What does an enhanced driver’s license get you? With this license, you can travel between Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas without a passport. The license itself is a lot more stiff and has the word enhanced on the front with an American flag. MN enhanced IDs may meet standards, but paperwork is a drawback for some. Schaubach needed a lot of documents to apply for an enhanced drivers license. And a change in requirements at the.
1. Get Started Online With Drivers License Renewal Assistance
In most states, you can renew your drivers license online, by mail or in person. However, be mindful that the online method is only available to certain applicants, depending on their age and citizenship status. During an online license renewal, you will be asked to identify yourself and pay the applicable service fees. To make sure that you are fully prepared to complete the process, you can download our informative online guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to renew your driving license quickly and easily. In it, you will also get step-by-step details about how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as replacing your license or updating your name or address.
2. By Mail
Certain motorists are eligible to renew their drivers licenses by mail. If your state DMV offers this option, you will be asked to fill out a renewal notice or request form and include certain supporting documentation in your application package. Additionally, you will need to provide an acceptable payment method for the renewal fees, typically a check or money order. All of these documents must be sent to a specified DMV mailing address. It is important to note that this method includes processing times, so it may take longer than others to complete. To minimize your wait time and to avoid delays, be sure to attach the correct paperwork to your renewal form.
3. In Person at the DMV
When renewing your driving license at the DMV, you may be required to pass a vision screening, to retake your photograph and to pay a service fee. Generally, you will need to present your existing license, fill out a drivers license renewal form and assess that your information is still up-to-date on the DMV’s records. Because many drivers are typically unsure of which forms to fill out in order to complete their transactions, delays are common when applying in person. Furthermore, potential mistakes on your application may require you to visit the DMV more than once to successfully renew your license.
Drivers license renewal is a process necessary for Minnesota drivers to complete every few years. Driving permits give residents the ability to operate motor vehicles throughout the state. DMV license renewal ensures that applicants are continually meeting state requirements for driving safely and holding permits. Licenses must be renewed by the expiration date contained on official permit cards. Missing this date could lead to extra fees and potential complications in the future.
License renewal is a separate process from replacement. Permit replacement should occur when official cards are lost, stolen or damaged. Alternatively, renewal occurs periodically to reinstate driving privileges among residents. If applicants meet the instated eligibility requirements, updated license cards are issued. Additionally, specific fees must be paid to complete the process. To learn more about MN driver permit renewal, continue reading the following sections.
Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in Minnesota
Note: Drivers can locate the expiration date of their current drivers license next to the issue date.
Drivers license renewal guidelines in Minnesota must be met by all drivers living in the state. Some general eligibility rules that apply to license renewal applicants include:
- Applicants must be renewing a regular passenger vehicle license.
- Applicants must have a valid drivers license on hand.
Applicants should provide certain information when renewing permits in Minnesota. This information is used to verify the driver meets eligibility standards in the state. Specific documents are used to prove the identity, residency and citizenship status of drivers. To renew drivers license online or in person, applicants should offer proof of the following qualifications:
- United States citizenship status
- Valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- MN residency
Specific items that prove eligibility requirements include the following:
- Documents proving Social Security Number (SSN):
- Social Security Card
- W-2
- 1099 form
- Pay stub
- Documents proving citizenship:
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Foreign password with U.S. visa
- Birth Certificate
- Documents proving residency:
- Current license, permit or Minnesota ID card
- Letter stating applicant’s name and residential address
- Mail from schools, including transcripts
- Recent government-issued mail
- Mortgage documents
To prove Minnesota resident to drivers license offices, only permanent addresses can be provided. P.O. boxes are ineligible because they do not meet state verification standards.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in Minnesota
DMV permit renewal for MN residents cannot be completed in certain situations. Drivers should ensure they meet licensing standards before starting the application process. Renewed driving privileges are not granted for residents with the following:
- Current license suspension or revocation
- Current unpaid parking or driving tickets on record
All outstanding tickets should be successfully paid before the renewal process may begin.
How Early Can You Renew Your Drivers License in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, drivers licenses can be renewed up to 12 months before the official expiration date. For drivers younger than 21 years of age, license renewal should not be completed until three weeks before their 21st birthday.
Minnesota DMV License Renewal Options
MN residents can renew licenses in person or at an exam kiosk only. Renewing drivers licenses online is not an option in the state. Because in-person renewal is the only option for drivers, planning in advance is necessary for obtaining new licenses on time. Drivers should understand what is needed to renew drivers licenses to complete this process most efficiently.
How to Renew Your Drivers License in Person
“Where can I renew my drivers license?” is a common question asked by MN residents. Drivers can easily locate licensing locations offered within the state. Permit offices provide renewal services to applicants. Additionally, specific exam kiosks can be used to obtain renewed licenses.
When the nearest license office or exam kiosk is found, drivers can prepare to visit the location. First, applicants should gather all required documents in advance.
When visiting Minnesota licensing locations, drivers license renewal requests, verification documents and fees must be provided. Presenting accurate and up-to-date personal information is a necessity for successful renewal by drivers.
Documents verifying Social Security Number (SSN), citizenship status and MN residency must be provided. Next, vision exams are administered at the renewal location. In some cases, driving and/or road sign tests are administered to meet eligibility standards.
Lastly, drivers are required to pay drivers license renewal fees to obtain updated licenses. Only these forms of payment are accepted:
- Check
- Cash
When payment and verification documents are processed, drivers must take updated pictures to be used for their new licenses. Finally, permit cards are provided upon approval by the official licensing agency.
Military & Out of State Renewal in Minnesota
Renewing drivers permits is not required for active military members stationed outside of the state. This rule applies to military members, no matter how long their length of service is assigned. However, drivers license renewal requirements are applied upon discharge from active duty orders. At this time, expired licenses should be renewed via the regular process.
Out-of-state MN residents must complete a special renewal process to obtain updated driver privileges. First, drivers can receive an out-of-state renewal packet by calling or emailing the official state licensing location. This packet should be filled out, signed and notarized.
Next, the application packet, a valid vision report and fee payment should be mailed to a DVS office. Only checks and money orders can be submitted as valid forms of payment. New licenses will be mailed within 6 weeks of application approval.
Minnesota REAL ID Drivers License Renewal
When renewing regular licenses, MN residents can choose whether to apply for standard or REAL IDs. REAL IDs are new options for residents that provide authorization for federal actions taken throughout the United States. For example, unlike standards IDs, these cards allow drivers to fly on federally maintained aircraft and access federal buildings.
In Minnesota, drivers license renewal requirements for REAL IDs require the submission of additional documentation and fees by applicants.
Minnesota Drivers License Renewal Fees
How much does it cost to renew drivers licenses for eligible state residents? Renewal fees for MN drivers licenses are provided below:
- Class D license renewal: $25.25
- Filing fee: $8
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Drivers License Renewal from MN.gov
- License Fees from MN.gov
1. Get Started Online With New Drivers License Assistance
New drivers licenses cannot be obtained online or by mail. Instead, you must apply for a new license in person at a local DMV. While there, you must pass a vision screening, a written exam and a skills test. To make sure that you are prepared, download our informative online drivers license guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to complete this application easily and quickly. In it, you will get in-depth details on how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as updating personal information on your license, renewing your license and replacing a lost one.
2. In Person at the DMV
To obtain a new drivers license at the DMV, you must submit identification documents and pass mandatory tests. A birth certificate or passport can verify your name and age, and a utility bill can prove your state residency. Generally, you must pass a written knowledge exam and a road skills test. You must also fill out a drivers license application form and pay the applicable fees. However, you may not know which forms to complete or if you are already eligible to take your exams. Arriving at the DMV unprepared may result in long wait times and potential mistakes, which could mean having to redo the process.
In Minnesota, drivers licenses allow eligible residents to use motor vehicles. A thorough application process is required in order to verify eligibility standards. The DMV license process is used to certify that new drivers safely and effectively operate vehicles. Various types of permits can be applied for. Fees must be paid by new drivers to cover exam and processing costs.
Adult residents must undergo different eligibility verification and application process than teen drivers. Drivers younger than 18 must meet additional requirements established by the state. These stipulations are designed to improve the ability of young drivers on the road. Read the following sections on DMV drivers licenses to discover additional information on applying for permits.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in Minnesota as an Adult (18 or Older)
Minnesota residents age 18 and above are required to present official documents and personal information when applying for licenses. Preparing these items in advance is beneficial to make the process go faster. Additionally, knowing the total fees for the desired permit allows applicants to collect the money required beforehand.
Driving eligibility standards determine the identity, residency and citizenship status qualifications for MN drivers. Verifying documents must be presented when applying for driving privileges. The following items meet eligibility requirements for permits in the state.
- Documents proving Social Security Number (SSN), such as:
- Social Security Card
- W-2
- 1099 form
- Pay stub stating SSN
- Documents proving citizenship, such as:
- Permanent Resident Card
- Birth Certificate
- Foreign passport with the proper endorsement
- Employment authorization form
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Documents proving residency, such as:
- Current license, DMV driving permit or ID card
- Letter stating the applicant’s name and residential address
- Mail from schools
- Recent government-issued mail
- Mortgage documents
Steps to Get a New Drivers License in Minnesota as an Adult (18 or Older)
Once eligibility is determined, new drivers license application steps may begin. The process of obtaining a permit is completed in person at a certified licensing agency. While visiting the office, personal information and official documents are presented for review. Next, an application for new permits can be filled out at the office.
When this information is processed, the following exams are administered:
- Vision test
- Road test
Applicants must pass all of the aforementioned tests to receive a license. Drivers age 18 to 21 are granted provisional permits, while drivers 21 and older are granted unrestricted permits. All required fees can be paid at the licensing office.
Getting a Minnesota Drivers License as a New Resident
Understanding how to get a drivers license is necessary for new MN residents. An updated permit is required within 60 days of establishing residency. To find where to get a drivers license, applicants should locate the nearest licensing office to their domicile. When visiting the office, drivers must:
- Complete a vision exam.
- Present Social Security Number verification.
- Present previously held license.
- Provide identification and residency verification.
- Complete a knowledge and driving test, if required.
- Take a license photo.
- Pay all licensing fees.
When all documents and fees are successfully submitted and approved, a new license is granted.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in Minnesota as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
Understanding drivers license information is an important component of obtaining Minnesota driving privileges. With this knowledge, teen drivers can ensure the application process goes as smoothly as possible. Specific license eligibility standards apply to drivers younger than 18. Drivers should ensure each of the following requirements are satisfied before applying for licenses:
- Applicants must adhere to age, residency and citizenship standards.
- All required written, vision and/or skills tests must be completed. Parents or legal guardians provide consent when dependents submit applications.
Drivers in Minnesota under age 18 must complete driver education courses to be granted licenses. Adult license holders are not required to take education classes.
Applicants should only take driver classes at verified institutions. 30 hours of instruction on basic driving skills and knowledge is covered, as well as on-road training. During the driver license application process, residents must provide certification of attendance.
Steps to Get a New Drivers License in Minnesota as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
What do you need to get your license as a qualified MN driver? To apply for driving license privileges in Minnesota, teen applicants must complete the graduated permit program. Authorization from parents or legal guardians is necessary. The steps of this process are as follows:
- Issuance of an Instructional Permit to a new driver after the required vision and written knowledge exams are passed. Parents or legal guardians must provide consent to applicants. Permits must be held for 6 months. Drivers are only allowed to operate vehicles under supervision.
- Issuance of a Provisional License after successfully passing a driving skills exam and holding an Instructional Permit for the allotted time frame. Drivers must complete at least 50 hours of on-road practice, with 15 of these hours done at night. Drivers may advance to an unrestricted MN license upon turning 18 years.
- Issuance of a Full Unrestricted License after submitting a license application and paying necessary fees.
Applicants are required to pay all necessary exam and licensing fees for the previously mentioned licenses.
Minnesota Drivers License Costs
The cost of various types of regular licenses in Minnesota are provided below:
- Class D license: $25.25
- Provisional license: $16.25
- Class D Provisional license upgrade for drivers without traffic violations: $21.75
- Class D Instructional permit: $13.25
Drivers license service centers add an $8 to the cost of each license. Additionally, if you want to obtain an enhanced license, you must add $15 to the base license fee. Unlike a first-time driver license, you can apply for an enhanced license at any time, and this high-security credential can be used for travel purposes and to access federal facilities.
Minnesota Drivers License Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Class D Drivers License Ages 18-21 from MN.gov
- Class D Drivers License for New Resident from MN.gov
- Class D Driver License Under Age 18 from MN.gov