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How to get a driver's license in Minnesota as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Minnesota needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
Not stated in official sources
License exchange without tests
1 countries
License without immigration status
Yes
No SSN?
Provide your SSN only if you are eligible for one.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Canada

Age 21+ with a valid, unexpired non-commercial license: no written or road test. Germany (18+) and Taiwan (21+) holders who surrender their license skip only the road test (written test still required; Taiwan needs a VCDL or TECO Chicago certificate). Translation needed if license not in English.

If your country is not on the list

Holders of licenses from other countries must pass the written test and road test.

You will need to take a written and a road test to get a Minnesota class D driver's license. dps.mn.gov

Documents for non-citizens

License regardless of immigration status

Driver's Licenses for All (2023 law): standard license or ID issued without proof of immigration status; not valid at airport security, military bases or federal buildings since May 7, 2025.

to allow a standard driver's license to be issued without proof of immigration status assets.dps.mn.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN only if you are eligible for one.

Know your Social Security number, if you are eligible for one. dps.mn.gov

Proof of residency

Provide a Minnesota home address; number of residency documents not confirmed.

Provide their home address in Minnesota. assets.dps.mn.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather two identity documents (one with full name and date of birth) and your Minnesota home address.
  2. Pass the vision check and the class D written knowledge test (offered in several languages, including Spanish and Russian).
  3. Get a class D instruction permit ($29.50) and practice; 18-year-olds not previously licensed must hold it 180 days.
  4. Pass the road skills test.
  5. Apply for the class D license ($46) at a DVS office, bringing a translation of any non-English license.
  6. Canadian license holders 21+ transfer without tests; Germany/Taiwan holders who surrender their license skip the road test.

Fees

Class D instruction permit $29.50; Class D license $46.

Class D instruction permit (valid for 2 years) dps.mn.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Minnesota

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.