Types of licenses Standard license Use it for: Federal purposes including domestic air travel - through May 7, 2025 Identification Driving Can’t be used for: Federal purposes including domestic air travel - after May 7, 2025 Real ID compliant license Can be issued to both U.S and non-U.S. citizens. Use it for: Domestic air travel Access to federal and military facilities Identification Driving Can’t be used for: U.S. border crossing Enhanced license Can only be issued to U.S. citizens. Use it for: Domestic air travel Access to federal and military facilities U.S. border crossing by land or sea Identification Driving
New or returning to Minnesota You have 60 days after moving to Minnesota to apply for your Minnesota driver's license or permit. Commercial drivers have 30 days. Testing Find a testing location Minnesota driver's manual (PDF) Road test Required if: Your license has been expired for more than 1 year You've moved to Minnesota from somewhere other than Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Northern Mariana or Canada Schedule an appointment Written knowledge test Required if: You're under 21 years old You've moved to Minnesota from somewhere other than places listed below Not required if: You're 21 years or older and have a valid, unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Northern Mariana or Canada. Schedule an appointment Application process Start your application online. Schedule an appointment. You can also come in to one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing. When you come in Standard license applicants need: Two primary or one primary and one secondary standard identification documents (PDF) Valid out-of-state driver's license or certified driving record Your Social Security number - if you have one REAL ID license applicants need: One proof of identity and two proof of residence REAL ID documents (PDF) Valid out-of-state driver's license or certified driving record Your Social Security number - if you have one Enhanced license applicants need: To be at least 16 years of age, a Minnesota resident and US citizen Multiple enhanced identification documents (PDF) Valid out-of-state driver's license or certified driving record Your Social Security number - if you have one Fee Standard and REAL ID license - $46 Enhanced license - $61 Payment options
First time drivers Follow these steps if you have a Minnesota permit or don't have valid license from another state. Minnesota driver's manual (PDF) Step 1 Take and pass a written knowledge test at a metro area driver's exam station. Step 2 Take and pass the road test. Schedule or reschedule an exam or road test. Step 3 Start your application online. Step 4 Schedule an appointment. You can also come in to one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing. When you come in Standard license applicants need: Two primary or one primary and one secondary standard identification documents (PDF) Your Social Security number - if you have one Your knowledge (written) test results If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application REAL ID license applicants need: One proof of identity and two proof of residence REAL ID documents (PDF) Your Social Security number - if you have one Your knowledge (written) test results If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application Enhanced license applicants need: To be at least 16 years of age, a Minnesota resident and US citizen Multiple enhanced identification documents (PDF) Your Social Security number - if you have one Your knowledge (written) test results If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application Fee Standard and REAL ID license - $46 Enhanced license - $61 Payment options
Renewal Minnesota driver’s licenses expire every 4 years on your birthday after the age of 21. Check your license for the expiration date. If your license has been expired for more than 1 year, but less than 5 years, you must pass a written knowledge and vision test before applying for a new license. Schedule or reschedule an exam or road test. Application process Start your application online. Schedule an appointment. You can also come in to one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing. When you come in You will need to pass a vision screening. Standard or REAL ID license applicants need: Your Social Security number - if you have one If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of one of the following specifying a name change: marriage certificate, divorce or dissolution of marriage decree, certified court order specifying a name change If your license has been expired for more than 1 year, but less than 5 years, bring your written knowledge test results. If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application Enhanced license applicants need: To be at least 16 years of age, a Minnesota resident and US citizen Your Social Security number - if you have one If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of one of the following specifying a name change: marriage certificate, divorce or dissolution of marriage decree, certified court order specifying a name change If your license has been expired for more than 1 year, but less than 5 years, bring your written knowledge test results. If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application Fee Standard and REAL ID license - $41 Enhanced license - $56 Payment options
Change name or address, or replacement Apply within 30 days of a name or address change or if you've lost your license. For a name change After you’ve applied for your name change with the Social Security Administration, wait 2 days before applying for your new ID. We must be able to verify your new name in the system. Social Security Administration Social Security Card FAQs Application process Start your application online. Schedule an appointment. You can also come in to one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing. When you come in Standard or REAL ID license applicants need: Your Social Security number - if you have one If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application Enhanced license applicants need: To be at least 16 years of age, a Minnesota resident and US citizen Your Social Security number - if you have one If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application Fee Standard and REAL ID license - $26 Enhanced license - $41 Payment options
Reinstatement In Minnesota, when you apply for reinstatement, you can also pay the associated fees. Application process Start your application online. Schedule an appointment. You can also come in to one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing.
REAL ID requirement extended to 2025 The deadline is May 7, 2025. After this date, for air travel or access to federal buildings, you'll need 1 of the following: A Real ID compliant license or ID An enhanced license or ID A passport REAL ID extended deadline.