What to Bring to the Minnesota DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Schedule an appointment online to skip the long lines
- →Call ahead to confirm which documents your specific situation needs
- →Arrive 15 minutes early to check in
- →Have your parent/guardian ready to go with you
- →Study the Minnesota Driver's Manual beforehand
- →Double-check that all your documents are originals, not copies
- →Make sure your parent has their own ID and proof of address
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
- ✓Valid foreign passport with I-94 and visa
You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted. If you want a REAL ID, ensure your birth certificate or passport is certified.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Pay stub with full SSN
If you don't have a card, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you have never been issued one. Minnesota does not waive this requirement.
Proof of Minnesota Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement
- ✓School transcript or report card
- ✓Lease or mortgage agreement
- ✓Minnesota driver's license or ID of a parent/guardian
For a standard license, one document is usually enough, but for a REAL ID, you generally need two different documents showing your Minnesota address.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in person at the office
- ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity and residency
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
- ✓Foster parents must bring specific agency documentation
Both parents don't need to be there, but the one signing must be the legal guardian or custodial parent. If you are in foster care, your caseworker must sign.
Fees & Payment
$13.25
This fee covers the learner's permit application and the knowledge test. If you fail the test, there is a small fee to retake it. The fee is valid for one year.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Driver's License Application (DL-180)
Available at: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Pages/dl-180.aspx or at the office
You can fill this out online to save time, but DO NOT sign it until you are at the counter in front of the deputy.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car)
- ✗Large bags or backpacks (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (they can't come in with you)
- ✗Pets (they are not allowed inside the office)
- ✗Food or drinks
- ✗Your own pen (use the one provided to avoid ink issues)
- ✗Photocopies of your documents (they won't accept them)
At the Office
- →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple choice
- →You get 25 questions and need 20 correct to pass
- →If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit valid for 30 days
- →Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail in about 2-3 weeks
Official Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services info: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs
Take the Free Minnesota Practice Quiz →