Applying for a New License

To obtain a new driver's license in Minnesota, you must submit an application to a driver's license office location, some of which are also locations for exams.

New Residents

As a new resident and motorist, you must obtain a Minnesota driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident.

If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license or a license from a U.S. territory or Canada, getting a Minnesota driver's license is usually a matter of passing Minnesota's knowledge and vision tests.

The road test is not required unless your existing license has been expired for a year or more.

If you are from another country other than Canada, you must pass the knowledge, vision, and road tests, even if you possess a valid license from another country.

First-time Teen Drivers

If you are a teenager in Minnesota at least 15 years old but younger than 18, you must adhere to the state's Graduated License program. That program requires that an Instruction Permit and Provisional License be held before obtaining a Full License.

Applying for a New License

To apply for a new license in Minnesota, you must do the following:

• Present proper identification.

• Present the white and yellow copies of successful test results (see below).

• Present any other driver's licenses you hold. Licenses from other states are invalidated and returned to holders. Licenses from outside of the U.S. are not invalidated and may be used for those with dual citizenship.

• Pass a vision screening test.

• Get a driver photo taken.

• Pay the appropriate fee, which varies by age and license class.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

In Minnesota, your valid foreign driver's license grants you driving privileges for no longer than the length of your visa. Non-citizens face specific identification requirements, and non-citizen licenses receive distinguishing features to classify them as such.

Identification Requirements

To apply for a driver's license, you must provide either two Primary forms of identification or one Primary and one Secondary.

Primary

• A valid foreign passport with either a current I-94 form or an I-551 stamp.

• A Canadian birth or naturalization certificate with an attached current I-94 form. If you opt for this form of identification it must also be accompanied by photo proof (Secondary) issued by the Canadian government.

• An Employment Authorization Card (I-688 or I-766 series).

• A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570, N-578).

• A Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card (I-551, I-151).

• A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561, N-645).

• A re-entry Permit/Refugee Travel Document (I-327, I-571).

• A United States Citizen Identification Card (I-179, I-197).

Secondary

• A Canadian social insurance card.

• A certified Canadian court order with full name and date of birth.

• A Canadian government employee photo identification card.

• A certified birth certificate issued from a government jurisdiction other than the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.

• A photo driver's license, identification card, or permit issued by Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or a Canadian province or territory that's current or has been expired for less than five years.

Keep in mind that licensing officials have the authority to request additional identification. As a temporary resident of the U.S., additional proof of your legal status might be required, such as forms I-20, DS-2019, or I-797.

New Resident Commercial Drivers

For commercial drivers, there is a 30-day period before a requirement to apply for a Minnesota CDL.

Active Duty Military Stationed in Minnesota

Members of the U.S. military and their family members stationed in Minnesota who have valid out-of-state driver's licenses do not need to apply for Minnesota licenses.

Knowledge and Road Skill Testing

The written, or knowledge test for a Minnesota driver's license is available for applicants on a walk-in basis at driver exam locations during normal Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) hours.

You will have to show proper identification to take the test, which consists of multiple choice and true or false questions to test your knowledge of Minnesota's road signs and traffic laws. You are limited to one test per day. Some stations offer computerized tests in the following foreign languages:

• Hmong

• Russian

• Somali

• Spanish

• Vietnamese

As for the skill test, or road test, for a Minnesota driver's license, you must demonstrate use of your vehicle's safety equipment, control and driving. You will be tested on your ability to drive your vehicle safely under normal conditions, obeying normal rules and regulations.

Only the applicant driver is permitted in the car during a test with an examiner. Minnesota DVS advises applicants to make an appointment for road tests. You can do this at any driver exam location.

When taking the skill or road test, you must:

• Show proper identification when taking the test.

• Provide a legal, operating vehicle in which to take the test.

• Ensure that the passenger door opens from both inside and outside of the vehicle.

• Ensure that seat belts are functioning properly.

• Ensure that brake lights, signals, and headlamps work.

• Provide proof of valid insurance for the testing vehicle.

Vision Screening

Minnesota driver's license applicants must also pass a vision check. It is not a medical exam, but is a screening to determine if your vision meets the minimum standard in Minnesota, which is 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses. Peripheral vision in one or both eyes of applicant must be 105 degrees or greater.

To help you pass the knowledge and road tests, DVS provides a driver's manual outlining the rules of the road.