Instruction Permit

Updated 4/9/2021

Minnesotans with driver's licenses or ID cards that expired March 31 when COVID-19 extensions ended, who have not renewed no longer have valid driver's licenses or ID cards. These cardholders should renew as soon as possible. No testing is required as long as a driver's license is expired less than one year and was in good standing prior to expiring.

  • Renew a standard driver's license online at drive.mn.gov. 
    • This convenient option is available for standard driver's licenses or ID cards that do not require name, address, signature or driver's license number changes. Your driver's license or ID card must be valid or expired less than one year. A person's record is updated as soon as the online application is complete.
  • Renew in person at a regional DVS exam station, deputy registrar or driver's license agent office
    • Minnesotans must use this option to make changes to their driver's license or ID card or apply for a REAL ID or enhanced driver's license or ID card. They should pre-apply online at drive.mn.gov before visiting their local office. 
      • Those who choose to apply for a REAL ID will not be able to use their expired driver's license or ID card as a valid proof of Minnesota residence. State and federal law require valid driver's licenses or ID cards for proof of residence. REAL ID applicants will need to select two other options from the required document list.
  • Regional DVS exam stations accept driver's license renewals and applications on a first-come-first-served basis. No appointments are required. Customers check into a virtual lobby at the office entrance and wait in their vehicle until they receive a text that it is their turn for service. 
  • Deputy registrar and driver's license agent offices are independently owned and operated. Many require appointments for all services and have limited appointments available. Locations and service information are on the DPS-DVS website.

Can I renew my standard driver’s license or ID card online?

Yes. Gov. Walz signed a bill into law that waives the photo and vision screening requirement for Minnesotans renewing or replacing their standard driver’s license or identification card. Minnesotans can renew or replace their standard driver’s license or ID card online provided there is no name, address, signature or license number change and your driver’s license is currently valid or expired for less than one year.  Citizens will not be required to complete a vision screening or have a new photo taken until the next time they renew or upgrade their license. 

To renew online, visit https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/news/Pages/online-knowledge-testing.aspx and select Apply for a Driver’s License or State ID and follow the prompts. 

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 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/_/

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.  Click on the link for more information https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/news/Pages/online-knowledge-testing.aspx

A standard driver’s license or ID is acceptable for domestic air travel until October 1st, 2021.

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 
  • 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.

Cost

$15.50 - valid for two years from the date of application
  
You can pay with cash, check (payable to Scott County) or credit card. If you pay with a credit card you will be paying a 2.45% convenience fee.