Provisional License

Updated 10/21/2020

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 Jan. 31, 2021 for any driver’s license, ID card or permit that would have expired between March 13 and Dec. 31, 2020. If the COVID-19 peacetime emergency is extended past Nov. 12, 2020 the extension will also be extended. 
  • 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. 

Commercial Drivers must follow the current federal law - for the most current information visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/COVID-19  

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/_/

Are you ready to make an appointment? Click here to schedule a Drivers License Appointments

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.

This license is valid for two years from the date of application and has restrictions that do not apply to a full Class D driver's license.

If you are 18 and have held your instruction permit for at least six months you may immediately apply for your first time driver's license.

Qualifications

 

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Have successfully passed a road test
  • Have completed behind-the-wheel instruction
  • Have completed 30 hours of classroom instruction
  • Had an instruction permit (step 1) for six months with no conviction for moving or alcohol/controlled-substance violations
  • Have a supervised driving log with a signature from a parent or guardian certifying at least 40 hours (15 of which must have been at night) of supervised (with a person at least 21 years old) driving.
  • Please see the Minnesota Drivers Manual for a complete listing

Apply in person

 

Click here to schedule Drivers License Appointments


Remember to bring

 

  • Your Social Security number if you have one
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian (with ID) to also sign the application
  • Proof of your completed classroom instruction
  • Proof of enrollment in behind-the-wheel instruction

Cost

$19.25

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.

Restrictions


 

During the first six months

  • Only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
  • Driving is prohibited from midnight until 5 a.m. unless the provisional driver is: accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old
  • Driving between home and work
  • Driving between home and a school event for which the school does not provide transportation
  • Driving for employment purposes

During the second six months

  • No more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.
  • Note: Passengers under 20 who are members of the provisional driver’s immediate family are permitted during both time periods.