Minnesota driver license guide

Minimum age for an instruction permit

15, once enrolled in behind-the-wheel driver education and the classroom phase is done.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Fees

Instruction permit $11.25; provisional license $14.25; Class D license $27.75 (REAL ID or noncompliant); enhanced versions cost more. A $2.25 surcharge and an agent filing fee are added.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental approval

Applicants under 18 need the application approved by a parent (or custodial parent, guardian, foster parent, or in some cases an adult spouse, close family member or employer).Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

Two years from the date of application; it can be renewed for the same fee.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit restrictions (under 18)

Drive only with a certified driver ed instructor, parent or guardian, or another licensed driver 21+ in the seat beside you; no cell phone use, even hands-free.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long to hold the permit

Under 18: at least 6 months. Adults never licensed before: 6 months at age 18, 3 months at 19 and older.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test topics

Road signs and traffic laws, alcohol and drug effects, railroad crossings, slow-moving vehicles, school bus laws, bicycle laws, carbon monoxide and work zones.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Failing tests repeatedly

After failing two knowledge tests in a row, the third and later attempts cost $10 each; after two failed road tests, $20 each.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Road test no-show or late cancel

$40 for missing a road test or cancelling less than 24 hours ahead; $20 for cancelling 24-72 hours ahead.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online knowledge test

Licensed driver education programs can give students the knowledge test online at no charge to the program.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

An eyesight test is part of the exam for a permit and license, and a vision screening is required at each renewal.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice

At least 50 hours with a licensed driver 21+, 15 at night, recorded in a signed driving log. It drops to 40 hours if the supervising parent completes the supplemental parent class.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Provisional license

At 16, after 6 months on the permit with no violations and driver education completed. First 6 months: no driving midnight-5 a.m. except for work, school events or with a licensed driver 25+, and at most one non-family passenger under 20; second 6 months, at most three. No cell phone use.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Full license under 18

A 16- or 17-year-old can move to a full license after 12 months on the provisional license with a clean record (at most one non-crash moving violation).Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long a license lasts

Until your birthday in the fourth year after issuance. Under-21 licenses expire on the 21st birthday; provisional licenses 2 years after application.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

On or before expiration, or within one year after, with the fee and the renewal exam (vision screening).Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

Same schedule as the license fee: Class D $27.75 (REAL ID or noncompliant), enhanced Class D $42.75, plus the surcharge and filing fee.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID

Minnesota issues REAL ID-compliant, enhanced and noncompliant licenses. REAL ID cards carry a compliance indicator; noncompliant cards are marked 'not for federal identification'.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID fee

No extra charge: a REAL ID Class D license costs the same $27.75 as a noncompliant one.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID documents

Proof of identity and date of birth, plus Minnesota residence address, Social Security number and lawful status. Residence is shown with two documents such as a utility bill or bank statement from the last 12 months.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New residents

You may drive on your valid out-of-state license for up to 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

For applicants 21+ with a valid license from a jurisdiction with a comparable exam, the knowledge and road tests are waived.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Address or name change

Apply for a duplicate license within 30 days of moving or changing your name.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$12.75 for a REAL ID or noncompliant duplicate; $27.75 for an enhanced duplicate (plus surcharge and filing fee).Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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