What the Faribault DMV Office Handles

The Faribault Driver and Vehicle Services office is a Minnesota Department of Public Safety location that issues driver's licenses, state ID cards, and vehicle registration documents. It's located in Rice County and serves residents across south-central Minnesota who need in-person DMV transactions. Unlike some smaller towns, Faribault has a full-service office, meaning you can renew a license, register a vehicle, or get a replacement ID without driving to a larger city.

This office does not handle title transfers or vehicle inspections — those require a visit to a different state facility or a certified inspection station. If you need a title, you'll contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's title office by mail or through their online system. Vehicle inspections happen at approved private shops throughout the state, not at the DMV itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The Faribault office issues driver's licenses, state ID cards, and vehicle registration, but does not handle vehicle titles or inspections.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to renew a license or register a vehicle in person.
  • Many transactions can be completed online or by mail through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, which may be faster than visiting in person.
  • The office operates on standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, so plan your visit accordingly and check the current schedule before you go.
  • Vehicle registration renewal notices arrive by mail and include instructions for renewing online, by mail, or in person.

What Documents You Need to Bring

For a driver's license renewal or first-time license, bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state license), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two forms of proof of your current Minnesota address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For vehicle registration, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If you're registering a vehicle for the first time in Minnesota, you'll also need the vehicle title or a bill of sale. The office staff can tell you during your visit if you're missing anything, but calling ahead or checking the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website before you go saves time.

How to Schedule Your Visit or Use Online Services

The Faribault office does not require an appointment for most transactions, but you can expect to wait during busy times — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. If you want to avoid a wait, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, or go on a Tuesday or Wednesday when traffic is usually lighter.

Many transactions do not require a visit at all. You can renew your driver's license online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change (such as a name change or address change to a different county). Vehicle registration renewal can also happen online or by mail — your renewal notice will include instructions and a payment amount. Checking the website first often saves you a trip.

Driver's License Renewal and Replacement

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the Faribault office or online. A standard Minnesota driver's license is valid for eight years. If you're renewing in person, the process takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay a renewal fee (the amount varies based on your age and license type) and receive your new license on the spot or by mail within a few business days, depending on the office's current process.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Faribault office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and you'll pay a replacement fee. A replacement license is usually issued when ready or mailed to you within a few days. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew or replace it at the DMV — you must resolve the suspension or revocation through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety first.

Vehicle Registration and Renewal

When you register a vehicle in Minnesota, you pay a registration fee based on the vehicle's age, weight, and type. The Faribault office will issue your registration card and license plates (or validate your existing plates if you're transferring registration from another state). Registration is valid for one or two years, depending on your choice at the time of registration.

Your registration renewal notice arrives by mail about 30 days before your registration expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Faribault office. Online renewal is usually the fastest — you pay the fee and print a temporary registration while your new card is mailed. If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the notice. In-person renewal at the office takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you receive your new registration card when ready.

Scams and Safety Information

Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls claiming to be from the Minnesota DMV asking you to verify information or pay a fee. The state DMV does not contact people by email or text to demand payment or personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide any information — delete it or report it to the Minnesota Attorney General's office.

Websites that claim to offer "fast" or "may provide" license renewal or registration for a fee above the state fee are scams. The only official Minnesota DMV website is state.mn.us. Any other site charging extra money is not affiliated with the state. Use only the official state website or visit the Faribault office in person to conduct your transactions.

If you're buying a used vehicle, never hand over money or sign the title until you've verified the seller's identity and inspected the vehicle in person. Scammers sometimes pose as private sellers online and disappear after receiving payment. Meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and consider having a mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy.

What to Do If You Can't Visit in Person

If you live outside Faribault or cannot visit the office, you have other options. Many transactions can be completed by mail — send your renewal notice, payment, and any required documents to the address on the notice or to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's main office. Processing by mail takes longer (usually two to three weeks) than in-person service, but it works for renewals and some replacements.

If you need a document that requires an in-person visit (such as a first-time driver's license or a vehicle title), you can visit any Minnesota DMV office, not just Faribault. Other nearby offices include locations in Rochester, Owatonna, and Northfield. Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for hours and services at each location before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I'm over 65?

Online renewal is available for most drivers over 65, but you cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have certain medical conditions. Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website to see if you're may be able to access, or call the Faribault office to ask.

How long does it take to get a new license plate?

If you register a vehicle in person at the Faribault office, you receive temporary plates when ready and permanent plates are mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you register by mail, the timeline is longer — usually four to six weeks total.

What if I moved to Minnesota from another state?

You have 60 days to get a Minnesota driver's license after you move. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, and two forms of proof of your Minnesota address to the Faribault office. You'll pay a license fee and receive your new license on the spot or by mail.

Can I renew my registration if my insurance lapsed?

No. You must have active insurance to register a vehicle in Minnesota. If your insurance lapsed, contact your insurance company to reinstate it or switch to a new provider, then bring proof of current insurance to the Faribault office or include it with your mail-in renewal.

What if the Faribault office is closed when I need to visit?

Check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for the Faribault office's current hours — they may vary seasonally or due to staffing. If the office is closed, visit another Minnesota DMV location or complete your transaction online or by mail if that option is available for your needs.