The Minnesota DMV is called the Department of Public Safety, and Minneapolis has two full-service locations

Minnesota does not have a department called the DMV. Instead, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver and Vehicle Services division handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title work. In Minneapolis, you can visit either the downtown office at 445 Minnesota Street or the south Minneapolis location at 7200 France Avenue South. Both offices handle the same services and accept walk-ins, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The downtown office is closer to public transit and parking downtown. The France Avenue location has easier parking and shorter lines on average, especially on weekday mornings. Neither location requires an appointment for most transactions, but DPS does offer online scheduling if you want to reserve a time slot and skip the walk-in queue.

You can also handle some transactions online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website or by mail, depending on what you need. Not every service is available through every channel, so knowing which location or method works for your specific task saves time.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's DMV is the Department of Public Safety (DPS), with two full-service offices in Minneapolis at 445 Minnesota Street (downtown) and 7200 France Avenue South.
  • Both locations handle driver's licenses, vehicle registration, title transfers, and renewals without requiring an appointment, though you can schedule online to avoid waiting.
  • Some transactions like license renewals and vehicle registration renewals can be completed online or by mail, which is faster than visiting in person.
  • The France Avenue location typically has shorter wait times than downtown, especially on weekday mornings before 11 a.m.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on your transaction — a new license requires proof of identity and residency, while registration renewal requires your current registration card.

What documents you need for a new or renewed driver's license

For a new Minnesota driver's license or renewal, bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. A passport, military ID, or state ID counts as identity proof. For address proof, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A current vehicle registration also works as address proof.

If you are renewing a license that is not expired yet, you can renew online through the Secretary of State's website without visiting an office. You can also renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the address listed on the DPS website. Online renewal takes about one week; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

If your license is expired or you need to change information like your name or address, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.

Vehicle registration and title services at Minneapolis DPS offices

To register a vehicle in Minnesota, bring your proof of ownership (title or bill of sale), proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of insurance. The insurance requirement is state law — Minnesota requires all registered vehicles to have liability coverage. You will also need the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the odometer reading.

If you are transferring a title from another state, bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale if the title is not in your name, and the same identity and residency documents. Minnesota charges a title transfer fee that varies based on the vehicle's value. The DPS website has a fee calculator.

Vehicle registration renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle information has not changed and your insurance is current. Renewal by mail takes two to three weeks. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can walk out with new registration plates the same day if they are in stock.

Hours, parking, and how to avoid long waits

The downtown DPS office at 445 Minnesota Street is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The France Avenue location at 7200 France Avenue South is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends. Both offices close for state holidays.

Downtown parking is available in nearby ramps and street parking, though rates vary. The France Avenue location has a dedicated parking lot with free parking. Public transit serves both locations — the downtown office is two blocks from the Blue Line light rail, and the France Avenue location is served by several bus routes.

Wait times are typically shortest on weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and longest on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. If you schedule online, you can skip the general queue. The DPS website shows current wait times for both locations, updated throughout the day.

Online and mail services you can use instead of visiting

The Minnesota Secretary of State's website allows you to renew a driver's license online if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address. The fee is the same as in-person renewal, and you receive your new license by mail in about one week.

Vehicle registration renewal is also available online if your vehicle information has not changed, your insurance is current, and you have no outstanding violations or holds on your account. Online renewal takes effect when ready, and you can print a temporary registration to use while you wait for your new registration card by mail.

Address changes can be reported online through the Secretary of State's website for both your driver's license and vehicle registration. You do not need to visit an office to update your address if you are not renewing your license or registration at the same time. Mail-in forms are also available on the DPS website if you prefer to send documents by post.

What to do if you need a duplicate license or registration card

If your driver's license or registration card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate at either Minneapolis DPS office. Bring your identity and residency documents, just as you would for a new license. A duplicate license costs less than a new license and is processed the same day at the office.

For a lost or stolen vehicle registration card, you can request a duplicate online through the Secretary of State's website or in person at a DPS office. Online requests take about one week. In-person requests are processed the same day. You will need your vehicle identification number and current registration information.

If your license or registration was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. The police report number can help if fraudulent activity occurs later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Minnesota driver's license online if it is expired?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are not yet expired. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office, by mail, or through the Secretary of State's website using a special expired-license renewal form. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

Do I need an appointment at the Minneapolis DPS offices?

Appointments are not required, but you can schedule one online to avoid waiting in line. Walk-ins are accepted during all office hours. If you do not schedule ahead, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to encounter shorter waits.

What if I moved to Minneapolis from another state and need to transfer my license and registration?

Visit a DPS office with your out-of-state driver's license, proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill or lease), proof of identity, and your vehicle's title or bill of sale. You will need to take a new written test and vision test for your Minnesota license. Your out-of-state registration is not valid in Minnesota once you establish residency.

Can I register a vehicle online if I just bought it?

No. New vehicle registration requires an in-person visit or mail submission with the title, bill of sale, and proof of insurance. You cannot register a vehicle online until you have already registered it once in Minnesota and are renewing an existing registration.

What happens if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need to bring an alternative document that shows your name and current address, such as a lease agreement, mortgage statement, utility bill, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. If you have none of these, contact the DPS office ahead of time to ask what other documents they will accept.