Identification Cards in Minnesota

Minnesota Identification Cards

If you're not licensed to drive a motor vehicle in Minnesota, you may need to obtain a MN state ID card as identification to prove your identity, age or address.

MN ID Card Eligibility Requirements

The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) department handles the issuance of MN ID cards.

There is NO minimum age requirement to apply for a Minnesota ID.

NOTE: If you decide to instead apply for a Minnesota driver's license, you should read our pages about Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) for adult drivers, or Applying for a New License (Teens) and Driver's Ed in Minnesota for teen drivers.

Apply for a Minnesota ID Card

You must visit a MN DVS branch office to apply for your MN state ID card. You cannot apply for an MN state ID card online, by mail, or by phone.

The DVS does NOT take appointments for Minnesota ID card applications. Since you'll have to wait in line, take a look at the suggested times to visit the MN DVS.

To apply for your MN state ID card, you will need:

  • Primary identification (must include your full name and date of birth), such as:
  • Secondary identification, such as:
    • Another primary document (see above).
    • U.S. state-issued driver's license with photo.
    • U.S. Social Security card (non-metal).
  • Your Social Security number.
  • Payment for the required application fee.
  • See the “MN Identification Card Fees" section below for fees and accepted payment methods.


NOTE: If your name is different on the primary and secondary documents, you will need to provide proof of legal name change (e.g. marriage certificate or divorce certificate). 

For a complete list of accepted identification documents, visit the Minnesota DVS website. If you're a Spanish-speaker, the MN DVS provides a translated list.

If you're under 18 years old: You will need the signature of your parent or guardian on your application.

Temporary U.S. Residents: If you're living in the United States as a temporary resident, you'll also be required to show proof of your “lawful admission period," such as:

  • Form I-20.
  • DS-2019.
  • I-797.
  • Other official immigration documents.

MN ID Cards for Military & U.S. Veterans

If you're in the military and stationed out of state you do not have to renew your ID card until you are discharged. You may also be eligible to renew your MN state ID card by mail. To do so, you'll need to contact the DVS by:

You'll need to provide:

  • Your MN ID card number OR full name and date of birth.
  • Your current mailing address.

The MN DVS will send the appropriate forms to renew by mail. Follow the instructions on the forms and send your information back to the address listed.

U.S. Veteran Designation

The MN DVS offers a special designation for ID cards to U.S. veterans upon issuance, renewal, or re-issuance of a Minnesota ID card. This designation is a computer record only and does not change the appearance of the ID card.

During your application at a local MN DVS office, you will need to:

  • Show a certified copy of your discharge papers.
  • Pay the required ID card fee.
    • For specific fee information, read the “MN Identification Card Fees" section below.

MN Identification Card Fees

The MN DVS offers several pricing guidelines for ID card applications.

  • Under 65 years old: $35.50.
  • Over 65 years old: $32
  • Disabled (physical/developmental, or qualified mental illness): $.50.
  • Homeless youth: Free.
  • Duplicate MN state ID cards: $26.

Minnesota Fast Track Program

If you would like to expedite the delivery of your MN state ID card, you must pay the “Fast Track" program fee of $20. The application will be processed within 3 business days, but you will receive your Minnesota ID card within 10 business days.

To get more information on how to apply for the Fast Track program, you can visit the Minnesota DVS website. NOTE: The MN DVS will not mail expedited applications to P.O. boxes, APO military addresses or foreign country addresses.

Minnesota Deputy Registrar offices accept the following payment methods for transactions made in person:

  • Cash.
  • Personal checks.

The MN DVS central office accepts payment by personal checks only.

Renew Your Minnesota ID Card

You must renew your Minnesota ID card in person at your local DVS office. You cannot renew it online, by phone or mail.

Minnesota ID Card Renewal Instructions

When you visit your local MN DVS office, you will need to bring your:

  • Minnesota ID card.
  • Social Security number (SSN).
  • Payment for renewal fees.
    • Go to the “MN Identification Card Fees" section above for fee information and payment methods.

If you're under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must also sign the application.

If you recently changed your name, read the “Changing Your MN ID Card Name or Address" section below.

Replace Your Minnesota ID Card

If your Minnesota ID card was lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you will need to apply for a duplicate.

To apply for a replacement Minnesota ID card, you must visit your local MN driver's license office. You may not apply online, by mail or phone.

When you apply, the MN DVS will:

  • Verify your photograph and signature on file at the DVS.
    • If these cannot be verified or you recently changed your name, you will need to provide further identification.
  • Collect the duplicate fee.
    • See the “MN Identification Card Fees" section above for specific fee information and accepted payment methods.

NOTE: If you recently changed your name, read the section below about “Changing Your MN ID Card Name or Address."

For more information on replacing a lost driver's license, visit our Replacing a Lost License in Minnesota page.

Out-of-State ID Card Renewal/Replacement

If you need to renew or replace your Minnesota ID card while out of state, you must submit an out-of-state ID card application packet.

To request the “Out-Of-State Driver’s License/ID Card Renewal Guide packet" you must call the DVS at (651) 297-3298 or e-mail directly to the dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us e-mail address. You will need to provide the DVS with:

  • Your full name.
  • Your date of birth.
  • Your mailing address.

You'll need to:

  • Fill out the application completely.
  • Sign your application and have it notarized.
  • Include a check or money order for the required fee.
    • For specific fee information, read the “MN Identification Card Fees" section above.

Allow up to 6 weeks to receive your new Minnesota ID card.

NOTE: The MN DVS will use the photograph on file to verify your identity. However, you must visit a local DVS office within 30 days of returning to Minnesota to have a new photo taken for your renewal application.

For information on how to replace a lost MN state driver's license, you may read our page about Replacing a Lost License in Minnesota.

Change Your MN ID Card Name or Address

Changing Your Name in Minnesota

In Minnesota, you are required to apply for a replacement identification card within 30 days of a name change.

You must visit your local DVS branch office to complete your name change while applying, renewing or changing your MN state ID card. You cannot change your name on your MN ID card online or by mail.

To change your name on your MN ID Card, go to your local DVS office and bring:

  • Proof of legal name change, such as a:
  • Payment for a duplicate Minnesota ID card.
    • For specific fee information and payment methods, refer to the “MN Identification Card Fees" section above.

NOTE: You'll be required to provide all documentation noting each name change if you have changed your name multiple times.

For more information, read our page about Changing Your Name in Minnesota.

Changing Your Address in MN

You may notify the MN DVS of your new address in person at a local MN DVS office.

To change your MN address, you simply need to apply for a duplicate or renew your Minnesota ID card. For specific instructions, see either the “Renew" or “Replace" sections above.

NOTE: You may need to provide additional documentation to prove your identity if the MN DVS cannot verify your photo on file. For a complete list of acceptable primary and secondary documents, please visit the MN DVS website.

For more information, read our page about Changing Your Address in Minnesota.

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