MinnesotaDriver’s License Guide

ContentsTable of

Starting the Journey

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4

Getting Your First Minnesota License

Replacing Your License

Official Forms

Getting an Minnesota ID Card

Starting the Journey

Updating Your License Information

Renewing Your License

Reinstating Your License

Vehicle Safety Tips

DVS Hours and Locations

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7

9

12

13

14

16

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Startingthe Journey

Obtaining your license is one of the most gratifying moments in your life. Driving independently is an exciting experience, but before you get behind the wheel on your own, you have to go through the Minnesota license application process.

Fortunately, getting your driver’s license in Minnesota is a smooth process that only requires you to slightly prepare before embarking on the adventure. You will be required to hold different permits and licenses before you get your full driver’s license in the state. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to start this journey. Read on to learn how to obtain a license, renew your license, reinstate your driving privileges and much more.

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Graduated Driver’s License (GDL)If you are a teenager on the brink of entering adulthood or an adult who has never held a license, you might be currently dreaming of obtaining your driver’s license. The section below outlines each step you will need to take to in order to receive your driver’s license in Minnesota.

Since vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among people between 15 and 20, Minnesota has implemented the graduated driver’s license (GDL) program to introduce teens and new drivers to the driving environment, with the aim of reducing traffic crashes and fatalities. Therefore, you must complete a three-stage process to drive without restrictions. As a teen driver or as a new adult driver, it is important that you carefully read through each step, as this will avoid you any complications and prepare you to take on your responsibilities on the road.

Instruction Permit

With this permit, you will be able to practice driving while supervised by a licensed driver. Getting an instruction permit is your first step to obtaining your independent driving privileges. You must hold the permit for six months if you are 18 years of age or younger and for three months if you are 19 or older, before you may take the road test and apply for your provisional license.

To apply you have to:

Restrictions

Be at least 15 years old.

Visit a DVS office.

Comply with the identification requirements.

Complete a classroom instruction and enroll in a behind-the-wheel instruction.

Pass the vision and knowledge exam.

Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign the application if you are under 18.

Pay the $13.25 instruction permit fee and any other required fees.

May drive under the supervision of a licensed adult 21 years of age or older.

Must wear a seat belt.

Cannot use a cellphone while driving, even if the cellphone has hands-free capabilities.

Your instruction permit will be valid for two years and you must carry it with you every time you practice.

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Provisional LicenseWith this license you will have more freedom as well as responsibility to drive while you prepare for the full privilege license. You must hold it for 12 consecutive months in order to apply for the full license.

In order to get your provisional license, you must:

Be 16 years of age or older.

Have finished the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

Have had the instruction permit for the required time according to your age.

Have no convictions for traffic violations.

Submit a supervised driving log showing that you have driven the required amount of hours, 15 of which must have occurred at night.

• Refer to the driving log for the exact hour requirements.

Have your parent or guardian sign and certify your application.

Pass the road skills test.

Visit a DVS office.

Pay the $16.25 provisional license fee, along with any other required fee.

Restrictions

While holding your provisional license:

You may not drive between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. during the first six months, unless:

• You are accompanied by a licensed adult at least 25 years of age.

• You are driving between home and work.

• You are driving between home and a school event.

• You are driving for employment purposes.

You may not carry more than one passenger under 20 years of age for the first six months and no more than three for the second six months, unless you are accompanied by a parent or guardian or the passengers are immediate family members.

If you are a parent, the Driving Contract between Teen and Parent not only works as a commitment between you and your child, but also as a driving log and a guide for the new driver.

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Full LicenseIf you are 18 or have held your provisional license for 12 months, then you are ready to get your full driver’s license. With this license, you will not be restricted to driving during certain times or with a limited amount of passengers. To apply, you need to have already completed the two previous steps of the GDL process.

Tests and Education

Remember that the roads are not always safe. Therefore, it is in your best interest to fully prepare for potential obstacles before you begin driving. When you become a driver, you not only take on the responsibility for your own safety but also for the safety of your passengers, the vehicles around you and pedestrians. Consequently, in order to best prepare for that responsibility, you must first complete a driver’s education course and pass several tests before applying for a license.

Vision Test

This test consists of a vision screening to determine if your vision acuity meets the minimum standards required to drive safely. To pass you are required to have a normal or corrected vision of at least 20/40 and a peripheral vision of at least 105 degrees.

If you fail, you must visit a vision specialist and return the doctor’s report to the DVS Driver Evaluation Unit in order to determine if you need vision correction or other restrictions in order to drive.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test consists of multiple choice questions, as well as true or false questions aimed to determine your knowledge and understanding of Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. You have the option to take the test on paper or on a computer. If you take it on a computer, you may have the option to take it in another language. To pass, you must get a minimum score of 80.

You must show proper identification before you take the test. If you are under 18 years of age, you must present a certificate of enrollment from an approved driver’s education course showing that you already completed the classroom phase of the course and are enrolled in the behind-the-wheel training. This is not applicable if you are 18 years of age or older.

If you fail the knowledge test two consecutive times, you must pay a $10 fee before taking the knowledge test a third time.

Road Test

The road test will test your ability to safely operate a vehicle, your performance while driving, knowledge on the rules of the road and risks awareness. In order to take the test, you must present your current and valid instruction permit and a proof of insurance. In addition, if you are under 18, you must show a certificate of completion of an approved driver education and behind-the-wheel instruction.

You should make an appointment to take the test. You may do so by visiting this webpage or by calling 651-284-1234.

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No matter if you completed the GDL program or not, if you are 18 years of age or older, you are allowed to hold a full driver’s license. If you are a new Minnesota resident, you will also find all the information that you need to get your Minnesota license in a special section.

Getting YourFirst Minnesota License

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Current Minnesota Residents If you are 18 years of age or older, or you have held a provisional license for 12 months, you can obtain a Minnesota driver’s license. In order to obtain your full license, you will need to:

New Minnesota ResidentsIf you are new to Minnesota and you a license from another state or Canada, you will have to obtain a Minnesota license within 60 days of becoming a resident.

In order to obtain a license as a new Minnesota resident, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age or have held the provisional license for 12 months.

Have no convictions for DWI, crash-related moving violations and no more than one conviction for another moving violation.

Complete the application.

• If you are younger than 18, your parent or legal guardian must certify that you drove under supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age for at least 10 hours.

Comply with the identification requirements.

Present a valid driver’s license (or one that has been expired for less than one year).

Pass the knowledge and vision tests.

• If your license from your previous state has been expired for more than one year, you will also need to take the road skills test.

Have a photo taken.

Pay the $25.25 fee.

Pay the fees:

• $25.25 for a regular driver’s license

• $21.75 for drivers younger than 21 who are upgrading from a provisional license

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If your license is expired, it is important that you renew it as soon as possible. Driving with an expired license may result in penalties, and if you wait too long to renew it, you will have to complete the entire application process for a new license.

Your class D driver license expires every four years on your birthday, and your provisional license expires two years from the date it was issued. You may renew your license on or before the expiration date. If you are turning 21 years of age, do not renew until three weeks before your birthday.

RenewingYour License

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How to RenewBefore your license expires, the DVS will mail you a renewal notice with the instructions to renew. In Minnesota, you must renew your driver’s license in person, as online and by-mail renewal options are not available. To renew, follow the steps below:

Visit a DVS exam station or a DVS office.

Provide your current license.

Provide your Social Security Number (SSN).

Complete the renewal application.

• If you are under 18 years of age, you parent or legal guardian must sign your application.

Pass the vision screening.

Have your picture taken.

Pay any necessary renewal fees.

If you renew your license after it expires, you may be charged an additional fee and you may have to take and pass the knowledge and skills tests.

Out-of-State RenewalIf you are temporarily out-of-state and your driver license is about to expire, you may request an out-of-state renewal application packet to renew from where you are. Follow these steps:

Contact the DVS by phone at 651-297-3298 or by mail at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us and include:

• Your name, date of birth and mailing address.

Once you receive the packet, fill it out, sign it and have it notarized. Follow the instructions in the packet.

Complete the vision report.

Enclose a check with the renewal fee.

• If you want it expedited, you have to enclose a separate fee.

Mail the application to the DVS.

When you renew your license by mail, the DVS will use your license photo on file to verify your identity. However, you must visit a driver license office within 30 days of returning to Minnesota in order to have a new photo taken.

Your application will not be completed if your license is expired, revoked or suspended. You will receive your license approximately six weeks after your application is processed. If you request it to be expedited, it will take about two weeks.

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Military Personnel RenewalIf you are stationed out of Minnesota on active duty, you are not required to renew your license until you are discharged. This also applies to spouses of military personnel.

You may notify the DVS of your military status in order to ensure that your driving record will be maintained once your license expires. To do so, you have to make a written statement with a copy of your military ID and a copy of your orders with the date you joined the military. You can also send a letterhead statement from your commanding officer with the date you enrolled.

Send this letter to:

DVS 445 Minnesota Street St. Paul, MN 55101

If you want to keep your license active, you may request an out-of-state renewal application packet to renew from where you are. Follow these steps:

Contact the DVS by phone at 651-297-3298 or by mail at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us and request the packet.

Once you receive it, fill it out, sign it and have it notarized.

Have the vision report completed by a vision examiner.

Enclose a check or money order with the renewal fee.

• If you want it expedited, you will have to enclose a separate fee.

Mail the application to the DVS.

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If you have changed your name or your place of residence, you will need to update your DVS documents, including your driver’s license, as soon as possible to reflect the new information.

By law, you must notify the Minnesota DVS of any change of address or name and apply or a replacement within 30 days.

Changing Your NameIf you have officially changed your name, then you will be required to update all of your identification documents and cards, including your driver’s license. In order to do this, you must:

UpdatingYour License Information

Visit a DVS office.

Present your current license.

Provide documentation to proof for your name change such as:

• Certified birth certificate.

• Marriage license.

• Divorce or dissolution of marriage decree.

• Court order.

Changing Your AddressIf you have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you notify the Minnesota DVS to update the address on your driver’s license and give you a replacement. You must complete this transaction in person, as there are no online or by-mail options for doing so.

To update your address, you must go to a DVS office and request a duplicate license. The driver’s license photo currently on file at the DVS will be used to verify your identity. However, you may need to present additional identity documentation.

Name Change Fees

Pay the fee.

Name/address change (duplicate): $14.75

Name/address change (renewal): $25.25

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If your license has been lost, damaged or stolen, you must ask the Minnesota DVS for a replacement as soon as possible.

Fortunately, this is relatively easy to do, as the DVS provides replacement options for those who reside in Minnesota and those who are temporarily outside of the state.

How to ReplaceTo replace your driver license, you must request a duplicate license by:

ReplacingYour License

Visiting a DVS office.

Completing an application.

Paying the $14.75 duplicate license fee.

Once at the DVS office, you will have your picture taken and your vision tested.

Bringing your current license and proof of your Social Security Number (SSN).

Out-of-State ReplacementIf you are temporarily out-of-state or on active duty with the U.S armed forces, and your driver license is lost or stolen, you may request a duplicate by completing an out-of-state application packet as long as your license is still valid. To do this, you must:

Contact the DVS by phone at 651-297-3298 or by mail at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us and request the packet.

Once you receive it, fill it out, sign it and have it notarized.

• Be sure to follow the instructions in the packet carefully.

The DVS will use your license photo on file to verify your identity. If additional verification is required, comply with the identification requirements. You will need to enclose a check with the $14.75 replacement fee. If you want it expedited, you will have to enclose a separate fee.

Allow approximately six weeks to receive your license after mailing your application. If you request it to be expedited, it will take around two weeks.

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The cancellation, suspension or revocation of your driver license is the consequence of traffic violations or numerous offenses in your record. If your license is suspended or revoked, your driving privileges are removed and you are not authorized to drive. To be able to drive again, you are required to reinstate your license if you are entitled to.

There are certain key differences between a license being cancelled, suspended and revoked. A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges, while revocation is the termination of it. A cancellation means that you lost the legal right to hold a driver’s license.

If your license is suspended, you must wait for the suspension period to expire and then request a reinstatement. You may also have to meet certain reinstatement requirements in order to get your driving privileges back.

If your license is revoked, you must apply for a new license. When it is cancelled, you cannot recover your driving privileges. If you driver license is cancelled, revoked or suspended, you will receive a letter from the DVS explaining the reason.

If you do not know the status of your license, you may check your status online.

Learn more about reinstating your license below.

ReinstatingYour License

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Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)In Minnesota, the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08. If you are caught driving a vehicle with a .08 or higher BAC, you may be arrested for a DWI and your license may be suspended. If you are caught driving with a 0.16 or above BAC or it is your second offense, you will be required to use ignition interlock.

Whenever you are convicted for a DWI and you lose your driving privileges, you are required to pay a fee, take a DWI knowledge test, pay the driver’s license application fees and take the chemical health assessment.

Learn more about DWI and its consequences in the DWI Consequences Brochure.

All alcohol-related suspensions or revocations involve a $680 reinstatement fee.

The reinstatement fees for offenses not related to drug or alcohol consumption range from $20 to $30.

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If you cannot obtain a driver’s license or are simply not interested in obtaining one, you may apply for a Minnesota ID card instead.

Having an ID card is essential for you to prove your identity when you visit the bank, travel, buy alcohol or need someone to identify you. Fortunately, the process for obtaining your ID card is identical to that of obtaining your driver’s license, except that you do not need to take any road skills or knowledge tests. Additionally, the fees for getting an ID are different than those for getting a driver’s license.

Getting a Minnesota ID Card

New ID Card (Younger Than 65):

New ID Card (65 and Older):

$19.25

$16.50

ID Fees

New ID Card (Disabled or Ill)

Enhanced Identification Card:

$0.50

$15 in addition to regular ID card fee

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Before you get behind the wheel, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is safe and prepared for any trip. This means checking the safety features and making any needed changes to your vehicle to guarantee a safe drive. Be sure to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly and your tires are inflated and not worn out. Have the steering and suspensions checked by a mechanic.

Emergency Kit One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid items, matches and a whistle. During the winter months, it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, a shovel and extra gloves and socks..

Winter Driving One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that is prone to ice and snowfall. Consider the tips below to drive safely during the winter.

Vehicle Safety Tips

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Don’t Rush!

Roads are often covered in snow and ice after snowfall. Instead of driving fast and risking an accident as you hurry to get to your destination, try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and avoid other dangerous drivers without being late for your appointment.

Don’t Panic If You Skid or Slip

In the event that your vehicle does skid or slip while you are driving, make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead, apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control.

Check Your Vehicle

Before you leave your house, make sure your vehicle’s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze and exhaust are all in working order. It is also important that you remove any ice and snow from your car before you begin driving. This prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive or flying off and hitting someone while the vehicle is in motion.

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Things to AvoidDrinking and Driving

Every year, thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. These unfortunate events can be prevented if drivers plan ahead of time and take certain steps.

Before you begin drinking, arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. If they also become intoxicated, it is important that you take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive. Instead, take away their keys and call for alternative transportation.

If you see someone who you suspect is drunk and showing signs of intoxication while driving – such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, breaking erratically or turning abruptly – call 9-1-1 and contact authorities immediately. Make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. This could mean you pulling over until they are at a safe distance from your car.

Using Your Phone

Driving while using your cell phone is one of the most dangerous actions you can perform. During those few seconds that your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. Make sure to avoid texting, using the internet on your phone or receiving calls while you drive.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and drivers should both be avoided to prevent on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as tailgating, verbally or physically harassing another driver or preventing another driver from merging or passing.

If you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you engage in any of the above behaviors. When you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment, breathe and continue moving.

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Wasting Gas

If you drive often, you can start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Some of the ways that you can start saving gas are by turning off the air conditioning, not leaving your engine running and avoiding speeding. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive. Therefore, you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste.

Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly. You can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated and your engine is properly tuned.

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Driver’s Manual

Driving Contract Between Teen and Parent

DWI Consequences

Identification Requirements

Supervised Driving Log

Vision Report

Official Forms

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DVS

Hours and Locations

There are several options available for you in case you need to visit or contact a driver license office. You can find all DVS offices here. You have to choose the transaction from the drop-down menu and then select your region to view the locations. If you click on one, you will get the address, driving directions, office hours, phone numbers and the available services.

Have you ever visited the DVS and realized that you forgot a document? Save the trip, time and money by using the online services. Some transactions, such as scheduling your skills test or looking up your license can be processed online without the need of calling or visiting the DVS.

If you need to contact the DVS for any other purposes, you can visit their main office or mail them. Find the addresses below:

Driver and Vehicle Services 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190 Town Square Building Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190

DVS Mailing Address:

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 190 Saint Paul, MN 55101-5190

You may also contact them by calling: 651-296-6911 (TTY: 651-282-6555)

You can also submit your complaints, questions or concerns to dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us by including your full name and date of birth with your message.

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