For all new residents, the class D knowledge (written) test (and motorcycle, if appropriate) is required. The general knowledge, air brake, combination, doubles/triples and passenger knowledge tests are not required.

If you currently have a hazardous materials and/or school bus endorsement, you must pass the knowledge (written) test(s) in order to transfer the endorsement(s) to the Minnesota CDL. Endorsement fees are collected. For the hazardous materials endorsement, new fingerprints are required. Refer to the School Bus Endorsement Page and HazMat Page for more information on each endorsement.

If your out-of-state CDL is not endorsed for doubles/triples, tank vehicle and/or hazardous materials, these endorsements may be added to the Minnesota CDL by passing the knowledge (written) test(s) and paying the endorsement fee(s) before application, refer to the CDL Endorsements and Restrictions Page for more information.

Proof of Identity/Residency Requirements

To apply for a Minnesota driver's license, identification card or instruction permit, you may present a Minnesota driver's license, instruction permit or state identification card that is current or expired for five years or less if it has a photo, one year or less if it does not have a photo.

If you do not have one of these items, you must present one primary and one secondary form of identification. The primary document must contain your full legal name (first, middle and last) and the month, day and year of your birth.

• Identification Requirements
• Requisitos de Identificacion

Test Requirements

If you have a valid license from another U.S. state you can obtain a Minnesota driver's license by passing the knowledge (written) test and a vision check. You do not need to take a skills (road) test unless your license has been expired for more than one year.

If you have moved to Minnesota from a country other than the U.S. or Canada, you must pass a knowledge (written) and skills (road) test and a vision check, even if you have a valid driver's license from your former home country. ​

At the time of application, you must present your other driver's license. Your license from your previous state of residence will be invalidated and returned to you. Licenses from another country are not invalidated as you may use them if you have dual citizenship. If you are unable to present your current valid driver's license you will need to supply a certified copy of your driving record.

Vision Screening

Your eyes will be checked when you apply for a driver's license. This is not a medical exam; it is a screening to determine if your vision meets minimum standards. To pass, your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40 in either one usable eye or both eyes together. Your peripheral vision must be at least 140 degrees in either one or both eyes.

Applying for a Minnesota Driver's License

You will need to:

• Present proper identification
• Present white and yellow copy of your successful test results
• Present all other driver's licenses. Your license from your previous state of residence will be invalidated and returned to you. Licenses from another country are not invalidated as you may use them if you have dual citizenship.
• Pass a vision check
• Have a photo taken
• Pay appropriate fees

You can make an application at any driver's license office, some of which are exam station locations.

Name Change

If your full name is different than the name on your primary document or driver's license, instruction permit or state identification card, you must also present proof of your legal name change. Acceptable proof consists of certified copies of marriage certificates, certified copies of divorce decrees or other court orders. Divorce decrees or other court orders must specify the name change. Your identity and name change documents need to show a clear link between your names.

Medical Self-certification

Starting January 30, 2012 you will need to certify the following information with Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS):

• The type of driving you are engaged in (interstate or intrastate) and

• Whether you are subject to or exempt from the medical examination requirements of 49 CFR part 391 or Minnesota Statutes, chapter 221

The Commercial Driver License Medical Self-Certification Form must be completed and if you certify that you are subject to medical examination requirements, you must provide a copy of your medical examiner’s certificate and any required waiver. Refer to the CDL Medical Self-Certification FAQs and CDL Medical Self-certification Information Sheet for more information about self-certification.

Medical Waiver

A commercial driver may be granted a waiver from the following physical qualification requirements: vision, insulin-dependent diabetes, deaf and hard of hearing and limb impairment.

If your medical examiner’s certificate is only valid with a vision, diabetes or a skills performance evaluation waiver granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), or if you are an intrastate driver with a MnDOT waiver or hold a DVS School Bus Waiver, you must also provide a copy of your waiver.

To obtain a federal exemption or waiver, you must contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), which will advise on how to proceed.

Diabetes/Vision waivers: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/medical/exemptions.htm

Skill Performance: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/medical/spepackage.htm

FMCSA Phone: 1 (800) 832-5660

FMCSA Midwestern Service Center: (708) 283-3577

For information about MnDOT waivers, contact the MnDOT Driver Medical Program at (651) 366-3674.