Whether you have an outdated, damaged or lost drivers license in Minnesota, you will need to obtain a replacement to have valid driving credentials. You must obtain a replacement drivers license through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Division of Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). To meet the requirements of MN law and to retain driving privileges, you should replace documents as quickly as possible. However, losing your copy of drivers license credentials can cause problems in other areas of life because a valid drivers license usually serves as a primary form of photo identification.

Similarly, you may need to replace drivers license credentials when certain information changes with your record. When you obtain your original drivers license in MN, you agree to keep the DVS up to date with personal details pertaining to your identity, such as your name. Review the information organized below to learn how to replace drivers license documents in Minnesota, including what to do if you must replace credentials while you are temporarily living out-of-state.

When is a replacement drivers license required in Minnesota?

Drivers seek a duplicate drivers license in Minnesota for many different reasons. Most commonly, those who ask to get copy of drivers license documents have a lost or stolen drivers license or their existing license has suffered physical damage and is no longer usable. A duplicate copy will have the exact same information as the existing card.

However, you may need a replacement license but with updated information. A drivers license replacement is necessary if you undergo a legal name change or move permanently to a new residence and need to update the address on your drivers license.

If you must change a vision or handicapped driver restriction status, then you will need to apply for updated credentials. Another reason to replace drivers license credentials is if you need a new photo due to weight loss, a gender reassignment or another way of drastically changing your appearance.

How to Replace Your Minnesota Drivers License in Person

If you are wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license in Minnesota?” then check out one of the local DVS offices. It is not possible to obtain a drivers license copy online in MN at this time. The DVS agent will use your photo on file to verify your identity, but if for some reason that fails, then you will need at least one primary and one secondary identification document proving who you are.

The DVS provides an extensive list of acceptable ID documents, but some of the most commonly used primary documents include a certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport and an unexpired military ID card. One of these may serve as a secondary document for DMV duplicate license purposes, or you can show your Social Security card, a marriage certificate or school ID card.

After proving your identity and paying your fee, the clerk will process your application and tell you how long it will take for your card to arrive in the mail.

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in Minnesota

If you need to replace lost drivers license credentials while living out-of-state, then you may request an out-of-state driver’s license application packet from the DVS. When you contact the DVS, include your full name, date of birth and mailing address. After you receive your replacement drivers license packet, follow the instruction sheet carefully and verify that you have met the following requirements:

• You have answered all the questions on the application
• You have signed the application and had it notarized
• If applying for a drivers license renewal instead of a replacement, then you have completed the vision report and had it signed
• You have enclosed a payment for the fee plus an additional check for expedited mailing if applicable

You will keep the yellow copy of the replacement drivers license application for your own records. After you have met all the requirements, send the above to the address provided in the packet. Allow six weeks to receive your duplicate license in the mail. If you need to receive your drivers license replacement sooner, then consider paying the expedited shipping fee. If you do, then you will receive your new card in just two weeks.

How to Report a Missing Drivers License in Minnesota

If you are replacing drivers license credentials due to theft, the DVS recommends filing a police report with your local law enforcement agency or the police department located in the community where the theft happened. You should also report a stolen copy of drivers license documentation to the DVS so that they may flag your driving record for possible identity fraud.

Complete the DVS form pertaining to stolen identification and bring it to a driver exam station or mail it to the address printed on the form.

Minnesota Drivers License Replacement Fees

Obtaining a duplicate drivers license in MN by any method will incur a fee of $14.75. Call ahead before visiting a DVS exam station and ask which types of payment it accepts, as not all locations accept credit card fee payments. If you are applying for a duplicate drivers license from out-of-state and want expedited shipping, then you must pay an additional shipping fee.

Those who are renewing their credentials to receive an updated drivers license will also need to pay the applicable renewal fees.

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