How to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Minnesota: A Complete Guide

If you’ve just moved to Minnesota, you probably have a lot to keep track of. Maybe you’re trying to get used to a new climate, or you’re beginning a new job, or you’re just trying to survive the unpacking process. In the middle of the chaos of moving, it may be easy to forget about transferring your out-of-state driver’s license to Minnesota.

With two months to do it, it doesn’t seem terribly urgent. But time goes fast, and it’s a good idea to transfer your license sooner rather than later. Below you’ll find everything you should know before heading to the driver licensing office.

How Quickly Do You Need to Complete Your License Transfer?

To legally drive in MN, any new residents need to transfer their out-of-state license within 60 days of moving. If you’re a student or part of the military, you may be allowed to drive with a valid license from your home state or country.

Minnesota Testing Requirements

Testing requirements depend on the status of your previous driver’s license, as well as the country or state in which you were licensed.

You’ll be required to take a vision test and a knowledge test at the time of your license transfer if you have a valid license from the United States, Canada, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, or Northern Mariana.

You may be required to take a vision test, knowledge test, and road test if one of the following applies to you:

• You’ve never been licensed before.
• Your license has been expired for more than a year.
• You have a valid license from a country not listed above.

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How to Transfer Your Driver’s License to Minnesota

To transfer your license, you’ll need to go to the DMV with the required documents and forms. After your documents have been presented and approved, you’ll take any required tests (as explained above), get your picture taken, and receive your temporary paper license. Your new permanent license will be mailed to you within a couple of weeks.

What Documents to Bring

Use the following checklist to ensure that you don’t forget anything when you head to the MN DMV:

• A completed driver’s license application.
• Your social security number.
• One primary and one secondary form of identification.
• Proof that you’ve passed required tests, if applicable.
• Your out-of-state driver’s license, if you have one.
• Appropriate fees.

More documents may be required if you don’t have an out-of-state driver’s license or if you have a medical condition.

What Happens if You Don’t Transfer in Time?

In Minnesota, if you miss the transfer window, your out-of-state license is no longer valid and you will be considered unlicensed and required to take vision, knowledge, and road tests.

That’s It!

That’s everything you should know about transferring your license to Minnesota. As mentioned above, you should be ready to take a knowledge test at the DMV, even if you have a valid out-of-state license; so it may be a good idea to brush up on your road signs and traffic laws. For efficient and enjoyable study time, use Zutobi to help you review necessary driving information.