See the Services Directory entry State Identification (ID) Card for Minnesota for instructions about getting an ID card.
At the Government Center we offer the following driver's license services.
- Renewal of Minnesota driver's license (Enhanced, Real ID, and Standard)
- Request duplicates for lost or stolen driver's license
- Address change on driver's license
- Name change on driver's license
- Tips for a great drivers license test in East Rochester: If you go to take your first driver's test chances are that, if your a car Enthusiast, this is one of the most exciting days of your life and even if you're not it opens up a world of possibilities for traveling and do things you never could have done before.
- NOTE: Driver license written tests and card applications will not be available on October 28th & 29th due to construction. Scheduled road tests, however, will be conducted as usual. Broadway Rochester, MN 55906.
After you have passed your permit test, you must wait at least 6 months before taking the road test. Your permit is valid for 3 to 5 years. Your permit is valid for 3 to 5 years. During this time, you are required to practice driving with a licensed driver who is over the age of 21.
Keep in mind
If you are a new resident to Minnesota, want a first time instruction permit, or a first time driver's license contact:
Minnesota State Exam Station
River Center Plaza
1633 North Broadway
Rochester, MN 55906
Phone: 507 923-2020
Read all these steps first!
Because we are using physical distancing to help keep people safe, our application process has changed.
Read the following instructions all the way through before you begin.
Gather your information
You will need:
- Your current driver's license (for renewals)
- Your parent or guardian if you are under 18 years of age
- For name changes, you need a certified document (with a raised seal) that shows your legal name change (e.g. a certified marriage certificate).
Proof of identify is not required for a lost or stolen license.
Fill out the online application
For a Standard Driver's License or ID
If you want a standard driver's license, you can use the MN Driver & Vehicle Services web page to apply and pay for the standard license. If you choose this you do not have to come to the Government Center in person.
For Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Real IDs
If you want an enhanced driver's license or a Real ID, use the PRE-APPLY option on the MN Driver & Vehicle Services web page. This is the second link located on the left navigation of the web page. Fill out the form. Then come to the Government Center to pass the vision test, get your picture taken and pay the fees.
If you are asked to pay the fees online, you have selected the standard driver's license option. Cancel and access the Pre-Apply for a Driver's License or State ID link.
Get your arrival time
On the day you want to come into the Olmsted County Government Center building, use the Olmsted County Online Check-in page to get an arrival time. This will help us avoid crowded lines at the Government Center.
The web page will tell you what time to arrive. It will give you a ticket number that you will use to check in when you arrive. That same number will be used to call you to the desk. Keep it handy. (You will also receive a text message with this number and arrival time.)
For safe physical distancing, do not enter the Government Center more than five minutes before this time.
Access the Olmsted County Online Check-in system with your computer or smart device.
Come to the Government Center
To minimize health risks, we ask that you bring no more than one guest along with you (and your guest should only be invited if necessary).
Drivers Test Appointment
Come to:
Olmsted County Government Center
Vital Records and Licensing
151 4th Street South East
Rochester, MN 55904
Remember to bring the information you gathered and payment for any fees.
We accept credit cards. There is a 2.49% convenience fee for all credit card payments We also accept cash and personal checks made payable to Olmsted County Vital Records.
Do not enter the building more than five minutes before your scheduled arrival time.
What to expect when you arrive
Follow the posted directions. They will tell you where to check in. After you check in, you will receive further instructions.
If you have questions, there will be staff available to direct you.
When it is your turn, you will be called to the desk.
Pass a vision test
After we have double checked that everything is in order, we will administer a quick vision test.
Pay the fee
Fees for Driver's Licenses are:
- Class A = $51.00
- Class B = $43.00
- Class C = $36.00
- Class D = $32.00
- Provisional driver's license = $19.25
- Class D Provisional license upgrade to under 21 DL (with no violations on record $3.50 credit) = $28.50
- Class D instruction permit = $15.50
- Duplicate = $17.00
- Motorcycle endorsement = $13.00
We accept credit cards. There is a 2.49% convenience fee for all credit card payments.
We also accept cash and personal checks made payable to Olmsted County Vital Records.
Have your photo taken
After you pass your vision test, we will take your picture.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for your cooperation with this new process. Stay healthy and stay safe!
Want to provide more feedback? Contact us at webmaster@co.olmsted.mn.us.