Instruction Permit

Status Update – 03/22/2022

We have moved to our permanent location in the Government Center East building. Customer Service is located on the first floor and for those of you that have previously visited us before, we are moving back to the same spot we were once at. Entrance doors are located on Atwood Street and 4^th Avenue.

We will continue with our hybrid customer service model, which includes appointments, walk-in service and drop box availability.

All driver’s license and identification card transactions are required to prebook an appointment for service before coming to the government center. Driver's licenses, ID cards and instruction permits can be renewed, replaced, updated, upgraded and first-time applications submitted at our location.

Walk-in service is available for other transactions such as tabs, title transfers, disability certificates, duplicate titles, marriage license applications, birth/death/marriage certificates and additional deputy registrar services. Please note walk-in service is on a first come first served basis and service is not guaranteed. When we have reached our capacity, you will be asked to wait outside the Service Center lobby until space is available. Our walk-in service line closes at 3:30.

The drop box is in the circular drive on Atwood St between 4^th and 5^th Avenues. Please ensure all of your transactions has a phone number on them. Your request will be processed in the order it was received and returned via mail.

Thank you for your patience during our transition and we look forward to seeing you again.

Real ID update 5/6/2021

REAL ID Federal Enforcement Deadline Extended to May 3, 2023

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 3, 2023. The deadline was previously set for later this year.

"Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority," said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. "As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver's licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card."

Beginning May 3, 2023, Minnesotans will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Instead, they will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver's license or ID card, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of identification for federal purposes.

Appointments for Minnesota Driver’s Licenses and ID cards

Our Customer Service department offers appointments for Minnesota driver’s license and identification card renewals, replacements due to a name change, an address change or if your card was lost or stolen. You can also upgrade to a Real ID or Enhanced DL/ID. Note: upgrades to Real ID or Enhanced cards do require additional documentation.

What type of license are you looking for? Unsure about your options? Click here to find out more: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/real-id/Pages/license-id-options.aspx

Have you pre-applied for your license? Please do so here before making an appointment: https://driverservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/

How can I make sure my appointment is successful?

You will receive multiple email reminders before your appointment. These contain details about when to arrive, where to wait and safety guidelines for accessing the building. Please review carefully and contact us at 952-496-8432 if you have any questions.
The most common issue we see is that people bring the wrong Social Security “card”. This is an example of an acceptable Social Security card. Notice the blue pillars on the card. These contain security features that make this card official.

Please be aware that this social security stub is NOT an acceptable form for proof of social security. This piece (stub) was attached to your official card when it was first received. Contains no security features.

Are you ready to make an appointment? For the best possible experience, you will want to use Chrome or Safari – Internet Explorer may not function properly. *We are currently offering appointments for the next 21 days. If there are no available times we are booked out, please check back.

New or returning resident to Minnesota

If you are a new or returning resident to Minnesota and have a valid license from another state, please be advised in order to obtain a Minnesota driver’s license you will need pass the knowledge (written) exam before you can apply for your license. We are not an exam office and do not offer any testing at this location.

Obtaining your instruction permit is the first step to becoming a licensed Minnesota driver. The permit is valid for two years of practice driving with a licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat. It is illegal to practice driving without a valid instruction permit. When you drive, you must have your instruction permit with you. Please see the Minnesota Driver's manual for a complete list of laws and rules.

Qualifications

Be at least 15 years old
Have completed 30 hours of classroom instruction and enrollment in behind-the-wheel instruction
If you are 18 or older, classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction is not required
Pass a vision screening and knowledge (written) test

Apply in Person

Click here to schedule Drivers License Appointments

Remember to bring

One primary and one secondary document from the identification list

Identification requirements

Your social security number if you have one
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian with proper identification must be present
Proof of your completed classroom instruction
Proof of enrollment in behind-the-wheel instruction
Knowledge test results (Please note we are not a testing facility - see MN DVS Locations for the closest office)

Under 18 limitations

Supervising driver must be 21 years old or older.
Every occupant must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system.
You may not use, or talk on, a cell phone while driving (with or without a hands-free device).

18 and older limitations

Supervising driver must be 18 years old or older.
All passengers must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system.