License Center

Aitkin County License Center

Enhanced and Real ID Requirements

View EDL/EID Identification Requirements – Enhanced Driver’s License Requirements

View REAL ID Identification Requirements – REAL ID Driver’s License

Driver’s License: It is recommended to pre-apply to help with appointment times.

Pre- Apply link: https://driverservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices

Click here for the link to find Exam Stations in your area and to schedule ALL exams, written or behind-the-wheel.

Driver's License Info

APPLYING FOR A MINNESOTA DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE IDENTIFICATION

Read about the New Minnesota Driver’s License here.

A pre-application feature in the new driver's license system will allow Minnesotans to enter a significant portion of their driver’s license or ID card application online – including REAL ID applications - reducing the time spent in driver’s license offices.

The new feature, also available on mobile devices, includes the list of required documents for each license type so applicants can have all necessary documents ready when they visit a driver’s license office.

Driver's License Manual

Driver's License Manuals (English language only) and Motorcycle License Manuals are available for purchase at our office or may be accessed online at:

Applying for an Instruction Permit

Under 18

Under 18 If you are under 18 years of age, the supervising driver must be 21 years of age or older, every occupant must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system, and you may not use, or talk on, a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free cell phone device.

18 and older

If you are 18 years of age or older, the supervising driver must be at least 18 years of age and all passengers must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system. After the required six months of practice driving (three months, if you are 19 years of age or older), you may take the road test. For road test scheduling information, see Chapter 9 of this manual. Before you will be allowed to take the road test, you must present to the driver examiner your valid instruction permit and current proof of insurance on the vehicle. If your instruction permit is lost or expired, you may apply for a new permit. The new permit will be valid for two years from the date of application.

Your Provisional License

The provisional license is the second phase of the GDL system. This license is valid for two years from the application date and has restrictions that do not apply to a full driver’s license. Every occupant must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system and you may not use, or talk on, a cell phone while driving. This includes using a hands-free cell phone device.

To qualify for your provisional license you must

— Complete a supplemental parent class provided by a driver education program approved in Minnesota, and then submit a supervised driving log showing their teen has completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving, 15 of which are nighttime hours; OR

— If the parent/guardian chooses to not complete the supplemental parent class, the driving log must show that their teen has completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of which are nighttime hours.

A parent, court appointed guardian, county appointed foster parent or director of the transitional living program in which you reside must sign and 11 Your License to Drive Minnesota Driver’s Manual approve your license application. When you have completed these requirements, you may apply for your provisional license and pay the appropriate fee.

Provisional drivers are subject to nighttime and passenger limitations.

During the first six months of licensure, driving is prohibited from midnight until 5 a.m. unless the provisional driver is

During the second six months of licensure, no more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Note: Passengers under 20 who are members of the provisional driver’s immediate family are permitted during both time periods.

Getting Your Class D Driver’s License

To qualify for your Class D driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years of age, or have held a provisional license for at least 12 consecutive months 12 Your License to Drive Minnesota Driver’s Manual with no convictions for alcohol violations, controlled-substance violations, or crash-related moving violations, and have had not more than one conviction for a moving violation that is not crash related.

If you are under 18 years of age, you must certify that you have driven for not less than ten hours under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age.

You must complete an application for a driver’s license and pay the license fee. If you upgrade from a provisional license and have no violations on your record, you will receive a $3.50 credit toward the fee.

If you are under 21 years of age, you will receive a license that is marked “under-21”. This license will expire on your 21st birthday. You may apply for an over-21 license three weeks before your 21st birthday. From then on, it will expire every four years on your birthday

Driver's License Renewal

You must submit your current Minnesota driver’s license. A vision test and photo will be taken. Applicants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, unless they have an application with a notarized signature from a parent or legal guardian. As of July 2015 renewal of a commercial driver's license requires proof of citizenship (birth certificate, current passport) and current medical certificate.

Driver's License Duplicate

Please bring a certified document (marriage license, divorce decree) if making a name change on your current Minnesota Driver's License. Applicants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, unless they have an application with a notarized signature from a parent or legal guardian.

Driver's Instruction Permit Renewal

You must submit a current permit. If you are replacing a lost or stolen permit, you must present Proof of Identity. A vision test will be taken. Applicants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, unless they have an application with a notarized signature from their parent or legal guardian.

Minnesota State Identification Card Renewal

Two forms of identification must be submitted (such as birth certificate, social security card) when applying for a state identification. Applicants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, unless they have an application with a notarized signature from their parent or legal guardian.

What is an Enhanced Driver's License?           EDL Required Documentation

You can apply for an EDL or EID at any time

Renewing an EDL or EID

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID refers to an act passed by Congress in 2005 to set standards for the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards.

It sets the requirements for state driver's licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes such as boarding an airplane for domestic travel or entering certain secure federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards will be available in our office October 2018. Learn more about REAL ID.

Limited License

Some drivers are eligible for limited driving privileges.

Your MN DVS commissioner will let you know whether you’re eligible; generally, drivers who meet the following criteria are eligible for a limited license

Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements.

Substance abuse counseling or treatment.

These include needs for those younger than 18 years old and other dependents in the house.

The MN DVS will inform you of your time limits.

You’re an out-of-state driver with a valid out-of-state license and can present certified copies of driver records from all previous states in which you’ve held licenses.

If your license is revoked, you must also

For more information on limited driver license eligibility and application, contact the DVS

Telephone: (651) 297-3298 

TTYL: (651) 297-3298

Motor Vehicle Info

Driver & Vehicle Services

Motor Vehicle Registration Renewal

To renew registration bring the entire renewal notice received in the mail. If unable to submit notice, bring in the current insurance card for the vehicle and we can look up the vehicle under the VIN number.

You must be the registered owner in order to get new registration.

Out-of-State Motor Vehicle Registration/Title Transfer

Out-of-state title or current registration, if the title is unavailable, is required to be submitted at time of application. The applicant must also provide the current odometer reading and their driver’s license number. The applicant is also required to show proof of identity, such as a driver's license or a State-issued ID card. If there is a lien against the vehicle, the owner must provide the name and address of the lender and the date of the loan. The owner’s signature is required on the Minnesota title application.

Motor Vehicle Transfer of Minnesota Title

 

The buyer must present the completed title certificate, along with proof of identity, such as a driver's license or a State-issued ID card and proof of current insurance. The seller’s portion of the title, including signature, date of sale, odometer statement, and damage disclosure statements, must be completed by the seller.

As a private seller of a vehicle, you are responsible for the following on the title certificate:

If you have lost your title, you must get a duplicate titlein order to make the auto title transfer.

Additionally, you must report the sale to the DVS, which can be accomplished:

Lost Your Title?

Duplicate titles can be applied for in our office with proof of ownership. Duplicate titles can be printed on-site the day of application.

Disability Parking Permit

Disability parking certificates are issued to individuals (drivers or non-drivers), and to institutions that transport persons who have disabilities. Certificates may be used in any vehicle transporting a person with a disability. Two parking certificates may be issued to a disabled individual, provided they do not have disability license plates. If customer has disability license plates, only one parking permit may be issued. Parking permit applications can be obtained in our office and must be completed by the attending provider.

Special Plates

Driver and Vehicle Services offers a variety of specialized plates. View the DVS Special Plates Brochure for a list of the available specialized plates.

 

You Should Know:

State Statute requires proof of insurance for registration renewal, title transfer, or application for new title/registration. Proof of insurance for the vehicle covered must include: Insurance company name, Policy number, and Policy expiration date. View Minnesota Statute 169.798

 

PRORATE services are no longer offered at the License Center. For information call 651-205-4141.

Manufactured (Mobile) Home Title Transfers

All title transfers of manufactured (mobile) homes must be accompanied by a statement from the county in which the manufactured home is located verifying that all taxes have been paid and that there are no delinquent taxes due. The paperwork to transfer a certificate of title will not be accepted by the State Department of Public Safety without the tax statement from the county in which the manufactured home is currently located.

All transfers of manufactured (mobile) homes that are in or will be in Aitkin County, require a visit to the Aitkin County Assessor’s Office at 307 2nd St NW #108, Aitkin, MN 56431 (218) 927-7327. The Assessor’s Office will give you the necessary tax documents that are required to accompany your certificate of title in order to transfer ownership of the manufactured home at one of the License Centers.

DNR

Licenses are issued in accordance with State of MN Department of Natural Resources regulations:

MN DNR Hunting and Trapping Regulations 
MN DNR Fishing Regulations

Hunting and Fishing Licenses 
Fees will vary depending on transaction. View current fees : Hunting | Fishing 

Applicant for a Resident license must provide proof of Minnesota residency with a Minnesota Driver’s license or ID card, or complete an Affidavit of Residency

You Should Know: 
Small Game and Fishing licenses are valid from March 1 through February 28 the following year.

Big Game licenses go on sale in mid-August. Deer season begins in early November.

Hunting and Fishing Stamps purchased in our office will be sent from the DNR office in St. Paul.

Vehicle Registration 
Licenses are issued in accordance with State of MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations.

Watercraft  Fees 
A watercraft license is valid for three years. The owner must provide the following for registration:

For titled watercraft being transferred, the transfer must be executed on a Minnesota or out-of-state title.

Duplicate 
Duplicate titles and year registration stickers can be purchased in our office but will be sent from the DNR office in St. Paul. You will be given proof of purchase so you may use your watercraft immediately.

All-Terrain Vehicle / Off-Highway Vehicle (ATV/OHV)  Fees 
An ATV license is valid for three years. The owner must provide the following for registration:

Snowmobile  Fees 
A snowmobile license is valid for three years. The owner must provide the following for registration:

Snowmobiles operating on state and grant-in-aid trails must have a Snowmobile State Trail Stickers.

Miscellaneous

NOTARY

Aitkin County License Center does not officially provide notarization services although our license center employees are Notaries. The MN Secretary of State provides a complete list of Notaries, searchable by City and/or County.

Forms

MOTOR VEHICLE FORMS

DRIVERS LICENSE

DNR FORMS

FAQs

Where exactly are you located?

We are located in the new Government Center Building on the west side of the courthouse. Entrance is on the Northwest corner of the building by the parking lot.

Where do I schedule my son’s driving test?

You can schedule it online here. We DO NOT schedule for exams at our office. Please DO NOT call. The only option is to schedule online.

Are you open on Saturdays?

We are not open Saturdays or Sundays

Do I need a REAL ID?

Beginning in October, 2018, you’ll be able to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, but you don’t need to rush out and get one right away. You’ll have two years to obtain one, if you choose, depending on your travel needs.

Minnesotans will be able to use their standard driver’s licenses and ID cards for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights, until May 7, 2025.

Because you don’t need to take any action to comply with federal REAL ID law at this time, state officials suggest you wait to apply unless you need to change your name or address, or renew your current license. REAL ID’S will not have a radio chip in them and cannot be used to cross the border from Mexico and Canada.

There is no additional charge for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and ID’s but additional documentation will be required. Proof of citizenship and 2 documents showing proof of residency, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement will be needed. The additional documentation required by federal law ensures the new licenses and ID cards meet minimum federal security standards established by Congress in 2005 under the REAL ID act.

Do I need an Enhanced Drivers License?

The enhanced drivers license is REAL ID compliant and can be used to board domestic flights as well as travel by land or sea between Mexico and Canada. The enhanced drivers license has a chip like a passport does so it can be read via radio frequency as you cross the border. They can also be used to enter federal institutions and military bases. In the event of a family or medical emergency while you are traveling out of the United States, the EDL will not be compliant to fly back INTO the United States. Flying across borders into a foreign country or from a foreign country back into the United States requires a valid Passport. There is an additional $15 charge for EDLs. Documentation showing proof of date of birth, full legal name, social security number, photographic identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of Minnesota residency will be required to apply for an EDL.

For customers not needing the extra travel documentation, the standard driver’s license and ID will still be available.

How much does it cost to transfer a vehicle?

There are many variables that can affect the cost of a title transfer such as the amount paid for the vehicle/sales tax amount, if the registration needs to be renewed, if the title was transferred within 10 days, or if the vehicle was gifted. The cost to transfer a title generally starts at $31.75.

Do I have to renew the registration when transferring a title?

Yes. If the registration has expired then it will need to be renewed at the time of transfer.

I just bought a car from a private party that didn’t renew the tabs this year. If the next registration year would start in 2 months, can I pay just for the 2 months for this year or do I have to pay for the whole year?

Once a vehicle is registered in Minnesota it will always have the same expiration month. If you purchase a vehicle from someone that did not renew the tabs then you will need to pay for the entire registration year that you are in even if there’s only a month or a week left in it. Only vehicles purchased from dealers can be pro-rated.

Can US Social Security cards be laminated to preserve them?

From Chris Smith, former Operations Supervisor at Social Security (1973-2011)

Do not laminate your SSN card. Ever. It obscures the anti-counterfeiting features of the card, making it difficult, if not impossible, to determine its authenticity. If someone presented a laminated card, we would immediately shred it and request a replacement card for them (after explaining why, so they didn’t think I presumed they were a criminal). The cards may look flimsy, but they have very high-tech anti-counterfeit features embedded. If you are worried about getting it all dog-eared or torn, put it in a plastic sleeve, such as the type used for a work badge. Better yet, to avoid ID theft, don’t carry it with you unless you are going somewhere where you will need to show it. This includes all social security cards even old ones.

How can I find out how much I paid last year for registration for my taxes?

Your last year’s registration might still be kept in your vehicle or you can look it up here.

Where can I find the status of my driver’s license or state id?

https://driverservices.dps.mn.gov/EServices/_/#3

Where can I report the sale of a vehicle?

You can either bring the bottom tear-off section of the title into our office and we’ll report it for you or you can do it yourself here.