Driver’s License and State ID

Driver’s License Information

Every Minnesota resident who operates any motor vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, ATV) must have a driver’s license. The operation of an automobile without a valid operator’s license is illegal and punishable by fine (and sometimes by jail sentence). It is also illegal to permit another person who has no valid license to drive an automobile. Every driver must become familiar with the Minnesota Driver’s License Manual. This covers traffic and safety rules, laws, rules of the road, allowable speed limits, and road signs and symbols.

If you hold another U.S. state license or International Driver License (IDL) or Driving Permits (IDP), which is only a translation of your valid country license, we strongly recommend you get MN driver’s license. You are required to change to a MN driver’s license within 60 days of establishing (temporary) residency in MN.

IMPORTANT

From Aug. 1, 2019, Minnesota law requires hands free usage of mobile devices. Please be aware of this if you are driving in MN. (For further information, please check at Dept of Public Safety.) During the pandemic it can take several months or more for a new (or replacement) Driver’s License or stated ID to be issued.

No Show Fee:

As of Nov, 1, 2021, Minnesotans who fail to show up for their driver’s license road test will face a $20 fee. The law is in response to a growing number of “no shows,” taking away road tests from other people who are waiting for an appointment. Customers can cancel their appointment more than 24 hours before it begins to avoid the fee. The fee is collected when the customer applies for their driver’s license.

The no-show fee applies to any missed skills test appointment scheduled on or after Nov. 1. The system alerts customers about the possibility of a no-show fee when they make an appointment. Customers will also be reminded about the fee in a notice sent three business days before their scheduled appointment.

More details are available at this website.

USEFUL LINKS FOR WRITTEN TEST AND DRIVING TESTS:

1. ISP Driver License, IDs and Van Certification Guide-2022 updated 
2. ISP Guide to Passing the Written Test
3. Minnesota Driver’s License Manual
4. Written Test Practice Exams | Alternative | Alternative 2
5. Checklist for Road Test
6. Driver and Vehicle Services FAQ

Driver License Application Process

1. Pass written test to obtain instruction permit
2. Pass road test to obtain your license

Fees (cash or check only)

Class D regular or under 21 – $32

Class D instruction permit (valid for 2 years) – $15.50

Locations

You can find a list of locations where you can pass the written and road tests at the following link: Driver and Vehicle Services Locations. Make sure to check the box for the test you are applying for– Knowledge (Written) Test or Road Test, Class D–because different locations offer different types of tests.

Knowledge/Written Test

Once you pass the written test, you are given an instruction permit. An instruction permit is valid for two years from the date of application and they are renewable. You must carry your permit whenever you practice driving.

An applicant, who is age 18 or younger and not previously licensed, must hold an instruction permit for six months before taking a skills (road) test. Applicants who are 19 or older must hold an instruction permit for three months before taking a skills (road) test.

A person who fails the driving test four times must complete a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor before taking the skills test again (a valid instruction permit is required).

Please bring the following with you to your written test:

• Passport
• I-20 or DS-2019
• I-94
• Social Security Card or official Macalester transcript

Click here for a more detailed list of proper identification documents for the state of Minnesota.

Road Test

Before you take the road test, make sure you practice driving with someone who has a valid driver’s license or go to a driving school. Take the road test only when you and your instructor feel comfortable with your driving abilities.

For the road test you must bring:

• The vehicle in which you’re going to test
• Proof of registration and insurance for your vehicle
• Your learner’s permit or other equivalent authorization

To schedule an appointment for the driving test, click “Schedule a Skills Test” on the DVS Services website.

REAL ID

By May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities. A standard Minnesota driver’s license will not be accepted for federal use as of that date, but it will still be valid for lawful driving privileges. We strongly encourage you to get a REAL ID compliant license or identification card.

To apply for a REAL ID document:

A person must provide the following in person when applying:

• One document proving identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States.
  • If the name on the identity document is not the same as a person’s current name, a name change document must be submitted.
  • International Students will need a valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country and a valid, unexpired U.S. visa accompanied by a Form I-94 as documentation of the applicant’s most recent lawful admittance into the US. If the Form I-94 is endorsed “DS” then a Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or Form I-551​.
• One document proving social security number.
  •  If you have not updated your name change with the Social Security Administration, you must do so prior to applying for a Real ID.
  • If a foreign passport is used for evidence of identity or date of birth, additional documentation demonstrating non work authorized status may be needed to verify non-eligibility for a Social Security number.
• Two different documents proving current residency in Minnesota. 
  • Must have applicant’s name as used at print and current address in Minnesota. A P.O. (Post Office) Box will not suffice as proof of current residency in Minnesota.

Additional information about required documents for REAL ID.

FAQ/Cases

• For Students 18 and Under

  If you are 18 years of age or under, you must apply for and hold a Minnesota instruction permit for at least six months before taking a road test.

  When practicing with a permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed adult driver. If you are under 18, the supervising driver must be 21 years of age or older. If you are 18 or older, the supervising driver must also be 18 years of age or older.

• Renewing your License

  If you have not yet turned 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday; otherwise, your driver’s license expires every 4 years on your birthday.

  It is illegal to drive with an expired driver’s license. If you let your driver’s license expire, you may have to pay penalty fees and be required to retake the written or road tests. The fees for renewing your license are the same as for obtaining your license (see above).

  What to Bring

  1. Previous driver’s license
  2. Social Security Number

  Process

  1. Go to the DVS office and provide your license.
  2. Complete the renewal application.
  3. Take the vision screening test.
  4. Get your picture taken and provide your Social Security Number.

• Students from Canada

  If you are a driver moving to Minnesota from Canada, it may be possible for you to get a license by passing the appropriate written test(s) and eye check only. To be able to do this, you must have a valid driver’s license (or one which has been expired for less than one year) from your former home province.

• What happens if I fail the tests?

  If you fail the written or road test, do not worry. You will not be charged for your second attempt. However, on the third try, you will be charged the following:

  • Written test: $10
  • Driving test: $20

• What if I have a license from my home country?

  Students who are over 19 years old and have foreign licenses are required to pass both the written and road tests. Once they have passed the written test, students may take the road test at their earliest convenience. (They don’t have to wait 3 months.) There is no fee for the permit because no card is issued. You do need to translate your foreign license, if necessary, through an approved translation vendor, who must fill out this form. This can get pretty pricey; oftentimes it might be more convenient to just buy the permit, unless you have a time limit.

  You can temporarily use your foreign driver’s license to drive in Minnesota, but note that you are required to change to a Minnesota Driver’s License within 60 days of establishing (temporary) residency in the state.

• Driving Schools

  • Minnesota Driving Schools
  • Silver Lake Driving School
  • Midway Driving School
  • Alamo Driving School
  • Ace Driving School

• What do I do if I receive a letter from the US Selective Service System?

  If you are a legally designated male when you are issued a state ID or driver’s license, you might get a letter from the U.S. government’s Selective Service System that registers a person for possible military service. Almost all male US citizens and immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. However, if you are on a non-immigrant visa like F-1, you just need to follow instructions on the letter to explain why you are exempt from registration; keep a copy of their letter and your response in case it’s needed in the future. Please visit the Selective Service System’s website for more information and a list of supporting documents to demonstrate you are exempt from registering as an F-1 visa holder.

State ID

As an International Student, you have at least two forms of picture identification: your passport and your Macalester student ID. We recommend that you also get a Minnesota ID or a Minnesota driver’s license. These two, which look identical except for the title, are the standard forms of identification here and are usually required when making financial transactions–especially when writing checks–and at some other times, such as when an age check is necessary (e.g., when purchasing cigarettes and alcohol, entering bar or night club, or seeing restricted movies at the cinema).

To get a Minnesota ID, bring the following:

• Passport
• I-20 or DS-2019
• I-94 Card
• Social Security card or official Macalester transcript
• A fee of $21.50 (check or cash only)

You can obtain an ID at the locations found on the Driver and Vehicle Services Locations website.

Notice: Your State ID will expire 1 month before you turn 21 years old. It would be beneficial to renew your State ID as soon as possible once it expires.

REAL ID

By May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card, enhanced driver’s license or ID, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States or enter federal facilities. A standard Minnesota driver’s license will not be accepted for federal use as of that date, but it will still be valid for lawful driving privileges. We strongly encourage you to get a REAL ID compliant MN license or identification card.