Driver's licenses are pivotal across all states. This document serves as proof of identification and grants individuals the legal authority to operate motor vehicles.
Driver's licenses are required in Minnesota under Minnesota Statutes Section 171.02. Under this regulation, no person is permitted to drive a motor vehicle in the state unless that individual possesses a valid driver's license.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the driver's license application and renewal procedures, specifically its Division of Vehicle Services (DVS). This authority outlines the required documents, conducts the necessary tests, and issues licenses to qualified individuals.
By understanding the process outlined by the DPS, aspiring drivers can easily navigate the requirements and steps involved when applying for a Minnesota license.
What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in Minnesota?
Minnesota offers a variety of driver's license types to meet the state's diverse vehicle classifications and transportation needs. These include non-commercial licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and enhanced driver's licenses.
Class D License
Minnesota's Class D driver's license is the standard license. It allows people to drive regular cars and small trucks for personal use. This license is specifically for vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds or less.
Motorcycle License
This license is required to legally drive a motorcycle in Minnesota. However, note that it is not stand-alone; individuals must have a standard driver's license and obtain the appropriate motorcycle endorsement.
Class A CDL
This license operates large combination vehicles. Drivers with this license can handle trucks towing heavy trailers. The combined weight of the truck and trailer must exceed 26,000 pounds, and the towed unit alone must weigh over 10,000 pounds.
This license is typically needed for long-haul trucking and other large freight transportation jobs.
Class B CDL
This type of license allows the operation of heavy single-unit vehicles. These vehicles must weigh more than 26,000 pounds but do not include a separate towed unit. Examples of such vehicles include large delivery trucks, dump trucks, and some buses.
Drivers in construction, local delivery services, and public transportation often use this license type.
Class C CDL
A driver operating a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less needs a Class C License. This license may include endorsements for transporting hazardous materials, passengers, or driving a school bus.
Enhanced Drivers License (EDL)
Minnesota introduced the Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) and Enhanced Identification Card (EID) in February 2014. This license type offers residents a dual-purpose ID for driving and streamlined re-entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean via land or sea ports.
It is a federally approved card that simplifies border crossings by verifying identity and citizenship without additional documentation.
How To Obtain a Driver's License in Minnesota?
Obtaining a driver's license in Minnesota requires following specific steps. The process involves preparing the required documents, practicing driving, and proving driving skills by passing the prerequisite steps.
Understanding this process is essential for anyone wanting to become a Minnesota licensed driver. To do so, individuals can gather the necessary documents and submit them personally at a local DVS office.
Documentary Requirements
To obtain a standard Minnesota driver's license or identification card, individuals must prepare numerous documents. Specifically, two primary documents or one primary document and one secondary document are needed.
The following are the accepted primary documents:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Adoption certificate
- Tribal ID card
- Naturalization/citizenship documents
- Military ID
- Social Security card
Meanwhile, the secondary documents are as follows:
- Marriage/divorce certificates
- School records
- Pilot's license
- Firearm permit
- Tax documents
- Mortgage/deed documents
- Government-issued employee ID
Refer to this list of acceptable documents to learn more about the accepted documents when applying for a standard Minnesota driver's license.
Note that all documents must be in English. If they are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a translation and translation attestation.
Minnesota Graduated Driver's License Program
When individuals under age 18 apply for a Minnesota driver's license, a step-by-step process must be followed. The state uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program to allow young drivers to gain hands-on experience as they age. The program has three main stages:
Phase I - Instruction Permit
Applicants must be at least 15 years old and have completed classroom instruction. They must pass vision and knowledge tests, pay a fee, and have a parent or guardian sign their application.
Drivers holding instruction permits are restricted. Everyone in the vehicle must wear seatbelts or use proper child restraints. Moreover, permit holders cannot use cell phones while driving, even with hands-free devices.
Note that the permit is valid for two years and can be renewed. It's illegal to practice driving without a valid permit, which must be in the driver's possession while driving.
Phase II – Provisional License
Before obtaining this license, young drivers must hold an instruction permit for six months, complete driver education requirements, and maintain a clean driving record.
Additionally, the permit holder must document 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night, or complete a parent class to reduce the requirement to 40 hours, including 15 at night.
Afterward, applicants must pass the skills test, submit an application, pay fees, and gain approval from a designated adult.
The provisional license is valid for two years with strict conditions, including mandatory seat belt use, no cell phone usage while driving (including hands-free devices), and limitations on nighttime driving and passengers.
Phase III – Full License
To qualify for a full license, individuals must be at least 18 years old or have held a provisional license for a continuous 12-month period without convictions for alcohol or controlled substance violations, crash-related moving violations, or more than one non-crash-related moving violation.
Applicants must submit a completed application, pay the required fee, and, if under 18, demonstrate supervised driving experience of at least ten hours certified by a licensed driver over 21 years old. The full license expires on the applicant's 21st birthday.
Minnesota Driver's License Tests
To qualify for a regular or Class D driver's license in Minnesota, applicants must successfully pass all required tests at each stage of the process.
Vision Screening
In Minnesota, driver's license applicants must pass a vision screening or vision test. Those who use corrective lenses must wear them during the screening. The state requires at least 20/40 vision in one eye, with or without correction.
If individuals fail the test, they may need to wear corrective lenses while driving. In this case, they must get an eye doctor's report confirming their vision meets standards with correction.
The vision test fee is included in the license application fee, which is $32 for adults 21 and over and $28.25 for those under 21.
Written Test
Regardless of age, all applicants must take the driver's license knowledge test, which has 40 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must answer 32 correctly to pass. There's no separate fee for the test, but getting an instruction permit costs $12.50. This permit allows test-taking and can be retaken after a one-day wait if failed.
Road Skills Test
In Minnesota, the road skills test is the final step before getting a driver's license. It is given by a trained examiner from the DPS. However, for 16-year-old applicants, a parent or guardian must be present during the test.
Before the test starts, the examiner checks the vehicle to make sure it's safe to drive and has all the required equipment. This includes working brake lights, turn signals, and a horn. The applicant needs to show proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
If the vehicle is proven to be in good working condition, individuals can proceed with the test, where they will be scored based on vehicle controls, driving under normal traffic conditions, etc.
Once an applicant has passed the tests, paid the relevant fees, and met all other requirements, they can get their Class D license at the local DVS office.
Minnesota Drivers License Fees
Obtaining a driver's license in Minnesota involves several fees, which vary depending on the type of license and the applicant's age.
The most basic fee is for an instruction permit, which costs $29.50 and is valid for two years. For a provisional driver's license, the fee is $32.50, while a Class D license in the state costs $46.
The Minnesota DVS accepts a variety of payment methods for these driver's license fees, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
To learn more about the associated fees when obtaining a driver's license in Minnesota, refer to this Driver's License Fees found on the state's official DPS website.
For detailed information on obtaining a regular Minnesota driver's license, see the Minnesota Driver's Manual. Meanwhile, to acquire a state CDL, check out the Minnesota Commercial Driver's License Manual. Those interested in obtaining a motorcycle driver's license should do an imperative reading about the Motorcycle Manual.
How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in Minnesota?
If a Minnesota driver's license is nearing expiration or has expired, it is the responsibility of the holder to renew it to maintain their driving privileges. Additionally, individuals must seek a replacement if certain situations occur, such as the license being lost, stolen, or damaged.
Renewing a Minnesota Driver's License
Minnesota drivers can renew their driver's licenses either in person at a local DVS office or by mail if applicable. The process for each is detailed below.
In-Person Renewal
Renewing a Minnesota driver's license in person is straightforward and requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Individuals seeking to renew their license can visit any DVS office or exam station.
To expedite the process, applicants are encouraged to utilize the Pre-Application feature before their visit. Upon arrival, they must complete an application form and be prepared to pay fees ($41) using either personal checks or cash.
Applicants should also bring their Social Security number and, if necessary, documentation for name changes. These may include a divorce decree, certified marriage certificate, or court order specifying the name change.
The renewal process includes a vision screening for driver's licenses and a photograph taken for identification purposes.
Note that if a license has expired for more than one year but less than five years, the individual must pass both a written test and a vision test before applying for a new license.
Renewal by Mail
Renewing a Minnesota driver's license by mail is an option available for individuals who are temporarily residing outside the state. To initiate this process, one must request an Out-Of-State Driver's License application packet by contacting the DVS via phone (651 297-3298) or email at dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us, providing their full name, date of birth, and mailing address.
Upon receiving the packet, applicants must carefully follow the instructions provided. This includes completing and notarizing the application, answering all questions thoroughly, and obtaining a vision report signed by an examiner for license renewals. Payment must be enclosed, with a separate check required for expedited processing.
The DVS will utilize the existing photo and signature on record for the new card. However, individuals renewing their license must visit a DVS office within 30 days of returning to Minnesota to have a new photograph taken.
Processing time for standard applications is approximately six weeks, while expedited applications (for an extra $20) typically take two weeks.
Note that certain restrictions apply, such as limitations on mailing to specific address types and timing considerations for those approaching their 21st birthday.
Replacing a Minnesota Driver's License
Replacing a Minnesota driver's license is similar to renewing. Individuals requiring a replacement must visit a DVS office or exam station in person.
At the location, they will need to complete an application form and provide the necessary identification documents. A fee is required for the replacement, which can typically be paid by personal check or cash.
Unlike renewals, vision screening is not usually required for replacements unless deemed necessary by the examiner. A new photograph will be taken for the replacement license.
For the most current and detailed information about the replacement process, individuals are advised to consult the "Driver's License - Class D – Get Duplicate License" page on the official Minnesota DPS website.
What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in Minnesota?
The suspension of a driver's license in Minnesota temporarily withdraws a person's driving privileges. Common reasons an individual's license may be suspended in Minnesota include the following:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Accumulating too many points on their driving record
- Failing to pay traffic fines or appear in court
- Being involved in serious traffic violations
When the Minnesota DVS notifies someone of a suspension, they must surrender their license and follow specific steps to reinstate it.
If someone is driving with a suspended license in Minnesota, it can result in serious legal consequences. Individuals caught operating a vehicle with a suspended license may face fines of up to $1,000 and potential jail time of up to 90 days, in addition to having their license suspended for an even longer period.
These penalties discourage drivers from operating a vehicle without a valid license, as it poses a significant safety hazard to themselves and others on the road. Minnesota takes these violations very seriously and enforces strict punishments to promote responsible driving behaviors.
To reinstate a driver's license after a suspension, file an Application for Reinstatement of a Revoked License and mail it to the specified address. The processing and reinstatement fee of $20 must also be paid.
Can Someone Drive in Minnesota With a Foreign License?
Visitors and international students in Minnesota can legally operate a vehicle using their foreign driver's license for a limited period.
To comply with state regulations, these individuals must carry two essential documents: their valid foreign driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in their home country. The IDP serves as an official translation of the foreign license and is recognized internationally.
This privilege extends for up to one year from the date of entry into the U.S. During this time, foreign license holders can drive without obtaining a Minnesota driver's license. However, both the foreign license and the IDP must remain valid throughout this period.
After one year, individuals intending to continue driving in Minnesota are required to obtain a state-issued driver's license.
Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in Minnesota?
Foreigners can obtain a driver's license in Minnesota under certain conditions. The process and requirements vary depending on the individual's immigration status and length of stay in the U.S. Temporary visitors, such as international students or workers with valid visas, may be eligible for a limited-term driver's license that expires with their legal presence in the country.
To apply, foreign nationals must provide proof of identity, date of birth, and legal presence in the U.S. This typically includes documents like a passport, visa, and I-94 form. They must also present evidence of their Minnesota residence and a valid Social Security number or proof of ineligibility for one.
Applicants are required to pass a knowledge test, vision screening, and road test. If they've never held a license before, they may need to complete a driver's education course. Note that undocumented immigrants are not eligible for a Minnesota driver's license.
Foreign drivers should be aware that the process can be complex and time-consuming. They are advised to contact the Minnesota DVS or DPS for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements based on their individual circumstances.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in Minnesota?
- How To Obtain a Driver's License in Minnesota?
- How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in Minnesota?
- What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in Minnesota?
- Can Someone Drive in Minnesota With a Foreign License?
- Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in Minnesota?