What Do I Need to Bring to the DMV to Get a Permit or License?
What Do I Need to Bring to the DMV to Get a Permit or License?
Few things are more frustrating than driving to the DMV, waiting in line, and getting turned away at the counter over a document. It happens constantly — people overlook one small detail. So before you go, get your ducks in a row: confirm and verify everything the night before. Here's exactly what to bring.
First, the big one: your identity documents
Minnesota needs you to prove who you are, and the rule is: bring two primary documents, OR one primary document plus one secondary document.
Primary documents (proof of identity) — the most common:
Your Certified Birth Certificate — the original or a certified copy with the raised seal or stamp, not a photocopy.
An Unexpired U.S. Passport — and double-check that expiration date before you leave.
Secondary documents (backup proof) — the most common:
A Current School-Year High School ID (with photo)
Your Social Security Card
A Certified High School Transcript
Or a second Primary Document
There are many other accepted documents on both lists — see the full official Minnesota list here.
One trap to avoid: if the names on your documents don't all match (say, after a marriage or name change), bring the certified paperwork that connects them — or you'll get sent home.
Planning to get a REAL ID? (The star-marked card you'll need to fly domestically.) Its rules are different: it's one identity document + your Social Security number + two proofs of Minnesota residency, and for REAL ID the documents must be originals — no photocopies, scans, or laminated cards. See the REAL ID requirements.
Bringing a foreign birth certificate or non-English documents?
We serve a lot of families who came to Minnesota from somewhere else, so let's make this clear — because it's where good people get turned away.
A foreign birth certificate works. Minnesota accepts a foreign (non-U.S.) birth certificate as a primary document for a standard license or permit. And thanks to Minnesota's "Driver's License for All" law, a standard license does not require you to prove immigration status — so you don't need any legal-presence paperwork to go with it.
You still need two documents (two primary, or one primary + one secondary). The cleanest combo: your foreign birth certificate + an unexpired foreign passport — both count as primary. Other good second documents for immigrant families include an ITIN document, a certified school transcript, a current school-year student ID, or a foreign driver's license expired five years or less.
Two quick tips that save headaches:
Names must match. If the name on your documents doesn't match your teen's current legal name, bring the certified paperwork connecting them (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
No Social Security number? Just tell the clerk you don't have one. Do not enter an ITIN in the Social Security field — it errors out the system. (Your ITIN can still serve as a secondary ID document — just not as an SSN.)
Documents not in English? Any document in another language must come with a complete English translation and a signed Certificate of Translation form — and you bring both the original and the translation. Good news: the translator does not have to be an expensive certified professional. A qualified, competent person can translate it (just not an immediate family member), and it does not need to be notarized.
One big REAL ID warning. A foreign birth certificate is fine for a standard license — but it is not accepted for a REAL ID. A REAL ID requires a document proving identity, date of birth, and legal U.S. presence — like a U.S. passport, a green card, a work permit, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94.
And one thing that has nothing to do with your documents: the knowledge (written) test itself is offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, ASL, Russian, and Karen. That helps with the test — but your documents still need the English translation above.
When in doubt, bring more than you think you need, and call DVS at 651-297-3298 to confirm your specific situation before you make the trip.
For your PERMIT (the Knowledge Test)
To earn your instruction permit, bring/have ready:
Your primary + secondary documents (above).
You must be at least 15.
30 hours of classroom done and behind-the-wheel enrolled — this is your first E-Card (formerly the "Blue Card"). Minnesota no longer accepts a physical card — it's all electronic now, and your driving school submits it to the state. If you're with us, we handle it — just confirm it's on file before test day. (Not sure what an E-Card is? Read our E-Card guide.)
Your parent or legal guardian present when you apply (they sign for you — they don't have to sit through the test itself).
Glasses or contacts if you wear them (there's a vision check).
Payment: the instruction permit is $29.50. Your first two written tests are free at a DVS exam station.
New to this step? Here's how to schedule your knowledge test and how to pass it the first time.
For your LICENSE (the Road Test)
To take your road test for a provisional license, bring:
First, schedule your appointment.
Your instruction permit (held at least 180 days; you must be at least 16).
Your second E-Card (formerly the "White Card") — proof you completed your 6 hours of behind-the-wheel. Like the first one, this is electronic and submitted by your school; no physical card needed.
Your printed 50-hour supervised-driving log (15 of them at night) — or 40 hours if a parent completed the supplemental parent awareness class (bring that certificate too).
A vehicle to test in that passes inspection: current registration/tabs, working seatbelts, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, and doors that open from inside and out — plus current proof of insurance.
A licensed driver to bring you.
Glasses or contacts if you wear them.
Payment: your first two road tests are free, then $20 each; the provisional license is $32.50. Your parent/guardian comes in to sign after you pass.
Don't make the trip twice
The DMV won't bend on missing documents — and a wasted trip can cost your teen weeks. The night before, physically lay out every item on the right list, check your passport/registration/insurance dates, and confirm your E-Card is on file. Do that, and you'll walk out with what you came for.
Enroll with South Metro Driving School
Written by Chris Scanlon, Program Director & Owner of South Metro Driving School
SouthMetroDrivingSchool.com — Info@SouthMetroDS.com — 612-552-1929
South Metro Driving School is a Minnesota State-Certified Driving School serving the south Twin Cities Metro — with core markets in Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Eagan, and growing service in Farmington, Lakeville, and Hastings.
This article reflects Chris's personal experience running a licensed Minnesota driving school and independent research from official Minnesota state and city sources, current as of September 2026. It's meant as a helpful starting point, not legal advice — rules and fees change, so always confirm the current requirements with Minnesota DVS (dps.mn.gov) before you go.
Did you find this information helpful? Explore our other guides on permits, road tests, and getting your license — and if we've earned it, we'd be grateful for a 5-Star Google Review.
