How do I get an appointment at the Minnesota DMV? If you are a new Minnesota resident, you may need to consider some processes and paperwork necessary to keep your vehicle’s documents, as well as the driver’s own, in order.
Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) is the office in charge of processing driver’s license, vehicle and related paperwork in the state of Minnesota.
You can schedule an appointment DVS Minnesota Online, by phone or in person at an office near you.
Request an appointment at DMV Minnesota
- Log in from the Minnesota DMV at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/.
- Choose from Online Services, Driver’s License/ID, Vehicle Registration or schedule a test.
- You can schedule an appointment, test, renew your license, ID card, request a duplicate, make changes or payments.
- However, you can also check hours of operation and access phone numbers.
- Some DMV offices in Minnesota appointments will serve you in person, others from telephone services.
At DMV Minnesota, an appointment-only reservation system has been implemented for certain required in-person transactions that cannot be completed online, by phone or by mail.
Best times to address the Minnesota DMV
Here are some tips on the best times to visit the Minnesota DMV.
- Afternoons tend to be busier than mornings
- The middle of the week tends to have shorter waits than Monday and Friday
- The Minnesota DMV office starts the lunch break around noon, which leaves fewer employees. Try to avoid the lunch hour if possible.
- Make sure you have enough time to finish your paperwork, especially if you are getting a permit or taking a road test.
What to do at DMV Minnesota
DMV Minnesota is adding more and more online services so you can get things done without having to visit a physical office for an appointment. You can renew your vehicle registration, replace your license and more online.
Here are some of the services you will be able to perform at DMV Minnesota online appointments.
Driver’s License
Applications related to obtaining a Minnesota driver’s license, permit or identification card.
- Apply for a driver’s license or state ID
- Obtain Real Minnesota ID
- Pre-apply for a driver’s license or ID
- Driver’s license status search
- License Status
- Help me choose a license/ID type
- Reinstatement fees
Vehicle Services
Submit applications related to your vehicle, title or registration.
- Renew vehicle registration
- Estimate vehicle registration tax
- Search for paid registration tax
- Report vehicle sold
- Request duplicate license plate / stickers / registration card
- List of dealers
Forms
Upload a document or respond to a letter from the Minnesota DMV.
- Respond to a Driver and Vehicle Services letter
- Upload an ignition interlock form
- Upload business forms
- Upload miscellaneous forms
- Upload additional identity and residency documents
As well as other online services and paperwork that can be completed from a nearby Minnesota DMV office.
Real ID in Minnesota
Under the Real ID Act of 2005, minimum security standards are established for issuing and producing licenses and identification cards in all states.
As of May 3, 2023, all persons would be required to carry a REAL ID license to access certain federal buildings, enter nuclear facilities, and board commercial flights within the United States.
Minnesota Real ID Requirements
- To obtain your Minnesota Real ID, you can renew your license or ID card online for a new Real ID.
- If you have not previously been issued a Minnesota driver’s license or ID, go to a Minnesota DMV office.
- To apply for a REAL ID card, you must present an identity document that includes your date of birth and your real, full name. (Passport, birth certificate, green card, receipts)
- Schedule an appointment at a DMV service center to obtain your Real ID Minnesota.
Steps to obtain your Real ID
- Gather your documents you will need to apply for your REAL ID.
- Submit the online application and upload your documents.
- Go to a DMV office near you, taking into consideration the service time.
- Bring your documents with you and apply for your REAL ID in Minnesota.
What to Bring to Your Minnesota DMV Appointment
If you are applying for a driver’s license or travel ID (a REAL ID-compliant license or ID) in Minnesota, you will need to bring some documents with you to your Minnesota DMV appointment. If you have all of your documents with you, your visit will go faster and smoother. Documents include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, such as passport or birth certificate
- Proof of social security number, such as a social security card or W-2 form
- Two documents proving your Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Note that only one of the 2 residency documents required for REAL ID can be a financial document.
All documents must be originals and stamped if necessary. If you already sent some documents when you applied for your appointment online, depending on the procedure to be performed, you will need to bring mainly an identification card or your driver’s license.