The Southdale DMV location and what services it offers

The Southdale Driver and Vehicle Services office is located in Edina at the Southdale Center mall, 66th Street and France Avenue South. This is one of Minnesota's busiest DMV locations because it sits in a high-traffic retail area and serves the southwest Minneapolis metro. The office handles standard transactions: driver's license and ID card renewals, replacements, and address changes; vehicle registration and title work; and written tests for new drivers.

Not all services are available at every location. Southdale does not issue commercial driver's licenses (CDL) or handle certain specialized vehicle titles. If you need a CDL or have questions about whether your specific transaction is handled there, call the office directly at the number listed on the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Southdale is located inside Southdale Center mall at 66th Street and France Avenue South in Edina and handles most common driver and vehicle services.
  • Wait times at Southdale are typically longer than at smaller Minnesota DMV offices because of its location and volume.
  • You can check real-time wait times and take a number online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you arrive.
  • Parking is available in the mall structure, and the office is accessible by public transit via Metro Transit routes serving the area.
  • Not all services are offered at Southdale; call ahead if you need a specialized transaction like a commercial driver's license.

Hours and how to check wait times before you go

Southdale is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by season and may change for holidays. The Minnesota Secretary of State website shows the current hours for this location and updates them when they change.

Before you drive to Southdale, check the real-time wait time on the Secretary of State website. You can also take a number online, which reserves your place in the queue and lets you know roughly when to arrive. This feature is especially useful at Southdale because wait times often exceed 30 minutes during midday and early afternoon, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays.

If the wait time is very long, consider visiting a smaller Minnesota DMV office in a less busy area, or returning to Southdale earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.

Documents you need for a driver's license or ID card transaction

What you bring depends on whether you are renewing, replacing, or changing your address on an existing license or ID card. For a renewal or address change on a current license, bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works).

If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. If you do not have a current Minnesota license and are getting one for the first time, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, proof of your date of birth, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order). The Secretary of State website lists all accepted documents for each type of transaction.

Vehicle registration and title services at Southdale

Southdale handles vehicle registration renewals, title transfers, and address changes on registration. For a registration renewal, bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. For a title transfer (when you buy or sell a vehicle), bring the signed title from the previous owner, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price.

Address changes on a vehicle registration require your current registration card and proof of your new address. Some transactions, such as duplicate titles or specialized vehicle classifications, may need to be handled at a different office or by mail. Call Southdale ahead of time if you are unsure whether your specific vehicle work can be done there.

Parking, transit access, and location details

Southdale Center has a large parking structure with multiple levels. Parking is free, and the DMV entrance is accessible from the mall. The office is located on the ground level near the France Avenue side of the mall.

If you use public transit, Metro Transit serves Southdale Center with multiple routes. Route 6 and Route 21 both stop near the mall. Check the Metro Transit website or use Google Maps to plan your trip and see current schedules.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

Minnesota allows some transactions by mail or online. Driver's license and vehicle registration renewals can often be done online through the Secretary of State website if you meet certain requirements (your license or registration must not be expired by more than a certain period, and you must have no address changes or other complications). Address changes on a driver's license or vehicle registration can also be done online in many cases.

If you cannot renew online, you can request a renewal form by mail from the Secretary of State. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service, so plan ahead if you have an expiration date coming up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait at Southdale DMV?

Wait times vary throughout the day and by day of the week. Midday and late afternoon on Thursdays and Fridays are typically busiest. The Minnesota Secretary of State website shows real-time wait times, and you can reserve a number online to see when you should arrive. Early morning visits usually have shorter waits.

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

Many renewals can be done online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if your license or registration is not expired and you have no address changes. Check the website to see if your specific renewal is available online. If not, you can request a renewal by mail, though it takes longer than in-person service.

What if I need a commercial driver's license?

Southdale does not issue commercial driver's licenses. You will need to visit a different Minnesota DMV office that handles CDL services. Call the Secretary of State to find the nearest location that offers CDL testing and licensing.

Is there parking at Southdale Center?

Yes, Southdale Center has free parking in a multi-level structure. The DMV entrance is accessible from the parking area. If you use public transit, Metro Transit routes 6 and 21 serve the mall.

What documents do I need to bring for an address change?

For an address change on your driver's license or vehicle registration, bring your current license or registration card and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You can also do many address changes online through the Secretary of State website.