Where the Southdale DMV Office Is Located

The Southdale DMV office is in Edina, Minnesota, at 7900 Southdale Center, in the Southdale Center shopping mall. This is one of the busier Minnesota DMV locations because it serves the southwest Minneapolis metro area and handles a high volume of transactions daily.

The office is accessible by car and public transit. There is parking available in the Southdale Center lot, though it can fill during peak hours. If you are using the Metro Transit system, several bus routes serve the mall, including routes 6, 21, and 23. The office itself is inside the mall, so you will enter through one of the main entrances and follow signs to the DMV counter.

Key Takeaways

  • Southdale DMV is located inside Southdale Center shopping mall at 7900 Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota.
  • Hours vary by day of the week, and the office is typically closed on Sundays and some state holidays.
  • You can check current wait times and book an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residence, and any documents specific to your transaction (license renewal, address change, vehicle registration).
  • Peak hours are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays; arriving early or using an appointment slot reduces wait time.

Hours of Operation at Southdale

The Southdale DMV is open Monday through Friday, with hours that typically run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though exact times can shift seasonally or due to staffing. The office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It is also closed on state holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Hours can change without notice, so before you make the trip, check the Minnesota Secretary of State website or call the office directly at the number listed on their site. This is especially important if you are planning to visit on a day near a holiday or during a period when the state has announced reduced hours.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what transaction you are handling. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you may not need to visit in person.

For an address change, bring your current ID and proof of your new address. For vehicle registration or title work, bring your vehicle's current registration, proof of ownership, and proof of residence. If someone else is handling the transaction on your behalf, bring a signed power of attorney form.

If you are getting your first Minnesota driver's license or ID card, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residence. The requirements are more extensive for first-time applicants, so review the Secretary of State website before you go.

How to Reduce Wait Times

The Southdale location is popular, and wait times can run 30 minutes to over an hour during peak hours. The fastest way to reduce your wait is to book an appointment online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Appointments are released regularly and can cut your time in the office significantly.

If you cannot book an appointment, arrive early in the morning when the office opens or visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, which tend to be slower than Mondays and Fridays. Avoid mid-morning and early afternoon, when the office is typically busiest. You can also check real-time wait times on the Secretary of State website before you leave home.

Transactions You Can Handle at Southdale

The Southdale DMV handles most common transactions: driver's license renewal, replacement, and address changes; vehicle registration and renewal; title applications and transfers; ID card issuance; and written driving tests for new drivers. You can also handle commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions here, though some CDL services may require a visit to a larger office.

Not all services are available at every location. If you need a specialized transaction — such as a hazmat endorsement or a duplicate title — call ahead to confirm that Southdale can handle it. The Secretary of State website lists which services are available at each office.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking is available in the Southdale Center lot. During busy shopping times or on weekends, spaces can be hard to find, but the DMV itself is open only on weekdays when shopping traffic is lighter. Accessible parking spaces are available near the mall entrances. The DMV counter is inside the mall and is wheelchair accessible.

If you are using public transit, the 6, 21, and 23 Metro Transit bus routes serve Southdale Center. Check the Metro Transit website for current schedules and route maps. The mall is also accessible by car from I-494 and Highway 100.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

Many transactions can be handled without visiting the DMV. Driver's license renewals can often be done online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Vehicle registration renewal can also be handled online or by mail. Address changes can sometimes be done online as well.

Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website to see which services you can complete remotely. If you can handle your transaction online or by mail, you can avoid the trip to Southdale entirely. This is especially useful if you have a busy schedule or prefer not to wait in line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment at Southdale DMV online?

Yes. The Minnesota Secretary of State website has an online appointment system where you can book a time slot at Southdale. Appointments are released regularly and can significantly reduce your wait time. You can also walk in without an appointment, but you may wait longer.

What is the best time to visit Southdale DMV to avoid long waits?

Early morning when the office opens (around 8:30 a.m.) and mid-week days like Tuesday and Wednesday tend to have shorter waits. Avoid mid-morning through early afternoon and Mondays and Fridays, which are typically busier. You can check real-time wait times on the Secretary of State website.

Is there a phone number for Southdale DMV?

The Minnesota Secretary of State website lists the phone number for the Southdale location. Call to confirm hours, ask about specific services, or get information about current wait times. Having the number on hand is useful if you need to reschedule or have questions before you visit.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Southdale?

Many driver's license renewals can be done online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Check the website to see if your renewal is may be able to access. If it is, you can skip the trip to the DMV entirely.

What if I need a service that Southdale does not offer?

Call the Southdale office or check the Secretary of State website to see which services are available there. If Southdale cannot handle your transaction, the website will direct you to the nearest office that can. Some specialized services are only available at larger regional offices.