Instruction Permit

Updated 01/15/2021

My driver’s license is expiring, is there an extension to renew?

Gov. Walz signed two bills into law that extend the expiration dates of driver’s licenses, ID cards and permits that expire during and the month after the COVID-19 peacetime emergency ends to two months after the peacetime emergency ends.

What that means:

DPS-DVS will automatically extend the expiration to March 31, 2021, for any driver’s license, ID card or permit that would have expired between March 13, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021. Minnesotans will not receive a new credential, but their record will reflect the new expiration date.

  • Anyone with credentials expiring March 1, 2021 or later will need to renew on time, despite any extension of the COVID-19 peacetime emergency, unless DVS is granted legislative authority to extend those expiration dates.
  • Those with credentials extended to March 31, 2021, will need to renew their license or ID card by that date.
  • Commercial driver's license cardholders have an extension ending no later than Feb. 28, 2021, unless the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) chooses to extend beyond that date.
  • Commercial Drivers must follow the current federal law - for the most current information visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/COVID-19  
  • Minnesotans will not receive a new credential, but their record will reflect the new expiration date.

What’s included: 

  • Any valid driver’s license, instruction permit (including commercial learner’s permits), provisional license, operator’s permit, limited license and farm work license. This includes valid out of state driver’s licenses, ID cards and permits.

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.