In order to receive a renewal or replacement Minnesota driver's license while temporarily not residing in the state, an out-of-state application packet must be completed. To request the Out-Of-State Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal Guide, contact DVS by phone (651) 297-3298. Or, send an email to dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us and include your:
Full name
Date of birth
Mailing address
Once the packet is received, be sure to follow the instruction sheet and make sure to have met all requirements listed in the checklist. These requirements include:
- Answering all the questions on the application
- Signing your application and having it notarized (keep the yellow copy for your records)
- Completing the vision report (for driver’s license renewals only) and having the vision examiner sign it
- Enclose check/money order – if expediting the application, a separate check is required.
DVS will use the photo and signature already on record for your new card. However, if you are renewing your license, you must visit a DVS Office Locations within 30 days of your return to Minnesota to have a new photo taken.
Once the completed Out-Of-State application is mailed to DVS, allow six weeks for receipt of your new card; if you select to expedite your application (an additional $20 fee), allow two weeks for receipt of your new card.
Expedited applications cannot be mailed to a post office box, APO military address or foreign country address. If you have one of these addresses, the regular out-of-state procedure will be used.
You may not renew or replace your license from out-of-state if your current license status is not valid, please contact DVS for more information (651) 297-3298.
Medical Requirements
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
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.