (endorsement and class)
• Non-Domiciled CLP/CDL (Non-U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)

Watch for a letter from Minnesota DVS or get more information on their website.