Moving to Minnesota, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can work out which tests you need when moving to Minnesota.
• You can choose between a standard, REAL ID or enhanced card.
• You can list the documents needed for a REAL ID card.
• You can explain renewal, name change and address change rules.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents have 60 days to get a Minnesota license (30 days for commercial drivers).
• Drivers 21 or older with a valid, unexpired license from another state, certain US territories or Canada need only a vision test and an application.
• If the previous license expired less than a year ago, you must pass the written test; more than a year ago, the written and road tests.
• Drivers from countries other than the US and Canada must pass the written, vision and road tests, even with a valid foreign license.
• You must hand in all other driver's licenses and ID cards before getting a Minnesota license.
• Standard licenses are available regardless of immigration status since October 1, 2023.
• Licenses for drivers 21 and older are renewed every four years on the birthday, with a vision test.
• A name or address change needs a duplicate license within 30 days.

Transferring a license to Minnesota

Adults aged 21 or older moving from another state with a valid license skip the written and road tests and just pass a vision screening. A valid out-of-state motorcycle endorsement can be transferred by paying the fees. The manual does not set out a separate route for drivers under 21, so check with DVS what tests and documents you will need. Visitors who are at least 15 and hold a valid license from their home state or country can drive in Minnesota without a Minnesota license.

Coming from outside the US and Canada, you take the full set of tests. Documents not in English need a qualified English translation.

Standard, REAL ID or enhanced

• Standard card: fine for driving, but not for boarding domestic flights or entering some federal facilities now that federal REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. A passport also works for flights.
• REAL ID: apply in person with one document proving identity, date of birth and lawful presence, your Social Security number, and two documents proving Minnesota residence.
• Enhanced card: only for US citizens. It must show your Minnesota home address and needs an interview questionnaire, two residency documents and an extra $15 fee.
• You can hold only one type of card at a time.

Renewals and updates

Most Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday. Under-21 licenses expire on your 21st birthday, then every four years. Every renewal includes a vision test, and if your license was lost you must show identification. The filing fee for renewal applications is $11, compared with $16 for new applications. Fast-track processing costs an extra $20, but is not available for first licenses, enhanced cards or upgrades.

Members of the military on active duty with a valid Minnesota license can wait until discharge to renew, then must renew within one year. Our guide to learning to drive in Minnesota covers first-time licensing.

Common mistakes

• Waiting past 60 days to switch licenses after moving.
• Letting an out-of-state license expire before transferring. An expired license means extra tests.
• Bringing one proof of residence for REAL ID. You need two.
• Forgetting to update your address within 30 days of moving within Minnesota.

Test yourself: Moving to Minnesota, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Minnesota
• Minnesota Hands-Free Law for New Drivers
• Minnesota Permit Test