Faribault does not have its own DMV office
Faribault, Minnesota does not have a dedicated Department of Public Safety driver and vehicle services office. The nearest full-service location is in Owatonna, about 15 miles south, which handles all driver's license, vehicle registration, and title services for Rice County residents.
If you live in or near Faribault and need to renew a license, register a vehicle, or handle title work, you will travel to Owatonna. Some transactions can be completed by mail or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's office, which may save you a trip depending on what you need.
Key Takeaways
- The Owatonna driver and vehicle services office, located at 2100 West Bridge Street, serves Faribault and all of Rice County.
- Many transactions including license renewal, vehicle registration, and title transfers can be completed online or by mail without visiting an office.
- The Owatonna office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours; call ahead to confirm current hours before making the drive.
- If you cannot reach Owatonna easily, you can mail documents to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office in St. Paul for certain services.
The Owatonna Office and What It Handles
The Rice County driver and vehicle services office in Owatonna is the only in-person location for Faribault residents. It is located at 2100 West Bridge Street, Owatonna, MN 55060. This office issues and renews driver's licenses and identification cards, registers vehicles, handles title applications and transfers, and processes duplicate documents.
Hours vary by season and staffing, so contact the office at (507) 433-0808 before you drive over. The office typically operates Monday through Friday during business hours, but it is worth confirming the exact schedule, especially if you are making a 15-mile trip from Faribault.
You will need to bring specific documents depending on what you are doing. For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency. For vehicle registration, bring proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. Title work requires the current title, a bill of sale if applicable, and identification. The office staff can tell you exactly what to bring when you call.
Online and Mail Options to Avoid the Trip
Minnesota allows many transactions to be completed without visiting an office. You can renew your driver's license online through the Secretary of State's website if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification. The online renewal takes a few minutes and costs the same as renewing in person.
Vehicle registration renewal can also be done online if your vehicle has a valid title on file and no outstanding issues. You will receive your new registration sticker by mail within two weeks. This is the fastest option if you straightforward need to renew a registration you already hold.
For transactions that cannot be done online — such as a first-time title process, a title transfer, or a license replacement — you can mail documents to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office in St. Paul. Mail processing takes longer than in-person service, typically two to four weeks, but it eliminates the drive to Owatonna. Include a cover letter explaining what you need, and the office will contact you if documents are missing.
What Documents You Need for Common Transactions
| Transaction | Documents Needed | Can Be Done Online or by Mail? |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license renewal | Current license, proof of residency | Online (if license not expired) |
| Vehicle registration renewal | Current registration, proof of insurance | Online (if no issues on file) |
| New vehicle title | Bill of sale, proof of ownership, ID, proof of residency | By mail to St. Paul |
| Title transfer | Current title, bill of sale, ID, proof of residency | By mail to St. Paul |
| Duplicate license or ID | Current ID or proof of identity, proof of residency | In person only |
Mailing Address for St. Paul Processing
If you choose to handle your transaction by mail, send documents to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office in St. Paul. The mailing address is Minnesota Secretary of State, Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101.
Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, current address, and a clear description of what you need. For example: "I am requesting a title transfer for a 2018 Honda Civic, VIN [number]. The current title and bill of sale are enclosed." Enclose copies of all required documents, not originals, since mail can be delayed or lost. Keep copies for your records.
Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive your documents or a notice if anything is missing. If documents are missing, the office will contact you by phone or mail, so make sure your phone number and address are clear on your cover letter.
Planning Your Visit to Owatonna
If you must visit the office in person, plan to arrive early in the day. The office can become busy in the afternoon, and wait times vary. Bring all required documents plus your Social Security number and a form of payment — the office accepts cash, check, and card.
Bring proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license with your current address counts as proof of residency for some transactions but not all, so call ahead to confirm what the office will accept for your specific need.
If you are registering a vehicle for the first time or transferring a title, the process can take 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. If you are renewing a license or registration you already hold, expect 15 to 20 minutes. Bring a book or plan to wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver's license online from Faribault?
Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address since it was issued. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the steps. You will pay the renewal fee online and receive your new license by mail within two weeks.
What if I need a duplicate license because mine was lost?
Duplicate licenses must be obtained in person at the Owatonna office. Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and a form of ID if you have one. The office will issue a temporary license on the spot and mail your permanent one within two weeks.
How long does it take to get a new vehicle title by mail?
Processing by mail to St. Paul typically takes two to four weeks. The office will contact you if documents are missing. If you need the title faster, you must visit the Owatonna office in person, where the process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Do I have to visit Owatonna to register a new vehicle?
Not necessarily. If you have a bill of sale and proof of ownership, you can mail the title process to St. Paul. However, if you need the registration when ready — for example, to drive the vehicle off the lot — you will need to visit Owatonna or another Minnesota office in person.
What is the phone number for the Owatonna office?
The Owatonna driver and vehicle services office can be reached at (507) 433-0808. Call to confirm hours, ask what documents you need for your specific transaction, or check wait times before you drive over.