Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?

No. The MN Department of Public Safety does not require that you file a police report but it does recommend that you take this action to avoid identity fraud. This can be done by visiting a law enforcement office and speaking to an officer about the problem. Additionally, drivers may also choose to ask Driver and Vehicle Services to flag their record for fraudulent activity.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?

Studying the Department of Public Safety Driver s Manual is critical to success on the written knowledge and road skills exams necessary to obtain a license to drive in Minnesota. For access to this handbook, click here.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

How can I renew my drivers license?

Drivers in the state of Minnesota must renew drivers license credentials in person at a local DVS office by taking the following steps:

Provide your current MN drivers licenseor one primary and one secondary proof of identification, such as:
- Birth certificate (primary)
- Social Security card (secondary)
Complete a renewal application, which can be found at the DVS office.
- A parent or guardian must sign the application if the applicant is under 18.
Give your Social Security Number.
Pass a vision test.
Get your photo taken.
Pay the $26.25 renewal fee.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

How do I apply for a drivers license?

There are numerous steps involved in the process to apply for a drivers license in Minnesota. The breakdown is as follows:

Pass the written knowledge test and vision screening to obtain a learners permit.
Pass the road skills exam.
Visit a nearby DPS office and provide your active driving permit or the following documentation:
- One primary identification document
- One secondary identification document
- Additional proof of legal presence for non-US citizens
- English translations for any documents provided in other languages
Complete a drivers license application.
Pay the applicable fee.

Prospective drivers interested in obtaining privileges can also apply for an enhanced license that verifies United States citizenship.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

How do I get a hardship license?

There are only a few types of applicants who can receive a hardship license in the state of Minnesota. Drivers who have failed to pay child support and those who committed a DUI are two of the most common examples of acceptable applicants. In terms of the application process, applicants must visit a local DVS office in person. Once there, the driver must submit the appropriate limited license application and payment to a DVS representative.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

If you are on active duty out of state and require a drivers license replacement, follow the steps below:

Contact Driver and Vehicle Services via phone number: 651-297-3298, or email: dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us, to request an Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal Guide.
Fill out and sign the application, keeping the yellow copy.
Get the application notarized.
Provide a check or money order with the applicable fees.
Mail the above documents to the DVS with a return envelope.
Pay the $15.75 duplicate drivers license fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I know if my license was mailed after it has been restored?

The best way to find out if your drivers license has been mailed out is by contacting the Minnesota Department of Driver and Vehicle Services directly. You can do so by calling their toll-free number at 651-297-3298 – for driver licenses. You can also make an in-person visit to any DVS office. Find a MN DMV location near you using our DMV locator.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

How do I obtain a duplicate license?

If your license has been lost, damaged or stolen, then you must file for a Minnesota drivers license replacement. In order to do so, follow these steps:

Visit a local DVS license office.
Have a representative verify your ID with the picture on file OR provide the following documents:
- One primary proof of ID, such as a birth certificate
- One secondary proof of ID, such as a Social Security card
Pay the $15.75 duplicate drivers license fee.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?

The process to apply for reinstatement as a habitual traffic offender is very similar to the standard reinstatement process. Simply follow the steps below to get back your Minnesota drivers license.

Wait for the suspension period to end.
Have your insurance provider submit proof of financial responsibility to the DVS, if applicable.
Visit a DVS office to pay the reinstatement fees.
Pay the licensing fee.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

How do I reinstate my suspended license?

The reinstatement process varies depending on the seriousness of the traffic violation. Those who committed more serious offenses will have to go through additional steps to reinstate their suspended drivers license. However, if you would like to know the general reinstatement process that all drivers must perform, the steps are as follows:

Allow the suspension period to conclude.
- This step does not apply to those drivers who were suspended because of unpaid fines or child support.
Get your car insurance provider to submit proof of coverage to the DPS, especially if you were suspended due to lack of insurance.
Pay the applicable reinstatement fees.
Pay the driving license fee.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

Military members are required to undergo the same steps as civilians for drivers license renewal in Minnesota. The only difference is that members of the military are not required to renew credentials until they are discharged or separated. The same exception applies to spouses of military members who are not residing in the state of Minnesota during the service time. In any case, both of these individuals must renew within one year of the separation/discharge and provide their MN driving license and DD214 discharge papers when they do so.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

Non-US citizens are required to take the same steps as citizens when replacing drivers license documentation. The steps are:

Go to a DVS license office.
Ask a Minnesota DVS employee to verify your ID with the picture on file or bring one primary and one secondary proof of ID:
- Birth certificate (primary)
- Social Security card (secondary)
Pay the $15.75 fee.

The only difference between citizens and non-citizens is that temporary residents may be required to present proof of legal presence in the US.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

In the event a driver loses his or her license while out of state, he or she must order a drivers license replacement by taking the following steps:

Get in touch with the DVS at (651)-297-3298 or by email at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us to request an Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal Guide.
Complete the form and sign it.
- Keep the yellow copy for your records.
Have the form notarized.
Include a check or money order for payment.
Mail everything to the DVS, including a return envelope.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety requires all drivers to file a Vision Report and undergo a screening before they can obtain a new driving license. If your vision is insufficient, you may receive one of the following vision restrictions:

Daylight restriction
Speed restriction
Area restriction
Road restriction
Equipment restriction

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?

It is a serious offense to refuse a chemical test in the state of Minnesota. Anyone who does so will immediately incur a revocation of their MN drivers license. As for the period of time associated with this revocation, the timeframe varies. Drivers can either receive a one-year revocation or one-year restriction on their driving privileges that requires them to install an ignition interlock device. Additionally, refusing to take a chemical test can result in fines and jail time.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?

When it comes to renewing drivers license documents early, the perfect time to do so varies based on one s age. In most scenarios, it is crucial to renew credentials before their fourth birthday. However, if you are under the age of 21, you should not renew license documentation until three weeks before they turn 21.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?

No. The Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services does not require drivers to file police reports in any situation. Thus, drivers who do so will not receive discounts and will not have their fees waived for replacing drivers license credentials. Nonetheless, it is still a good idea to inform the police of a stolen drivers license to help prevent fraudulent activity.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

If my drivers license has been lost or stolen, how can I get it flagged with the DMV?

The MN DMV might flag your license number if another driver is pulled over by the police and presents your driving license as his or her own. Also, a DMV clerk might suggest that you apply for an MN duplicate drivers license. However, to be on the safe side, immediately report your drivers license as lost or stolen to your nearest Minnesota DMV location.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?

No. As long as a driver has an active driving license in Minnesota, he or she will be allowed to renew drivers license documentation. The only time that age comes into play is when a resident reaches the age of 21. At this point, they get to renew their credentials every four years.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?

When replacing drivers licenses while out of state, Minnesota residents must fill out an Out-of-State Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal Guide. Once the application is filled out and notarized, it must be mailed to the DVS with a return envelope that features the address you want it to be mailed back to. Be sure to provide the proper information on this envelope to ensure it arrives at the right place.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?

In the state of Minnesota, senior citizens are required to follow the same steps as non-seniors when it comes to renewing drivers license documentation. This means visiting a local DPS office and providing the necessary paperwork and payment.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?

There is a great number of ways in which a driver can end up with a suspended drivers license in Minnesota. Some of the most common offenses that result in this punishment are:

Violating traffic laws repeatedly.
Driving with a fake or altered license.
Being convicted for a violation that resulted in a crash with injury or death.
Using a license for illegal activity.
Driving under the influence.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?

If a driver is caught operating a vehicle with a suspended drivers license in Minnesota, he or she will incur additional penalties. First of all, these drivers will be fined for breaking their suspension. Then, these drivers will have extra time added on to their suspension period. This is just one of the many different ways that a driver can incur an additional suspension in Minnesota.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?

The Department of Public Safety s Driver and Vehicles Services office only charges one fee to obtain a duplicate drivers license in Minnesota. The standard fee for a replacement is $15.75. Additionally, for an extra $20, you can Fast Track your order.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?

The fees to reinstate suspended drivers license documents vary. The seriousness of the violation often determines how much one must pay for reinstatement. For some examples of reinstatement fees, look at the examples below:

Suspended license: $20
CDL disqualification fee: $20
No-fault insurance suspension: $20
No-fault insurance revocation: $30
Alcohol/drugs and criminal vehicular operation: $680

Drivers looking for reinstatement will also have to pay a fee to obtain a new Minnesota drivers license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?

Drivers license suspension is a serious issue in the state of Minnesota. Thus, the Department of Public Safety is very selective about who may receive a limited drivers license. To drivers in other states, this is similar to a hardship license. In the state of Minnesota, the most common applicants who can receive a limited license include:

Drivers who committed a DUI.
Drivers who failed to pay child support.

In order to apply for this license, one must pay additional fees.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?

In the event that you fail the road skills exam on your first attempt, you must schedule a retake of the exam. One cannot obtain a Minnesota drivers license without passing this test, the vision screening or the written exam.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?

To apply for drivers license documents in Minnesota, one must bring an active learners permit and proof of passing the written and road skills exams to a local DPS licensing office. If the applicant does not have his or her permit on hand, he or she must provide the following documents:

One primary document with name and birth date(original):
- Birth certificate
- Passport
One secondary document (original):
- Social Security card
- Marriage certificate
Additional proof of legal presence in US, if you are a temporary US resident:
- I-20
- DS-2019
- I-797
English translations of foreign documents, if originals are presented in another language

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?

In order to renew license credentials in the state of Minnesota, one must provide a number of documents. These include:

A current Minnesota driving license or one primary and one secondary form of ID:
- Birth certificate (primary)
- Social Security card (secondary)
A completed renewal application, which can be picked up at the DVS office.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?

Identity is the only thing that a driver must prove when applying for a duplicate drivers license in Minnesota. This can be done by having a DVS representative verify your ID with the picture the office has on file or by bringing the following documents:

One primary proof of ID, such as a birth certificate
One secondary proof of ID, such as a Social Security card

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?

The Minnesota written knowledge exam is available in a number of languages. In addition to English, prospective drivers can take the exam in:

Spanish
Hmong
Russian
Vietnamese
Somali

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?

In the event you forget or choose not to undergo drivers license renewal before the due date on your license, you can face a number of penalties. MN Driver and Vehicle Services may choose to impose any or all of the following punishments:

A fine for lateness
A retake of the written test
A retake of the road skills exam

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety requires all drivers to go in person to perform drivers license renewal. Due to this fact, the updated license will be given to you before you leave the DVS office. In any case, one must bring all of the necessary documents and payment in order to go through the process successfully.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?

Concerning the tests you must pass in order to obtain a license to drive in Minnesota, the Department of Public Safety has three requirements:

The vision test: Drivers must have sufficient eyesight in order to drive safely.
The written test: Drivers must know the rules and signs of the road.
The road skills test: Drivers must know how to apply the road s regulations.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

What type of noncommercial license will I need?

When applying for drivers license credentials in Minnesota, one must remember not to get the different license classes confused. If you are pursuing a standard noncommercial license, then you need to go through the steps associated with a Class D drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?

The time to reinstate suspended drivers license credentials depends on one main factor. The factor is why your Minnesota drivers license was suspended in the first place. Some violations result in more serious punishments and longer suspension times. Other offenses can be rectified within days. For some examples of time frames, look at the examples below:

If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine: Pay the traffic fine and you can reinstate your license.
If suspension occurred because you did not pay child support: Pay child support and you can reinstate your license.
If your suspension occurred because you committed too many violations: Wait out the predetermined suspension period and then pay your reinstatement fees.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

When will I need to renew my license?

Minnesota drivers licenses must be renewed once every four years after a driver reaches the age of 21. These credentials, which are issued by Driver and Vehicle Services expire on the driver s birthday. As for how to renew, residents are required to go in person to a local DVS office and provide the necessary paperwork and payment.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?

The amount of time one can expect to wait for his or her MN drivers license copy to arrive varies based on your situation. For instance, if you choose to Fast Track your delivery, the new credential can arrive within two weeks.On the other hand, if you are out of state and applying for a replacement, the new drivers license can take up to six weeks to arrive.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Minnesota Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?

Checking whether or not you have incurred a drivers license suspension in Minnesota is easy. All you have to do is order a driving record. These records featured a wide variety of information, from recent violations and personal information to notices of suspension, revocation and cancellation. Choose what kind of driving record you want to purchase and submit payment. The state of Minnesota even allows drivers to apply for these documents online.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Minnesota

Where can I get a new drivers license?

Residents can only obtain a Minnesota driving license in person at a local DPS licensing office. Fortunately, these branches are located throughout the state for the convenience of all current and prospective drivers.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Minnesota

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?

Yes. The state of Minnesota has a number of requirements when it comes to renewing drivers license documents. One of these requirements is that the driver must take and pass a vision test to show that his or her vision is sufficient for operating a motor vehicle safely.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?

Yes. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety s Driver and Vehicles Services office will send you a drivers license renewal notice. This notification will be sent out when your credentials are approaching their expiration date. Additionally, these notices will feature information on how and where you can renew documentation.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Minnesota