Having a valid driver's license can change your life in Minnesota, no matter which language you speak. That's why staff in our Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division was so excited to launch our multilingual virtual assistant in advance of the program that goes into effect Oct. 1.

“We know getting a driver's license can make life a lot easier and we want to make the process for getting one easy too," said DVS Director Pong Xiong. “We are trying to meet people where they are and where they need service."

Part of that is bringing service to customers on . The virtual assistant leverages Google artificial intelligence to make interactions with DVS better for English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish speaking customers. DVS online visitors can use the virtual assistant to ask questions, gather information and research topics in one of four languages, letting them get accurate information on how to get their driver's license, regardless of language.

Xiong knows how important these services can be to Minnesotans of all backgrounds. As a member of the Hmong community, he has seen firsthand how difficult navigating government can be for his family and friends who didn't speak English when they emigrated here. 

“As a new American, you do feel very small when you can't do things on your own," Xiong​ said. “What this tool does is allow Minnesotans to independently interact with DVS and I think that's one step in the right direction for our communities."

The virtual assistant will be especially helpful as Driver's License for All goes into effect. After Oct. 1, Minnesotans will no longer need to show proof of legal presence in the U.S. to get an instruction permit, driver's license or identification card. Instead, you'll need:

• Two documents that include your full name and birth date, such as a passport, military ID or marriage certificate. .
• To pass the class D written knowledge test and road skills test to receive a driver's license.

The new law will allow up to 81,000 people to get their driver's license, according to an estimate from the Migration Policy Institute. If you are an undocumented immigrant who lives in Minnesota, you can begin the process of getting a license by requesting an appointment to take the two tests. You can make an appointment up to 30 days in advance, something our virtual assistant can help with on Sept. 2.

As of last Friday, there have been 58,000 virtual assistant conversations. Start yours by visiting and look for the HELP button in the lower right of the screen.