The Faribault DMV location and what it handles

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services office in Faribault is located at 1000 Division Street, Faribault, MN 55021. This office handles standard driver's license and vehicle registration services for Rice County residents and people in surrounding areas. You can renew a license, replace a lost or damaged one, register a vehicle, update your address, or take a written driving test here.

Faribault is a smaller regional office, not a full-service metro location. That means some specialized services — like commercial driver's license (CDL) testing, motorcycle endorsements, or certain vehicle title work — may require a trip to a larger office in Rochester, St. Paul, or another city. Before you drive to Faribault, check the Minnesota DVS website or call ahead to confirm the office handles what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • The Faribault DMV is at 1000 Division Street and serves Rice County and surrounding areas with standard license and registration services.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day and season, so calling ahead at the office number or checking the Minnesota DVS website saves a wasted trip.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction — missing paperwork is the most common reason for delays.
  • If the Faribault office cannot handle your service, Rochester has a larger regional office about 30 minutes away.
  • Online services like license renewal and address changes are available through the Minnesota DVS website and often faster than visiting in person.

Hours, phone number, and how to check wait times

The Faribault office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though exact times can shift seasonally or for staff training. Call the office directly at the number listed on the Minnesota DVS website to confirm current hours before you go, especially if you are planning a visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Wait times at smaller regional offices like Faribault are usually shorter than at metro locations, but they still vary. The Minnesota DVS website sometimes shows estimated wait times for major offices, though Faribault may not always be listed. Your best option is to call the office directly and ask how busy they are at the time you plan to visit. Early mornings on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday tend to be less crowded than Mondays or Fridays.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on your specific transaction, but all visits require proof of identity and proof of Minnesota residency. Acceptable identity documents include a current passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current address.

If you are renewing your license, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are registering a vehicle, bring the title, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If you are replacing a lost license, bring your proof of identity and residency plus a completed process form (available at the office or on the Minnesota DVS website). If you are updating your address, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted. If you are unsure what documents your transaction requires, call the Faribault office or check the Minnesota DVS website before you visit.

Online services that may save you a trip

The Minnesota DVS website allows you to renew your driver's license online if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. You can also update your address online without visiting an office. Both services are faster than going in person and cost the same.

You cannot register a vehicle online in Minnesota, but you can mail in registration renewal forms if your vehicle registration is current. The Minnesota DVS website has instructions and forms for mail-in renewal. If you need to register a vehicle for the first time or transfer a title, you must visit an office in person.

When to visit the Rochester office instead

The Rochester Driver and Vehicle Services office is about 30 minutes from Faribault and handles more specialized services. If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or certain vehicle title services, Rochester is more likely to have staff trained for those transactions. Rochester also has longer hours and typically more staff, so wait times may be shorter even though it is farther away.

Before making the drive to Rochester, call the Faribault office and ask whether they can handle your service. If they cannot, ask for the Rochester office phone number and hours. Some services require an appointment, so calling ahead is always the safest approach.

Scams and safety information

Do not use third-party websites or services that claim to renew your license or registration "faster" or "without visiting the DMV." These are scams. The only official way to renew your license or register a vehicle is through the Minnesota DVS website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. You will never pay a fee to a private company for a service the state provides for free or at the standard state fee.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the Minnesota DVS asking you to verify your information or update your account. The state does not contact people by email or text to ask for personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide any information. Report it to the Minnesota Attorney General's office.

When you visit the office, keep your documents find. Do not leave your wallet, phone, or bag unattended. If you are paying by card, use the official payment method at the office — do not give cash to anyone who is not behind the counter.

Directions and parking

The Faribault office is at 1000 Division Street in downtown Faribault. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter that address directly. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The office is accessible by public transit if you use local Faribault bus service, though service is limited — check the Faribault Transit website for routes and schedules.

If you are coming from outside Faribault, Division Street is straightforward to find from Highway 60 or Interstate 35. Allow extra time for parking and walking to the office, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Faribault DMV?

Minnesota DMV offices do not take appointments for most services. You arrive and take a number. However, some offices offer appointment slots for specific services during certain hours. Call the Faribault office to ask whether appointments are available for your transaction.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must have proof of residency to renew a license or register a vehicle. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, bring two other documents that show your name and address, such as a bank statement and a piece of mail from a government agency. Call the Faribault office to ask what combination they will accept.

How long does a license renewal take at the office?

A standard license renewal usually takes 15 to 45 minutes from the time you take a number, depending on how busy the office is. Bring all required documents so you do not have to leave and come back. If you need a new photo or have medical restrictions, the process may take longer.

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you must renew in person at an office — you cannot use the online renewal system. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. There may be a small late fee depending on how long your license has been expired. Call the Faribault office to ask about the current fee.

What if I need to register a vehicle but do not have the title?

You cannot register a vehicle without the title. If your title is lost, you must request a duplicate from the Minnesota DVS before you can register. You can request a duplicate title by mail or in person. Call the Faribault office to ask how long a duplicate title takes and what documents you need to provide.