Minnesota Driver's License
Requirements
In Minnesota, driver's licenses are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) — part of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class D Driver's License. Minnesota operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: an Instruction Permit at 15 (with concurrent Driver Education enrollment), a Provisional License at 16 with strict passenger and night-driving restrictions, and a full Class D License at 18. Driver Education is mandatory for all applicants under 18: 30 classroom hours plus 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Minnesota uniquely offers THREE types of driver's license: a Standard (non-REAL ID) License, a federally-compliant REAL ID License, and an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) — accepted as proof of identity and citizenship for land/sea border crossings to Canada and Mexico without a passport. The REAL ID is required to board domestic U.S. flights starting May 7, 2025. Most license services can be completed online at the DVS portal, and Minnesota operates over 90 deputy registrar offices statewide.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Minnesota resident. The DVS requires two documents proving Minnesota residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 60 days of establishing residency. Minnesota issues a Standard license to qualifying residents who do not have federal lawful-presence documentation.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Minnesota DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or current MN vehicle registration with name and current address)
- Parental/guardian consent form signed in person at a DVS exam station — required for applicants under 18
- For applicants under 18: enrollment or completion certificate from a state-approved Driver Education program
- Vehicle for the road test with valid MN registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Minnesota DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Minnesota driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Enroll in Driver Education at 14.5–15
Minnesota requires all applicants under 18 to complete state-approved Driver Education before getting an Instruction Permit. The program is 30 classroom hours + 6 hours behind-the-wheel. Many high schools offer it; private schools cost $350–$700. The classroom portion can begin at 14.5; the in-car portion typically starts at 15.
Study the Minnesota Driver's Manual
Download the current Minnesota Driver's Manual from dps.mn.gov. The written knowledge test is 40 questions covering MN traffic laws, road signs, ice-driving safety, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (32 correct) to pass.
Apply for an Instruction Permit at 15
Visit any DVS exam station with your parent/guardian, required documents, Driver Ed enrollment proof, and $13.25 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Instruction Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+.
Pro tip: Use the DVS online appointment system at drive.mn.gov — exam-station walk-in waits exceed 2 hours at busy times.
Log 50 Hours Including 15 at Night (or 40 Hours with Parent's Class)
Permit holders under 18 must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving — 15 of which must be at night. If the parent completes a separate Parent Awareness Course, the requirement reduces to 40 hours. The supervising driver must be 21+ with a valid license.
Pro tip: The Parent Awareness Course is a free 90-minute online or in-person session. Worth taking — it saves 10 supervised hours.
Hold Permit for 6 Months
Minnesota requires a 6-month Instruction Permit period for under-18 applicants. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Road Skills Test
Schedule the road test through drive.mn.gov. Bring your Instruction Permit, completed Driver Education certificate, parent affidavit confirming supervised hours, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and a brief freeway segment in some metro stations.
Pro tip: Suburban and small-town exam stations (Stillwater, Hutchinson, Mankato) usually have appointments within 1–2 weeks; Twin Cities stations can be 4–8 weeks out.
Receive the Provisional License at 16
Pay the $23.50 license fee. The Provisional License has strict restrictions for the first 6 months: no driving 12am–5am unless accompanied by a parent or going to/from work, no more than ONE passenger under 20 (immediate family excluded), and no cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free). For months 7–12: up to THREE passengers under 20 are allowed.
Upgrade to Full Class D at 18
On the 18th birthday, the Provisional License automatically becomes a full Class D License. Standard 4-year renewal cycle begins. No additional test or office visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Minnesota Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is a special-purpose license accepted as proof of citizenship and identity at U.S./Canadian and U.S./Mexican land and sea border crossings — replacing the need for a passport for those specific purposes. It costs $15 above the standard license fee. The EDL is also REAL ID-compliant for domestic flights. Only U.S. citizens can apply; non-citizens are eligible only for Standard or REAL ID licenses.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Minnesota DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.