Overview of Minnesota Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
Minnesota issues two main types of government-issued identification documents: driver's licenses and Minnesota ID cards. Both documents serve as proof of identity and can be used for a variety of purposes, though they have different uses and requirements.
Free Guide to Arvest Online Banking Troubleshooting →
A Minnesota driver's license shows that you have passed a written test and practical driving examination and are authorized to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. The license displays your photo, signature, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. According to Minnesota state law, if you drive a motor vehicle in the state, you must carry a valid driver's license.
A Minnesota ID card is a non-driving identification document issued by the same agency as driver's licenses. People who do not drive, or who choose not to obtain a driver's license, may obtain an ID card instead. The ID card contains similar identifying information but does not authorize you to drive. Many people use ID cards for purposes such as banking, air travel, purchasing age-restricted items, or general identification.
Both documents are issued by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), which operates through the Secretary of State's office. The DVS maintains records of all licensed drivers and ID cardholders in the state. Understanding the differences between these two documents and what each one allows you to do is the first step in getting the identification that works for your situation.
Practical Takeaway: Determine whether you need a driver's license (if you plan to drive) or an ID card (for identification only). This choice affects which documents you will need to provide and which test you may need to take.
Required Documents for Getting a Minnesota Driver's License
Minnesota has specific document requirements that you must meet before you can receive a driver's license. The state requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Understanding what documents satisfy each requirement will help you prepare before you visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Learn About Renting Utility Trailers for Projects →
For proof of identity, Minnesota accepts a current, valid U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a permanent resident card; a state-issued ID card from another state; a tribal ID card; a Canadian driver's license; a military ID; or a school or work photo ID paired with other documentation. If you do not have any of these documents, you may bring a combination of documents such as a birth certificate paired with a Social Security card or baptism records.
Proof of Social Security number is required for all applicants. You can show this proof by presenting your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, a Social Security statement, or a Medicare card. The document must show your complete Social Security number.
Proof of residency in Minnesota is also required. You can show this by presenting a current utility bill, a bank statement, a lease agreement, a property tax statement, a vehicle registration, an insurance policy, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your name and current Minnesota address. The document should be dated within the last 30 days for utility bills or within the last 60 days for other documents. Post office boxes cannot be used as proof of residency; you must provide a physical street address in Minnesota.
For minors under age 18, additional documents may be required. Minnesota law requires that at least one parent or guardian appear with the minor and provide their own identification documents as well. Minors must also provide proof of their relationship to the parent or guardian, such as a birth certificate.
Practical Takeaway: Gather documents in all three categories—identity, Social Security number, and Minnesota residency—before you visit a DVS office. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are generally not accepted.
How the Written and Practical Driving Tests Work
If you are obtaining your first driver's license or renewing an expired license and are required to test, Minnesota requires you to pass both a written knowledge test and a practical driving test. These tests are designed to ensure that drivers understand traffic laws and can operate vehicles safely.
Get Your Free Guide to Paying for Flights →
The written knowledge test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle operation. The test consists of multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Oromo, Vietnamese, Lao, and others, to make sure language is not a barrier to obtaining a license. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may retake the test. There is typically a waiting period before you can retake it, and you will need to pay the test fee again.
Study materials for the written test are free and available online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. These materials include a driver's manual that explains traffic laws and safe driving practices, sample test questions, and interactive study tools. Many people find it helpful to study the manual for several weeks or months before taking the test, depending on their familiarity with Minnesota traffic laws.
The practical driving test, also called the road test, requires you to demonstrate that you can safely operate a vehicle in real-world conditions. During the test, a licensed examiner rides with you and observes your ability to start the vehicle, drive in various traffic conditions, make turns, parallel park, and respond to traffic signals and road conditions. The examiner looks for whether you follow traffic laws, maintain control of the vehicle, use mirrors and check blind spots, and demonstrate safe decision-making. As of recent data, approximately 70 to 75 percent of first-time test takers pass the practical driving test.
You must bring your own vehicle to the practical driving test, and the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe operating condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and windows. You will also need to bring a valid permit or ID, depending on your testing situation.
Practical Takeaway: Begin studying the driver's manual several weeks before you plan to take the written test. Take practice tests online to identify areas where you need more study. Schedule your practical driving test only after you have passed the written test and have had time to practice driving with a licensed driver.
Obtaining a Minnesota ID Card Without Driving
Minnesota ID cards are for people who want a government-issued photo ID but do not need or want a driver's license. ID cards are issued to Minnesota residents and are valid for identification purposes across many situations, including banking, airport security under certain circumstances, purchasing age-restricted items, and proof of identity for various transactions. As of 2023, Minnesota has issued over 1.2 million ID cards to state residents who chose this option instead of a driver's license.
Get Your Free Guide to American Express Debit Cards →
The document requirements for obtaining an ID card are the same as for a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency. You do not need to take any written or practical tests to obtain an ID card. The application process is simpler than getting a driver's license because you are not demonstrating driving ability.
ID cards are issued in the same physical format as driver's licenses and contain similar information: your photograph, your signature, your full legal name, your date of birth, your Minnesota address, your ID number, and the expiration date. Minnesota ID cards are currently valid for eight years from the date of issue for adults age 21 and older. For people under age 21, ID cards are valid for four years.
Minnesota ID cards can be renewed by mail, in person, or online if you do not need to update your photograph or address. Renewal by mail costs less than in-person renewal, making it an economical option for people whose information has not changed. Renewal by mail typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for processing.
Some people obtain an ID card as a first step and later decide to get a driver's license. In this case, you may be able to convert your ID card or apply for a driver's license. You would still need to pass the written and practical tests to become licensed to drive.
Practical Takeaway: If you do not drive, an ID card provides government-issued photo identification for most purposes and requires no testing. Gather the same identity and residency documents you would need for a driver's license and visit a DVS office or apply online.
Understanding Costs, Validity Periods, and Renewal
Minnesota driver's licenses and ID cards have associated fees, and it is important to understand the cost structure and how long your document will remain valid. Costs vary depending on whether you are getting
Learn About Signing Into Your Capital One Auto Loan Account →