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Driver and Vehicle Services

A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
 

DPS-DVS FAQs

​​​​Online Services

Did you know that DPS-DVS offers many online services at drive.mn.gov. You can:

  • Check the status of your driver's license, vehicle title or license plates.
  • Pre-apply for a driver's license, renew tabs, and apply for or renew a disability parking certificate.
  • Pay reinstatment fees, scheule appointments for driver tests and vehicle inspections, and upload documents.

Quick Links to Top Questions Minnesotans Are Asking

REAL ID

Driver's License and ID Cards

Exam Test Scheduling

Commercial Driver's License

Social Security Card/Number Issues

Vehicle Services



When does REAL ID go into effect?

Federal enforcement of REAL ID begins on May 7, 2025.

REAL ID is optional, but starting May 7, 2025, Minnesotans will need one of the following to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities:

  • A REAL ID driver's license or identification (ID) card, or
  • Enhanced driver's license or ID card, or
  • Other REAL ID compliant document like a valid US passport, valid foreign government issued passport, unexpired permanent resident card, or unexpired employment authorization document.
    Visit tsa.gov/real-id for complete list.

A REAL ID is not required to:

  • Get a standard driver's license or ID card.
  • Vote or register to vote.
  • Enter federal facilities that do not require a person to present identification.
  • Apply or receive federal benefits.
  • Access health or life-preserving services (including hospitals and health clinics), law enforcement or constitutionally protected activities (including a defendant's access to court proceedings).
  • Participate in law enforcement proceedings or investigations.

Click here for more information about REAL I​D.



Can I get a driver's license printed on the same day I apply?

Yes. Same-day issued cards are available if you apply for, renew or replace a standard class D driver's license, permit or identification card (ID) at the Dakota County License Center in Lakeville or the Clay County Department of Motor Vehicles in Moorhead. This is a pilot project that runs from October 2022 through June 2023.

Same-day issued cards have a slightly different look and feel than traditionally issued cards due to the card stock and laminate used in the printing process. The same-day issued cards are less flexible. More information about the differences between the two cards is in this fact sheet on our website.

Not available for same-day issue are:

  • REAL ID compliant driver's licenses, permits or IDs
  • Enhanced driver's licenses, permits or IDs
  • Commercial driver's licenses or permits


Can youth experiencing homelessness obtain a no-cost Minnesota ID card?

Yes. You are eligible for a no-cost standard Minnesota ID card if you are a Minnesota resident, 24 years old or younger and experiencing homelessness. This is not a driver's license and does not give you the authority to drive. Click here for more information.



My driver's license is expiring and I am not in Minnesota. What can I do?

If you are not in Minnesota and need to renew or replace your Minnesota driver's license, you are able to submit an out-of-state driver's license application packet sometimes referred to as a snowbird packet. Click here for more information.

To request the Out-Of-State Driver's License/ID Card Renewal Guide packet, contact us at (651) 297-3298 or email dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us and include your:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Mailing address

We will use the photo and signature already on record for your new card. You must visit a driver's license office within 30 days of your return to Minnesota to have a new photo taken.



Can I legally drive if I just moved to Minnesota and my out-of-state driver's license recently expired?

No. You cannot legally drive on Minnesota roads with an expired out-of-state driver's license. You will need to apply for a Minnesota driver's license as soon as possible.

Click here for more information.

Click here for New to Minnesota Information guide.



I can't renew my driver's license or ID card because the information on my application doesn't match the information on my DVS record. What should I do?

If your information on the DVS record does not match the information on the Social Security Administration (SSA) record:

  • Correct your information with the agency that does not have your correct and current legal name and date of birth. You will receive a letter with directions on what to do.
  • If your name is correct with SSA but wrong with DVS, you will need to provide documents supporting your current legal name to allow the correction to occur with DVS.
  • If your name or date of birth is not correct with SSA but correct with DVS, you will need to contact SSA at 1-888-847-0392 or 1-800-772-1213, for further assistance. 

If your date of birth is wrong with DVS:

  • Provide a certified copy of your birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport, or unexpired foreign passport along with legal status documents.
  • If you were born in Minnesota, you can get a copy of your birth certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Visit the MDH website or call MDH at 651-201-5000. Interpreters are available.
  • If you were not born in Minnesota, you will need to contact the vital records department in the state in which you were born to obtain a copy of your birth certificate..
  • If you need to renew or update your U.S. passport visit the U.S. Department of State website.

If your legal name does not match the information in our system:

  • Provide supporting documents to correct your name. Supporting documents may include a certified marriage certificate, certified divorce decree or certified copy of a court order for name change. 

If we are rejecting your application for other reasons, you will receive a letter from us with more information and the steps you need to take to resolve the issue.



What if I can't provide documentation to support a correction?

We will invalidate a driver's license or ID if the information provided at the time of application was incomplete or incorrect.



I've already given you the documents you're requesting; why do I need to provide them again?

We retrain applications for five years, as required by Minnesota law. New copies are required if the documents were submitted more than five years ago.



Do I need to make an appointment for a driver's license knowledge test?

  • You need an appointment for a Class D knowledge test. Walk-ins are not accepted. You can schedule an appointment online at drive.mn.gov or by calling us at 651-284-1000. 

    We make appointments available 30 days in advance. We add appointments regularly and customers occasionally cancel appointments, so check back if you do not find an appointment today.
    • ​You have the option of going to a third-party proctor for the class D knowledge test. Third-party proctors are authorized by DVS to administer the test on behalf of the state. They charge a fee for this service. Click here for a list of third-party proctors.
  • No appointment is needed for a commercial driver's license (CDL) knowledge test. They are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • No appointment is needed for a motorcycle or moped knowledge test. They are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Click here to find exam station locations, hours, and services.

DVS exam staff works with customers to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with special needs or disabilities. Please contact us at 651-284-1234 before your scheduled test if you, your child or ward has special needs.



Do I need to schedule an appointment for a skills (road) test? How far in advance can I schedule a driver's license exam?

Yes, an appointment is required for a skills test. You can schedule an appointment online at drive.mn.gov or by calling us at 651-284-1000.

We make appointment available 30 days in advance. We add appointments regularly and customers occasionally cancel an appointment, so check back if you do not find an appointment today.

DVS exam staff works with customers to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with special needs or disabilities. Please contact us at 651-284-1234 before your scheduled test if you, your child or ward has special needs.



No Show Fee

If you do not show up for a scheduled driver's license skills (road) test, you face a $20 no-show fee. You can cancel your appointment more than 24 hours before it begins to avoid the fee. To cancel an appointment visit drive.mn.gov or call us at 651-284-1000.



What if it says, "no appointments available" when I'm trying to schedule a test online?

A "no appointments are available" message means that all appointment slots are full for the next 30 days at the exam station you selected. Please check back often as we regularly add appointments and appointments open due to cancellations.

You have the option of going to a third-party proctor for class D knowledge test. Third-party proctors are authorized by DVS to administer the class D knowledge test on behalf of the state. They charge a fee for this service. Click here for a list of third-party proctors.



What should I do if I cannot keep my scheduled skills (road) test appointment?

Go to drive.mn.gov, select Schedule, Reschedule or Cancel a Road Test or Class D Knowledge Test from the Appointments Panel and follow the prompts or call us at (651) 284-1000. If you do not show up for a scheduled skills test, you face a $20 no-show fee.



How can I confirm my existing class D skills (road) test appointment?

You will receive a confirmation email from us as soon as an appointment is scheduled. We will also send a reminder email to you three business days before the appointment date.

You can confirm your appointment online at drive.mn.gov.​ Select Schedule, Reschedule or Cancel a Road Test or Class D knowledge test and follow prompts or call us at 651-284-1000.



What do I need to bring to my class D driver's license knowledge or skills (road) test?

Please refer to the beginning section of the Minnesota Driver's Manual for a checklist of what to bring to your test. You'll also receive the list in your confirmation email when you schedule a test.



Can I update my seasonal farm dates on my current commercial driver's license (CDL)?

Current CDL holders with a seasonal CDL restriction can apply for a duplicate license and update their seasonal timeline online.

Visit drive.mn.gov select Apply for a Duplicate Seasonal Commercial Driver's License in the driver services section, and follow the prompts to apply. You will need to complete the online application and pay the duplicate license fee. A new photo and vision screening is not required. 

CDL holders are eligible for this if they:

  • Currently hold a commercial license with a seasonal farm restriction.
  • Are in good standing.
  • Have lived in Minnesota for the past two years and have been in good standing during that time.
  • Are not currently enrolled in temporary stay.
  • Do not have a private address on file.
  • Have a valid, non-expired medical certificate on file with DVS.

You can also contact your local office to see if they offer this service. Offices are listed on the DVS locations page.

If you have questions, use the  driver services contact forms to reach out to Driver Services.



I am new to Minnesota and have a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, can I legally operate a commercial vehicle in Minnesota?

CDL holders must apply for a Minnesota CDL within 30 days of becoming a Minnesota resident. If you have a valid CDL from another state, you can continue to use the valid license for the 30-days after moving to Minnesota.



Can I apply for a first-time seasonal farm commercial driver's license (CDL)?

Eligible Minnesotans can apply for a first-time seasonal farm commercial driver's license (CDL) online or at any office accepting driver's license applications. Click here for office locations and hours.

To apply, go to  drive.mn.gov and select Apply for a Duplicate Seasonal Commercial Driver's License in the Driver Services panel and follow the prompts. You will need to complete the online application and pay the license fee. A new photo and vision screening are not required.

You are eligible if you:

  • Have had a valid class D or commercial driver's license for at least one year.
  • Have had a good driving record for at least the last two years. 
  • Are employed in one of the following designated farm-related service industries:
    • Agri-chemical businesses
    • Custom harvesters
    • Farm retail outlets and suppliers
    • Farm retail outlets and suppliers
    • Livestock feeders

You will need the following forms when applying:

  • A completed Commercial Driver's Medical Self-Certification form .
  • A Medical Examiner's Certificate, if one is not already on file with DVS.
  • One of the following proof of domicile presence documents:
    • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
    • Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. state, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa or the Northern Mariana Islands.
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State or Certificate of Naturalization issued by Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
    • Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS or valid, unexpired Permanent Residence Card.
    • Unexpired employment authorization document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an unexpired foreign passport accompanied by an approved I-94 form.

Contact by email using the driver services contact forms or call us at 651-297-5029 f you have any questions.



What if there is a problem with my social security number?

To correct a social security number (SSN), present your SSN card at the time of your application. The representative assisting you will make the change and proceed with your application.

We can remove a SSN from your DVS record if you no longer have one. You will need to provide another form of primary and secondary identification to proceed with your application. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.​

  • Will DVS report my personal information to federal agencies or immigration authorities?
    No, DVS​ does not report personal information to any agency, including federal agencies.

  • Do I have to provide my Social Security Number (SSN) to obtain a Minnesota Credential?
    Yes, unless you are in the United States on temporary stay and ineligible for an SSN. Minnesota law requires you to provide your SSN if you are eligible for one. (Minn. Stat. § 171.06, Subd. 3)
     
  • Does Minnesota verify my SSN or that I am ineligible for an SSN?
    DVS will electronically verify that your SSN, name, and date of birth match the information in the Social Security Administration (SSA) database. If there is a discrepancy between the information you have provided and the information at SSA, DVS is unable to process your application. You will be directed to contact SSA to correct the issue with them. Once SSA has corrected the record, DVS will be able to process your application.
     
  • ​How do I know if I am eligible for an SSN?
    Minnesota law prohibits DVS from issuing a credential to individuals who do not have legal presence in the United States. (Minn. R. 7410.0410, subp. 7) All customers applying for a credential must provide evidence of legal presence in the United States as authorized under federal law. Several common scenarios are listed below to help clarify when an individual is or is not eligible for an SSN:
    • If you were born in the United States (U.S.) or become a U.S. citizen, you are eligible for an SSN, and must provide it to DVS when you appl​y for a Minnesota credential.
       
    • ​If you are not a ​U.S. citizen​, but in the United States legally and authorized to work, you are eligible for an SSN, and must provide it to DVS when you apply for a Minnesota credential.

    • If you are not a U.S. citizen, but in the United States legally and are not authorized to work, you are not eligible for an SSN.​​

If you are legally p​​resent in the U.S., b​ut ineligible for an SSN, you are exempt from the DVS SSN requirement and must certify that you are ineligible for an SSN when you apply for a Minnesota credential. You must also provide an acceptable birth date/legal presence document for any Minnesota credential application.

  • I have been renewing my Driver's License (DL) for years and only recently received information that DVS is unable to process my application because there is a problem with my SSN. Why is it preventing my renewal now?
    DVS now has additional security measures in place that improve the security and protection of Minnesota DLs, including SSN verification. Anyone renewing after these security features were adopted may need to provide updated documents or work with SSA to correct their SSN information prior to renewing their DL.
     
  • If I previously provided an SSN to DVS and was issued a Minnesota credential, but wish to correct my record by removing the SSN because I am ineligible, what should I do?
    To remove your SSN, you must be ineligible for an SSN. In this situation, to remove your SSN you must provide a new primary and secondary form of identification to verify your identity. A list of acceptable documents is available here. If the primary/secondary documents indicate eligibility for SSN, you will be required to provide an SSN when applying for or renewing your Minnesota credential.

  • What if I have a unique situation or have more questions?
    You can call DVS at 651-201-7770 and you will be connected to an individual with specialized knowledge of this topic.

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I changed my name; do I need to update my name on my social security card before renewing my Minnesota driver's license?

Yes. You need to update your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you can renew your driver's license using your new name. We cannot accept driver's license applications when the legal name or social security number on the application do not match the information with the SSA. 

Find information about updating your name with the SSA online  and complete that process before visiting a driver's license office to renew your driver's license.



What if I need a replacement Social Security card?

U.S. citizens age 18 or older, who are Minnesota residents can request a replacement SSN card online by creating a my Social Security account. In addition, they must have a U.S. domestic mailing address, not require a change to their record (such as a name change), and have a valid driver's license, or state identification card in some participating states.



I renewed my vehicle registration more than two weeks ago and haven't received my stickers; what should I do?

You can check the status of your registration renewal at drive.mn.gov. Select More Vehicle Services from the Vehicle Services panel and click on Check My Plate/Sticker Order Status. You can also email your question to us by completing the Report Registration Tabs Not Received contact form.



Where can I apply for or transfer a vehicle title?'

Click here for a list of motor vehicle office locations, hours and services.

You can also mail the title application or transfer to us at:

Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Additional Resources:

Click here for more information on how to transfer the ownership of a motor vehicle.



I need to renew my vehicle registration, but I misplaced or didn't receive my renewal notice. What should I do?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew vehicle registration. You can renew your tabs:

·         Online at drive.mn.gov
The following vehicles are eligible for online renewal: passenger vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, or a trailer, truck, or recreational vehicle that has a registered gross weight of less than 55,000 pounds.

·         Renew in person at a deputy registrar office. Click here for office locations, hours and services

If these renewal options do not work, please contact DVS using the vehicle services contact forms for assistance



How can I contact DVS for help?

By email: Use one of the online contact forms:

By phone: Click here for a list of current phone information services.

DVS staff answer phone calls and emails 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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