Minnesota Driver's License or State IdentificationCenter for International and Cultural Education

Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services has information about driving in Minnesota.

  • You are required to have a valid driver's license to drive in Minnesota. Driving without a valid license is a criminal offense.
  • You may use an international driver’s license or foreign drivers license with English translation, though it is recommended that you apply for a Minnesota driver's license if you are going to be here for a semester or more.
  • A Minnesota driver’s license is valid in other U.S. states.
  • A Standard Class D license is normally the best option for international students.
    • A REAL ID is not necessary or beneficial if you have a passport.
    • An enhanced license is only available to U.S. citizens.

Applying for a Minnesota Driver’s License or Minnesota State Identification.

  • Provide documentation of your identity. Your passport and Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 will meet the Driver's License for All documentation requirements.
  • Pay the Driver's License or Identification fee.
  • For a Minnesota State Identification, you only need the documentation of identity and fee. 
  • For a Minnesota Driver's License, you must also complete the following.
  • Knowledge exam. Go to Driver and Vehicle Services to schedule a knowledge exam.
    • The closest exam location is in Saint Peter (Nicollet County Courhouse), where the exam is normally available only on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10 am to 11:15 am.
    • The next closest exam location is in Mankato (2161 Bassett Drive), where the exam is available on most weekdays.
    • The knowledge exam contains multiple choice and true or false questions that evaluate your knowledge of Minnesota traffic laws and road signs.
    • You may take the knowledge exam as many times as it takes to pass, but only once per day.
    • You may review the Minnesota Driver’s Manual to help you prepare for the knowledge exam.
    • You may take a free practice test at Minnesota DMV Driving Test.
  • Vision test. This is a screening to determine whether your vision meets minimum standards. You should wear your glasses or contacts if you need them to drive.
  • Instruction permit.
    • If you do not have a valid driver’s license from your home country, then you must have an instruction permit for a period of practice driving, before taking the skills exam.
    • The instruction permit is valid for 1 year of practice driving with a licensed driver who is sitting in the front passenger seat and is 21 years of age or older.
    • You must have the instruction permit for 3 months (if you are 19 years of age or older) or 6 months (if you are less than 19 years of age) before you can take the skills exam.
  • Skills exam. Go to Driver and Vehicle Services to schedule a skills exam.
    • The closest exam location is in Saint Peter (Nicollet County Courthouse), where the exam in normally on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Saint Peter.
    • The next closest exam location is in Mankato (2161 Basset Drive), where the exam is available on most weekdays.
    • You must provide the vehicle, which you may borrow from a friend or friendship family.
    • Bring your instruction permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are driving, your passport, and Form I-20 or Form DS-2019.
    • You will be tested on the rules of the road and your ability to drive safely under normal traffic conditions. The examiner will evaluate your awareness of risks and your reaction to them. You will be evaluated on your ability to use good observation at intersections, when changing lanes, and in other situations. You will be asked to parallel park.
    • If you fail the skills exam, you may retake it after at least one week.
    • When you pass the skills exam, you can get a Minnesota driver’s license.

Driving instruction. There are some driving schools in Mankato that are available for a fee. There may be others. We do not have a recommendation for a driving school. You should research them to decide what is best for you. See Safety & Respect Driving School, Superior School of Driving, or Mid-Southern Driving School.

Seatbelts. Minnesota law requires the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt. If you do not, you may be fined.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal offense, that can also impact your immigration status.

Insurance and Registration. If you own a vehicle you must have insurance coverage for that vehicle and register the vehicle. You can register the vehicle at the Saint Peter Courthouse. You can read a Minnesota Department of Commerce Auto Insurance Guide. You must always carry proof of insurance coverage and registration when you drive, even if someone else is the owner of the vehicle. If you are not able to present proof of insurance and registration to a law enforcement official upon request, you may be issued a citation and be subject to a fine and a suspension of your driver’s license. It can be a risk to borrow a vehicle from someone else or loan your vehicle to someone else. If you do, you should first make sure that the owner of the vehicle and the driver of the vehicle is covered by insurance. 

Winter driving. Many students are not used to driving in Minnesota in winter. Please use extra caution! You must drive much slower if there is ice or snow on the road, and keep more distance between your vehicle and any vehicle ahead of you. Often there are slippery spots when you do not expect them. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recommends that you keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Some recommended items include: shovel, container of sand or salt, warm clothing and footwear, red flag for your vehicle’s antenna, blanket or sleeping bag, quick energy foods and water, tow chain and tire chains, road flares or reflectors, jumper cables, candles and matches or a lighter, first aid kit. You should have a cell phone in case of an emergency. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recommends that if you become stranded while traveling in cold weather you should do the following: Stay with your vehicle (most deaths to stranded motorists occur when they get out of their vehicles, become lost, and suffer prolonged exposure to cold). Stay calm and wait for help to arrive. Turn on your hazard lights. Attach a red flag to your radio antenna. Set out flags and flares, if possible. Bring clothing, blankets and other survival supplies inside the vehicle. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and debris. Run the engine and heater until the vehicle is reasonable warm, and then turn it off. Repeat this process as long as fuel is available, or until you are rescued. Run the engine for ten minutes each hour to charge the battery and warm the interior. It is safest not to travel in a winter storm.