The St. Louis Park location handles Minnesota driver's licenses and vehicle registration

St. Louis Park does not have its own dedicated DMV office. Instead, the city is served by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in Minneapolis, located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 2. This is the nearest full-service location for St. Louis Park residents who need to renew a driver's license, get a state ID, register a vehicle, or handle other standard DMV transactions.

The Minneapolis office is about 10 to 15 minutes from most St. Louis Park addresses depending on traffic and which part of the city you live in. If you live closer to the western edge of St. Louis Park, you may also consider the Bloomington DVS office at 7900 International Drive, which is roughly the same distance.

Minnesota does not call its motor vehicle agency the DMV — it uses the name Driver and Vehicle Services, or DVS. The state also allows you to handle many transactions online or by mail, which may save you a trip to either office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minneapolis DVS office at 445 Minnesota Street is the primary location for St. Louis Park residents and is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
  • The Bloomington DVS office at 7900 International Drive is an alternative if you live on the western side of St. Louis Park.
  • Many transactions including license renewal and vehicle registration can be completed online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website without visiting an office.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to any in-person visit, and requirements vary by transaction type.
  • Both offices operate by appointment during business hours, and you can schedule online or by phone before you go.

What you can do online instead of visiting in person

Minnesota allows you to renew your 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 on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that changed. The renewal takes about 10 minutes on the Secretary of State website and costs the same as renewing in person.

Vehicle registration renewal is also available online through the same portal. You can renew if your vehicle has no outstanding violations, your registration is not expired by more than 60 days, and you have not changed your address. Plate replacements and title transfers still require an in-person visit or mail submission.

If you need a state ID card rather than a driver's license, or if you are explore for your first license, you must visit an office in person. The same applies if you need to update your address, change your name, or add a Real ID star to your license.

Hours and how to schedule an appointment

The Minneapolis DVS office at 445 Minnesota Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and does not have Saturday hours. The Bloomington location operates the same hours. Both offices require an appointment — you cannot walk in without one.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website by selecting your preferred location and time. You can also call the DVS appointment line at 651-296-6911 to book by phone. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance, especially in the middle of the month, so plan ahead if you have a important date.

If you arrive without an appointment, staff may turn you away or ask you to wait several hours. Bringing your appointment confirmation on your phone or printed is helpful but not required if you have your name and ID ready.

Documents to bring to the Minneapolis or Bloomington office

For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document — even if you renewed in person before.

For vehicle registration, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, you also need the title, a bill of sale, and proof that you passed an emissions test if your vehicle is subject to one.

For a state ID card, bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or expired license), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity documents.

Scam alert: Fake renewal notices and third-party services

You may receive a postcard or email claiming to be from Minnesota DVS asking you to renew your license or registration through a link or phone number. These are almost always scams. Minnesota DVS does not send unsolicited renewal notices by email, and the state does not charge a fee to access the official renewal portal.

Third-party websites that offer to "help" you renew your license or registration for a fee are not affiliated with the state and will overcharge you. The official Minnesota Secretary of State website is the only place you need to go, and it is free. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, call the DVS appointment line at 651-296-6911 to verify.

Do not give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you first about a renewal. The state will not ask for these details by phone or email.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents. Staff will check you in, verify your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your transaction. For a license renewal, the visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Vehicle registration and state ID applications may take longer if additional verification is needed.

You will pay the fee at the time of service — cash, debit, and credit cards are accepted. A standard driver's license renewal costs $24.50 for an eight-year license. Vehicle registration fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type. State ID cards cost $16.50.

Your new license or registration will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper document at the office that you can use until the permanent card arrives.

Alternatives if you cannot visit Minneapolis or Bloomington

If you live in a part of St. Louis Park that is far from both offices, you can mail in certain applications. License renewals can be submitted by mail if you meet the online renewal requirements — print the form from the Secretary of State website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Processing takes about two weeks.

Vehicle registration renewal can also be mailed in. Send your completed form, current registration, proof of insurance, and payment to the address on the Secretary of State website. Again, processing takes about two weeks, so do not wait until your registration expires.

If you need a transaction that requires an in-person visit and cannot reach either office, contact the DVS appointment line to ask about mobile services or other options in your area. The state occasionally sends mobile units to community centers or libraries, though availability varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at the Bloomington office instead of Minneapolis?

Yes. Both the Minneapolis and Bloomington DVS offices handle the same transactions and have the same hours and appointment system. Choose whichever is closer to you or more convenient for your schedule.

What if my appointment time does not work and I need to reschedule?

Log into the Secretary of State website with your appointment confirmation number and cancel or reschedule online. You can also call 651-296-6911 to change your time. Canceling at least 24 hours before your appointment helps other people get slots.

Do I need a Real ID to fly domestically from Minnesota airports?

Yes, starting May 2025, a standard Minnesota driver's license will not be accepted for domestic flights. You will need a Real ID-compliant license, which has a gold star in the upper right corner. You can add the Real ID star during renewal if you bring proof of citizenship.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement right away?

You can get a temporary paper license at the office on the same day, which is valid for 60 days. Your permanent replacement will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask staff about expedited mailing options when you visit.

Can I handle my vehicle registration if my spouse's name is also on the title?

Yes, but both owners do not need to be present. Bring the title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency for the address on file. If the address on the title does not match your current Minnesota address, you will need to update it first, which may require a mail-in form or a second visit.