The DMV office in Faribault is closed — here's where to go instead

Faribault does not have its own Department of Motor Vehicles office. The nearest full-service DMV location is in Owatonna, about 15 miles south. If you need to renew your driver's license, register a vehicle, or handle other motor vehicle transactions, you will need to travel to Owatonna or use one of Minnesota's online services for tasks that don't require an in-person visit.

Some services — like renewing a standard driver's license or vehicle registration — can be completed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website without leaving Faribault. Others require a visit to a physical office. Understanding which route works for your specific task will save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Faribault has no DMV office; the closest full-service location is the Owatonna office, 15 miles away.
  • Driver's license renewals and vehicle registration renewals can often be completed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
  • Tasks requiring fingerprints, vision tests, or in-person verification must be handled at a physical DMV office.
  • The Owatonna DMV is located at 2117 West Main Street and handles all standard vehicle and driver services.

Services you can complete online from Faribault

Minnesota allows you to renew a standard driver's license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Minnesota address, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or changes to your information. The renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.

Vehicle registration renewal is also available online through the Secretary of State portal. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and a valid payment method. Online renewal works for most standard vehicles and typically processes within a few business days. If your vehicle has a lien or you are registering a vehicle for the first time, you will need to visit an office in person.

Address changes for your driver's license or vehicle registration can be reported online as well. This is useful if you have recently moved within Minnesota and need to update your records without a trip to an office.

When you must visit the Owatonna DMV office

If your driver's license has expired by more than five years, you cannot renew online and must appear in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, add or remove restrictions, or update your address on a commercial driver's license. Vision tests and written exams also require an in-person visit, as do fingerprinting and background checks for certain license types.

Vehicle title transfers, duplicate title requests, and first-time vehicle registrations all require an office visit. If you are registering a vehicle with a lien, you will also need to go in person. Bring your signed title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency — the office staff can tell you the exact documents needed for your situation when you call ahead.

The Owatonna DMV location and hours

The Owatonna office is located at 2117 West Main Street, Owatonna, Minnesota 55060. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is no Saturday or evening service at this location.

Call ahead at the office to confirm current hours or to ask about wait times before making the 15-mile drive from Faribault. You can also check the Minnesota Secretary of State website for the most current information about office locations and services. If you need to renew your license or registration and the office is busy, consider whether the online option might work for your situation — it will save you travel time entirely.

What documents to bring to the Owatonna office

Bring your current driver's license or ID, even if it is expired. For vehicle-related transactions, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's title if you have it. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time or transferring a title, bring the signed title document from the previous owner or seller.

Proof of Minnesota residency is required for most transactions. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. If your address has changed since your last license or registration, bring proof of your new address.

For license renewals, bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office staff can tell you what else you might need when you call.

Alternatives if you cannot reach Owatonna

If the Owatonna office is too far or you cannot make the trip, other DMV locations serve the surrounding area. The Rochester office is about 30 miles northeast of Faribault and may have different hours or wait times. The Mankato office is roughly 40 miles west. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to see all office locations and their hours before deciding which one works best for your schedule.

Some services can also be handled by mail. The Secretary of State website lists which transactions accept mail-in requests and what forms and documents you need to send. Mail processing typically takes two to three weeks, so this option works best if you are not in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license online if I live in Faribault?

Yes, if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions or information changes. Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website, select driver's license renewal, and follow the steps. The process takes about 10 minutes and your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

What if I need to get a Real ID or STAR ID in Faribault?

Real ID and STAR ID licenses require an in-person visit because they involve additional identity verification. You must go to the Owatonna office or another DMV location. Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), and proof of residency. Call ahead to confirm what documents the office needs for your specific situation.

How long does it take to get a new license at the Owatonna office?

Wait times vary depending on the day and time you visit. Call the Owatonna office at 2117 West Main Street to ask about current wait times before you drive over. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.

Can I register a vehicle online if I live in Faribault?

You can renew an existing registration online, but you cannot register a vehicle for the first time online. First-time registrations and title transfers require an in-person visit to the Owatonna office or another DMV location with your title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency.

What is the fastest way to handle my vehicle registration if I am in a hurry?

If you are renewing an existing registration with no changes, renew online — it takes 10 minutes and processes within a few business days. If you need an in-person visit, call the Owatonna office first to ask about wait times, then go early in the day or mid-week to avoid crowds.