Minnesota Driver's License & ID Card
You can choose to get either a driver's license or state ID, but you do not need both. In Minnesota, both the driver's license and state ID are legal identifications for financial transactions (banks, shops, etc.) and age check (alcohol, tobacco, etc.).
Driver's License:
Drivers are required to change to a Minnesota driver's license within 60 days.
- You may use your country's driving permit before changing to a Minnesota driver's license; however, an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is often more well-known and recognized. You can check with your local DMV to confirm your permit's eligibility.
- International students are not required to obtain a MN Real ID. Students have their passports for travel and would not benefit from the MN Real ID.
Where to apply:
DMV - Mankato Driver & Exam Station - 2161 Basset Drive, Mankato, MN
Blue Earth County License Center* - 410 S Fifth Street, Mankato, MN
Other locations are available, but students need to ensure they have transportation to alternate test sites.
the driver's license process:
If you already have a driver's license, you will have to take a written test to get a Minnesota driver's license. If you do not already have a driver's license, you will have to take a written test and road test.
- Study the MN Drivers' Manual to prepare for the written test.
- Make an appointment to take the written test (or road test) at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Testing Center.
- Take your immigration documents and Minnesota State Mankato transcript with you to your appointment.
How to Schedule Your Appointment
- Navigate to drive.mn.gov
- Scroll down to the "Appointments" block
- Click on "Schedule or Reschedule a Road Test or Class D Knowledge Test" to schedule an appointment
The Mankato DMV is not accepting phone calls at this time, so students must schedule their appointment online. If a student has questions and would like to speak to someone, they may call (651) 284-1234. This is the general Minnesota DMV helpline and students may experience long wait times.
Required Documentation for Driver's License
To apply for a driver's license, students must collect and present the following documents at their appointment:
- Passport
- I-94 & Travel History
- Current I-20
- Social Security Card OR Sealed Transcript & Enrollment Letter
- Foreign Driver's License (optional)
How do I request my transcript & Enrollment Letter
If you do not have a U.S. Social Security Card, please request the following:
- Request a copy of your official transcript online
- Registration & Academic Records does not provide this service in person.
- In the online request, make the following note in the "Enter Other Required Instructions”: Need a Paper Copy for a Driver’s License.
- Indicate in the request if you will pick the transcript up at Registration & Academic Records or include your name and mailing address on the line to have it mailed directly to you.
- After you receive the transcript, be sure to leave it in its sealed envelope and do NOT open it.
- If you currently have a registration hold on your account, Registration & Academic Records will be unable to process your request until the holds have been resolved.
- Request a Currently Enrolled Letter online through the KIC
- Request a "Currently Enrolled/Passport Renewal/Driver's License or MN State ID" letter
- The letter will be available in 3-5 business days
How much does it cost
| Driver's Permit costs $15.50. | Class D License costs $32. | Minnesota state ID costs $21.50. |
Insurance Requirements
Minnesota requires all car and motorcycle owners to have no-fault, liability, and uninsured motorist insurance.
You must carry proof of insurance in your car at all times. Driving without proof of insurance can get you cited for a
misdemeanor.
