Provisional License

Provisional License

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

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.

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 a name change, an address change or if your card was lost or stolen. All driver's license and identification card transactions are required to schedule an appointment for service.

Things you can do to add to the success of your appointment

  • Decide what type of license will work for you. License options (Link)
  • Save time at the counter and pre-apply on line here: Driver Services (Link)
  • Schedule an appointment - for the best possible experience, you will want to use Chrome or Safari - Internet Explorer may not function properly.

Online Scheduling Opens in new window

  • Any name change:   You must update your name with Social Security prior to scheduling an appointment.  Make sure to bring your certified name change documents to your appointment.
  • New or returning resident to Minnesota: you are required to pass the knowledge (written) exam before applying for a MN license. We are not an exam office and do not offer any testing at this location.

Real ID update

REAL ID Federal Enforcement Deadline Extended to May 3, 2023

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline to May 3, 2023. The deadline was previously set for later this year.  

"Protecting the health, safety, and security of our communities is our top priority," said DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. "As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the REAL ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver's licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card."

Beginning May 3, 2023, Minnesotans will not be able to use their standard driver's license to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Instead, they will need a REAL ID, enhanced driver's license or ID card, passport or passport card or another acceptable form of identification for federal purposes.