How to Apply for Your Minnesota Driver’s License

Starting October 1, 2023, all adults in Minnesota can apply for a standard Class D driver’s license. Immigration status doesn’t matter. Your license won’t have any markings about citizenship or immigration status. 

This fact sheet is for people who have never had a license before or have a foreign driver's license.

You have 3 options: Standard, Enhanced or REAL ID Compliant Driver's License. You can check out details of the options on the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services site at https://dps.mn.gov.

Note: Enhanced and Real ID driver’s licenses require proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status.  

You can read the Minnesota Driver’s Manual online. You are tested on your knowledge and understanding of Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. You can take free practice tests online.

Click on “Pre-Apply for a Driver’s License” on the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) home page. Pre-applying can make your wait time at the office shorter. It also helps you make sure that you have all the right documents for the license you want. 

Find a driver exam station near you that gives the knowledge tests. Under “*Service,” click “Class D Knowledge Test.” This list of exam places says if you have to make an appointment for the test or can walk-in. If you have to schedule, click “Schedule an Appointment” on the DVS home page. You can also schedule by phone at (651) 284-1234. 

Note: You must have a certified English translation for any documents in other languages. 

You need to pay the fee of $21.50 when you go. It can be by check, money order or cash. Most offices also take debit and credit cards. Fees can change. Check before you go. 

If you fail the knowledge test twice, you have to pay $10 for each time you try again.

They have vision testing machines there. If you normally wear glasses or contacts you can wear them for the test. If you fail the vision screening, they tell you to see an eye doctor.

You can apply for your permit before you leave. Or you can apply later at an office near you. They give you a temporary paper permit you can use until your card comes in the mail. That takes about a month. Your instruction permit is valid for 2 years and can't be renewed. It lets you drive supervised at all times by a licensed driver 21 years of age or older. Make sure you carry it with you when you practice driving.

If you are 18 years of age with a permit, you must practice driving for at least 6 months before scheduling the road test. If you are 19+, you need to hold your permit for at least 3 months before taking the road test. If you have a foreign driver’s license, you may not need to wait before scheduling your road test.

Note: if you want/need driving lessons you need to look online. Sometimes you can find instructors through local high schools.

Find a driver exam station near you that gives the road tests. Under “*Service,” click “Class D Road Test.” This list of exam places also says if you have to make an appointment for the test or can walk-in. If you have to schedule, click “Schedule an Appointment” on the home page. You can also schedule by phone at (651) 284-1234. 

It can be hard to get an appointment. Schedule at least 3-4 weeks ahead. 

You can learn about the road test online. It tells you details about the test and what documents you need to take with you. You need to pay the fee to take the test when you go. The fee is $38.00. Pay with check, money order, cash, or in most offices, debit or credit card. If you want an enhanced license or Real ID there is an added charge. Fees can change. Check before you go. If you fail the test twice, you have to pay $20 for each time you try again. 

Once you pass the road test, fill out the driver’s license application. You get a receipt for your driver’s license application and a record of your road test score. These 2 things are your temporary driver's license. 

If you are under 21 years old, you get a license marked “under-21.” It expires on your 21st birthday. You may apply for an over-21 license 3 weeks before your 21st birthday. From then on, your license expires every 4 years.

You get your real license in the mail. You can check the status of your license online under “More Driver Services.”