You have 60 days after becoming a resident in Minnesota to obtain your Minnesota license or permit if you have a valid driver's license or instruction permit from another state.

You have 30 days to obtain your Minnesota license after moving to Minnesota if you have a valid commercial driver's license from another state.

I f you work for the United States Armed Forces or you are a family member of someone in the Armed Forces stationed in Minnesota and hold a valid out-of-state driver's license you do not need to obtain a Minnesota license.

Test Requirements

If you have a valid license from another U.S. state, certain territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, and Guam), or Canada, you can obtain a Minnesota driver's license by passing the knowledge test and vision check. You do not need to take a skills (road) test. If your license has been expired for more than a one year, you will also need to take a skills (road) test. If you have moved to Minnesota from a country other than the U.S. or Canada, you must pass a knowledge test, vision check and skills (road) test. This is true even if you have a valid driver's license from your former home country. You must present your other driver's licenses.Your license from your previous state of residence will be invalidated and returned to you. Licenses from another country are not invalidated as you may use them if you have dual citizenship. If you are unable to present your current valid driver's license you will need to supply a certified copy of your driving record.

Testing

Knowledge (Written) Test: Knowledge tests are available on a walk-in basis at driver exam stations during certain hours. You must show proper identification when you are ready to take the test. The knowledge test contains multiple choice and true false questions that show how well you know and understand Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. Only one test is allowed per day. Some stations offer a computerized test which is available in English or several other languages (Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, Spanish, and Russian).

Skill (Road) Test: The skill test consists of a demonstration of your vehicle's safety equipment, your vehicle control skills and a driving performance test. You are tested on your ability to drive a motor vehicle safely under normal traffic conditions and rules. You may not have anyone in the car during the test other than the driver examiner. We recommend that you make an appointment for a Skill Test.

You must show proper identification when you take the test
You must provide your own vehicle to take the test
The passenger door must open from both the inside and the outside Seatbelts must work properly
Turn signals, brake lights, and headlights must work
You must proof of insurance (such as an insurance certificate)

Back to Test Requirements

Vision Check: your eyes will be checked when you apply for a permit or license. This is not a medical exam, it is a screening to determine if your vision meets minimum standards. To pass, your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40 in either one usable eye or both eyes together. Your peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees in either one or both eyes.

Applying for a Minnesota Driver's License

You will need to:

present proper identification
present white and yellow copy of your successful test results
present all other driver's licenses.Your license from your previous state of residence will be invalidated and returned to you. Licenses from another country are not invalidated as you may use them if you have dual citizenship.
pass a vision check
have a photo taken - head coverings, such as a hat, must be removed unless there are religious or medical reasons for the covering.
pay appropriate fees

Where: You can make an application at any Driver's License application office, some of which are Exam station locations.