How to Schedule and Prepare for Your Minneapolis DMV Appointment

Book your Minneapolis DMV appointment online or by phone before you go in person

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety runs the Minneapolis DMV office, and you must schedule an appointment before arriving — walk-ins are not accepted. You can book online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's appointment system at mn.gov/sos, or call the Minneapolis office directly at 651-296-6911. The online system shows available times up to 30 days ahead and lets you pick the date and time that works for you. Phone appointments typically have shorter wait times to speak with someone, but you will need to have your driver's license or ID number ready when you call.

The Minneapolis DMV office is located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 150, St. Paul, MN 55101. Note that this is technically in St. Paul, not Minneapolis proper, but it serves the Minneapolis metro area and is the main office for Hennepin County. Appointments fill up fastest during lunch hours and late afternoons on weekdays, so early morning slots tend to open up sooner. If you cannot find an available time, check back the next day — cancellations happen regularly and new slots are released throughout the day.

Key Takeaways

• You must book an appointment through mn.gov/sos or by calling 651-296-6911; the Minneapolis DMV does not accept walk-ins.
• Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — a renewal needs only your license, but a name change needs a court order or marriage certificate.
• The office is located in St. Paul at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 150, and serves the Minneapolis metro area.
• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents, because incomplete paperwork will delay you or require a second visit.

What documents to bring based on your transaction type

The documents you need depend on what you are doing at the DMV. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). For a new license or ID card, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, plus your current ID and proof of residency.

For address changes, bring your current license and proof of your new address. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring proof of identity and residency, and be prepared to pay a replacement fee. For commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions, bring your current CDL, medical certification form (MCSA-5876), and any other documents related to your specific CDL change. The Minnesota DMV website lists the full document requirements for each transaction type, so check before you go if your situation is not listed here.

Bring proof of residency and what counts

Proof of residency must show your current Minnesota address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document with your address. A driver's license or ID card does not count as proof of residency, even if it shows your address. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your name yet, ask the DMV staff what alternatives they accept — some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation.

If you live with someone else and the utility bill or lease is in their name, bring a signed statement from them confirming you live there, plus the bill or lease. The DMV staff will review this on a case-by-case basis. Do not assume a document will work — if you are unsure, call the office before your appointment and describe what you have. A five-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip.

What to expect during your appointment and how long it takes

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled time. You will check in at the front desk, and staff will verify your documents and appointment. If everything is in order, you will be called to a service window where a DMV employee will process your transaction. For a renewal or address change, this usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. For a new license or ID, or a name change, expect 15 to 20 minutes because the process involves more verification steps.

You will be asked to confirm your information, sign documents, and have your photo taken (unless you are doing a mail-in renewal). Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a temporary license or ID valid for 30 days while your permanent one is mailed to you. The permanent card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license the same day, ask the staff whether a temporary paper license is available for your transaction type — not all transactions may have access to.

Fees and payment methods accepted

DMV fees vary by transaction. A standard driver's license renewal costs around $25 to $30 for an eight-year license, while a new license or ID card costs more. A replacement for a lost or stolen license carries an additional fee. Name changes, address changes, and CDL transactions each have their own fee structure. The Minnesota Secretary of State website lists exact fees by transaction type, so check before you arrive so you know what to expect.

The Minneapolis DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are unsure of the exact fee, call ahead at 651-296-6911 and ask — staff can tell you the total cost for your specific transaction so you can bring the right amount or the right card.

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through the same online system where you booked it, or by calling 651-296-6911. If you cancel online, you will see the option to reschedule immediately after cancellation. If you call, staff will help you find a new time. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your appointment do not incur a fee. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your slot and have to book again.

If an emergency comes up and you cannot make your appointment, cancel as soon as possible so someone else can use that time slot. The system releases canceled slots back into the available pool within a few hours, so canceling early helps other people find appointments too.

What to do if you cannot find an available appointment

If the online system shows no available appointments for several weeks, try calling the office directly at 651-296-6911. Phone staff sometimes have access to appointments not shown online, or they can add you to a waitlist for cancellations. You can also check the online system multiple times per day — cancellations happen regularly and new slots appear throughout the day, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

If you need a license urgently and cannot find an appointment, ask the DMV staff whether you can do a mail-in renewal instead (available for some transaction types) or whether a temporary license is an option. Some transactions can be completed by mail, which takes longer overall but does not require an in-person appointment. The Minnesota Secretary of State website explains which services are available by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone else to my appointment?

Yes, you can bring a family member or friend, but only you need to be present at the service window. If you are under 18 or renewing a permit, a parent or guardian must be present. Staff will tell you if an additional person is required for your specific transaction.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Call the Minneapolis DMV at 651-296-6911 before your appointment and explain your situation. Staff can tell you what alternatives they accept, such as a signed letter from your landlord or a recent bank statement. Do not show up without proof of residency — you will likely be turned away and have to reschedule.

Do I need an appointment if I am just renewing my license by mail?

No. Mail-in renewals do not require an appointment. You can request a mail-in renewal form through the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by calling the DMV. Mail renewals take longer overall but let you skip the office visit.

What happens if my documents are expired?

An expired birth certificate or passport may still be accepted as proof of identity, but call ahead to confirm. An expired proof of residency (older than 60 days) will not be accepted — you will need a current document. If you cannot get a current one before your appointment, reschedule.

Can I change my appointment time if I book online?

Yes. Log back into the online system, cancel your current appointment, and book a new time. You can do this as many times as you need, as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your original appointment time.