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Driver's License and ID Services

Show All Answers

1. Can I renew and/or replace my Driver's License here?

Yes, you can! We are located in the lower level of New Brighton City Hall.

To save time start the online application and bring the confirmation with you.

2. What's the deal with REAL ID and Enhanced Driver's Licenses and IDs??

Beginning May 7, 2025, a federal ID will be required for domestic flights. You can see a list of approved federal IDs HERE. 

If you choose to use a non-driver’s license ID (such as passport) for air travel, or if you never plan to travel by air, you are not required to upgrade your license. 

There are three Minnesota driver's licenses currently available: Standard, REAL, and Enhanced. Most Minnesota residents currently have a Standard driver's license, which will remain valid for identification and driving privileges, even after the federal ID travel deadline.

REAL and Enhanced licenses have essentially the same function, except that the Enhanced can be used as a passport card that can be used to travel to and return from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. It can also be used to board aircraft for domestic travel. 

Please note that none of the licenses or IDs are valid for international air travel.

If you are unsure what type of ID you need, go HERE for a helpful questionnaire.

You can save time by pre-applying for a DL/ID before visiting our office.

3. Can I apply for my very first Instruction Permit at your location?

Yes!

Once you've completed your test at an exam station, you may stop in to our location to apply for your very first Instruction Permit. Please Pre-Apply for a Driver's License or ID and print your confirmation. Then, review the identification requirements (en Espanol) for the additional paperwork you'll have to present. 

Please note that if you are under 18 on the day of your appointment, a parent or legal guardian (with documents) must be present. You must present your signed driving log, blue Driver’s Ed card, and passed exam form, along with your valid driving permit.

If you are over 18, you must present your passed exam form, along with your valid driving permit.

Complete information about Instruction Permits can be found HERE.

4. Can I take an exam at your location?

Yes! We are now able to offer Class D Knowledge Exams! Please click HERE for more information!

We are not able to offer exams for CDL or Motorcycle.  Search for exam locations near you.

For general questions including locations, testing, or to schedule an appointment, please call 651-201-7900 or go to the MN Driver and Vehicle Services website.

5. Do you have driver's manuals?

We do not carry driving manuals.  You can access them online:

English

Espanol

Hmong

6. Can I reinstate my driver's license at your location?

Unfortunately, no.

You will need to contact an exam station, such as Arden Hills Exam Station, on costs and requirements to reinstate your driver’s license.

7. Do you take disability applications and renewal cards at your office?

Yes, we do!

To apply for or renew a disability certificate please have the disability application (PDF) or disability renewal card completed and signed ahead of time.

As long as the form or card is complete, either the customer or a 3rd party may submit the form. You can mail the form to the state, but we recommend bringing the form to our office. You can then be assured the form is submitted directly to your record, and you will leave with a temporary parking permit.

8. Can I complete a Commercial Driver License (CDL) medical self-certification form at your office?

Yes!

Please complete the Commercial Driver License Medical Self-certification Form (PDF) and bring your new medical card with you to complete your request.

For additional information, please call 651-297-5029 or visit Driver and Vehicle Services.

9. How can I reach the state about additional Driver's License questions?

For additional driver’s license questions, please call 651-297-3298 or visit the MN Department of Public Safety website.

10. My child is under 18. Do they need an ID to travel?

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. You may wish to contact your specific airline for questions regarding ID requirements for travelers under 18. See TSA requirements HERE. 

11. I'm a brand new resident or returning to Minnesota. How do I get a driver's license or ID?

If you are a driver, you will need to pass a knowledge exam before you can convert your license to Minnesota, even if you have previously had a driver’s license in Minnesota. 

We are now able to offer this Class D Knowledge Exam!  Please click HERE for information about this service.

If you are coming from out of the country (except Canada), you will need to take a knowledge exam, carry a driving permit for three months, and then pass a skills exam.

If you have an out of state ID only, no exam is required. Bring the required documents (en Espanol) to our office and we can assist you. 

Complete information HERE.

12. Can I renew, replace, or upgrade my license online?

For most people, you must come to the office for any type of ID or license transaction. 

The only exception is if someone is homebound and cannot physically come into an office for their ID. You can find more information about this variance HERE. 

You can save time in office by pre-applying for your license or ID.

13. My license is expired! How do I renew it?

Unless your license is expired more than 1 year, you can simply come in and renew it. There is no penalty on an expired license, but keep in mind there is no grace period. Once your license is expired, it is not valid for driving.

If your license is more than 1 year, but less than 5 years expired, you’ll need to pass a knowledge exam before renewing.

If your Minnesota license is more than 5 years expired, you’ll need to pass a knowledge AND skills exam before renewing.

We are now able to offer the Class D Knowledge Exam at our location!  Please click HERE for more information.

14. Will I have to take a photo with my license or ID?

If you are renewing, upgrading to REAL or Enhanced, or if you are changing your name, you will be required to take a new photo.

If you are getting a duplicate/replacement with no changes, or simply changing the address, you will likely not be required to take a new photo.

15. I already have a REAL or Enhanced license or ID, what do I need to bring in to renew it?

Once you have established an upgraded license in Minnesota, you only need to bring additional documents if you are making changes, such as address or name. These are the same types of documents for the initial application. You can review them here for REAL ID and Enhanced. (links)

16. My name has changed, how do I update it on my license or ID?

You will first need to be sure your name is updated with Social Security. Our system checks against Social Security, and if the name does not match, we cannot proceed with the license update.

Once your name is updated with Social Security, you’ll need to bring your current license or ID along with the CERTIFIED name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). 

Keep in mind that a new photo is required with name changes!

17. I lost my Social Security card, how do I get a new one?

You may be eligible to request a replacement online. Visit the Social Security website for all the information.  

If you are not eligible to request online, you will need to visit the Social Security office.

18. Can I get a birth certificate at your location?

No, we are unable to provide birth certificates.   

If you were born in Minnesota, you can visit any County office convenient to you. Many have mail-in options.   

If you were born outside Minnesota, you will need to contact the state or country of your birth for more information.

19. Where can I get a certified marriage certificate?

If you were married in Minnesota, you’ll need to contact the specific County where the marriage was recorded.  

If you were married outside Minnesota, you will need to contact the state or country where the marriage was recorded.