Chapter 171 — Driver's License

15.001 Application of Laws 2005, Chapter 56, Terminology Changes State agencies must update their printed materials and signs to use new terminology from 2005, but only when they are … 171.001 This section cross-references terminology changes applicable to the driver's license chapter. 171.01 Definitions This section defines key terms used throughout the driver's license chapter, including what counts as a motor vehicle, … 171.015 Driver's License Division The Driver's License Division operates within the Department of Public Safety and handles all driver's licensing, … 171.017 Background Investigations; Driver's License Agents and Certain Employees The state must run criminal background checks on all driver's license agents and employees who create or modify license … 171.019 Real Id Act Conformity; Limitations Minnesota offers three types of driver's licenses: REAL ID compliant (accepted for federal purposes like boarding … 171.02 Licenses; Types, Endorsements, Restrictions You must have a valid Minnesota driver's license to drive on public roads. This section lists the different types of … 171.03 Persons Exempt Certain people do not need a Minnesota driver's license. This includes federal government employees driving government … 171.04 Persons Not Eligible for Drivers' Licenses This section lists the people who cannot get a Minnesota driver's license. It includes people under 18 who have not met … 171.041 Restricted License for Farm Work Minnesota teens as young as 15 can get a restricted farm work license to drive vehicles needed for farm work, but only … 171.042 Driver's License for Medical Reason A 15-year-old can get a driver's license early if a close relative has a medical condition that prevents them from … 171.043 Notice of Persons Under Driver's License Cancellation The Department of Public Safety sends monthly notices to local police listing people in their area whose driver's … 171.05 Instruction Permit An instruction permit (learner's permit) lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. If you are 18 or … 171.055 Provisional License A provisional license is the first license for 16- and 17-year-olds in Minnesota. To get one, a teen must have held an … 171.06 Application for License, Permit, Identification Card; Fees This section covers how to apply for a driver's license, instruction permit, or state ID card in Minnesota, and lists … 171.0605 Evidence of Identity and Lawful Presence To get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, applicants must prove their identity, date of birth, … 171.061 Driver's License Agent Driver's license agents are authorized by the Department of Public Safety to process license applications, take photos, … 171.062 Evidence of Identity; Noncompliant Credentials To get a noncompliant driver's license or ID card (one not valid for federal purposes), applicants must prove their … 171.063 Evidence of Identity for Enhanced Credentials To get an enhanced driver's license or identification card (valid for crossing the U.S.-Canada border), applicants must … 171.066 Enhanced Driver's License for Employment Employers cannot require employees to get an enhanced driver's license as a condition of employment, and they cannot … 171.068 Enhanced Identification Card for Employment Employers cannot require employees to get an enhanced identification card as a condition of employment, and they cannot … 171.069 Translations Any document submitted to the Department of Public Safety in a language other than English must include a certified … 171.07 Information on License and Identification Card Minnesota driver's licenses and identification cards include your photo, name, address, date of birth, physical … 171.0701 Driver Education Content Driver education programs must include instruction about organ and tissue donation, railroad crossing safety, and … 171.0705 Driver's Manual The state driver's manual must include information about the effects of alcohol on driving, drunk driving laws, and … 171.071 Photograph on License or Identification Card If a person has a religious objection to being photographed, the commissioner can allow alternative identification on … 171.072 Tribal Identification Card A tribal identification card issued by a Minnesota tribe is accepted anywhere a Minnesota state ID card would be … 171.075 Anatomical Gifts Minnesota has a special fund for anatomical gift (organ donation) awareness, education, and promotion. The fund receives … 171.08 Licensee to Have License in Possession You must carry your driver's license with you at all times when driving and show it to any police officer or authorized … 171.09 Driving Restrictions; Authority, Violations The commissioner can add restrictions to your driver's license based on your driving ability, such as requiring … 171.10 Duplicate License; Vehicle Endorsement If your license is lost, destroyed, or becomes hard to read, you can get a replacement for a fee. You can also add … 171.11 Duplicate License; Change of Domicile or Name When you move to a new address or change your name, you must notify the Department of Public Safety within 30 days and … 171.12 Driving Record; Filing; Private Data The Department of Public Safety maintains a detailed driving record for every licensed driver, including all … 171.1205 Restrictions on Use State and local governments cannot use the fact that someone has a noncompliant driver's license as proof of their … 171.121 Use of Another's Residence Address Property owners can notify the Department of Public Safety that they do not consent to having their address used on … 171.122 Enhanced Drivers' Licenses and Identification Cards; Limitation Provisions about enhanced driver's licenses and enhanced identification cards only apply to those specific types of … 171.13 Examination To get a Minnesota driver's license, you must pass an eye test, a written knowledge test about traffic laws and the … 171.131 Physician Reporting to Commissioner Doctors may voluntarily report to the commissioner when a patient has a physical or mental condition that could make … 171.14 Cancellation The commissioner can cancel a driver's license if the person was not entitled to it, provided false information, … 171.15 Nonresident's Driving Privilege A nonresident's right to drive in Minnesota can be suspended or revoked for the same reasons as a Minnesota resident's … 171.16 Court May Recommend Suspension Courts must report traffic violations to the Department of Public Safety within 10 days. Judges can recommend license … 171.161 Commercial Driver's License; Federal Conformity Minnesota must keep its commercial driver's license program in line with federal law. The commissioner must regularly … 171.162 Commercial Driver's License, Required Records Before issuing a commercial driver's license, the department must check the applicant's driving record from all states … 171.163 Commercial Driver's License Record Keeping Minnesota courts and agencies cannot hide, defer, or divert traffic convictions for commercial driver's license holders. … 171.165 Commercial Driver's License, Disqualification Commercial drivers can be disqualified from driving commercial vehicles for serious violations like drunk driving, … 171.166 Review of Disqualification A commercial driver who is disqualified can request a review. The commissioner will check the court records and notify … 171.167 Notice to Commercial Driver's License Information System Minnesota participates in the national commercial driver's license information system, which tracks CDL holders across … 171.168 Notice of Violation by Commercial Driver Commercial drivers with a Minnesota CDL who get a traffic conviction or have their license suspended in any state must … 171.169 Notice of Commercial License Suspension Commercial drivers whose Minnesota license is suspended, revoked, or canceled must notify their employer before the end … 171.17 Revocation The state must immediately revoke your driver's license if you are convicted of certain serious offenses. These include … 171.171 Suspension; Illegal Purchase of Alcohol or Tobacco The commissioner must suspend a person's license for 90 days if they are under 21 and convicted of trying to buy … 171.172 Revocation; Controlled Substance Offense A drug conviction can result in having your driver's license revoked for 30 days (or longer for repeat offenses), even … 171.173 Suspension; Underage Drinking Offense Minors convicted of an underage drinking offense (not just purchasing, but consuming or possessing alcohol) can have … 171.174 Revocation; Fleeing Peace Officer Offense Fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle results in automatic license revocation. A first offense means revocation … 171.175 Suspension; Theft of Motor Fuel Offense Stealing motor fuel (gas) results in a 30-day license suspension. A second offense within one year means a 90-day … 171.176 Revocation or Suspension; School Attendance The Department of Public Safety cannot suspend or revoke a person's driver's license based on whether they attend … 171.177 Revocation; Pursuant to Search Warrant If police obtain a search warrant for a blood or urine test during a DWI investigation, the driver must be told that … 171.178 Revocation, Denial, and Reinstatement; Driving While Impaired; Criminal Vehicular Homicide and Operation This section sets out how long your license is revoked after a DWI test refusal or failure, and the steps needed to get … 171.18 Suspension The commissioner can suspend your driver's license without a hearing if records show you committed an offense that … 171.181 Resident Driving Privilege When a Minnesota resident's license is revoked or suspended based on a conviction in another state, the commissioner … 171.182 Suspension; Uninsured Vehicle If you lose a lawsuit for damages from a car accident and do not pay the judgment, your license and vehicle registration … 171.183 Satisfaction of Judgment A car accident judgment is considered satisfied when $30,000 has been paid on judgments over that amount for injuries or … 171.184 Installment Payments If you owe money from a car accident judgment, you can ask the court to let you pay in installments. If you make … 171.185 This former provision has been repealed. 171.186 Suspension for Nonpayment of Support; Limited License If you fall behind on child support payments, your driver's license can be suspended. You can get a limited license for … 171.187 Suspension; Criminal Vehicular Operation and Manslaughter If a peace officer certifies that probable cause exists to believe you committed criminal vehicular operation or … 171.188 Driving While Impaired Revocation and Prohibition; Off-road Recreational Vehicles and Motorboats A DWI-related license revocation also applies to off-road vehicles like ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorboats. If your … 171.19 Petition for Court Hearing on License Reinstatement If the commissioner refuses, revokes, suspends, or cancels your license, you can file a petition in district court to … 171.20 Minnesota License Required; Conditions, Fees After your license has been revoked, suspended, or canceled, you must apply for a new license or reinstatement once the … 171.21 Copy of Record as Evidence Official copies of Department of Public Safety records, when certified by the commissioner, can be used as evidence in … 171.22 Unlawful Acts Relating to Driver's License It is illegal to display a fake or altered driver's license, lend your license to someone else, use another person's … 171.23 Renting Vehicle to Unlicensed Driver Car rental and leasing companies cannot rent a vehicle to someone who does not have a valid driver's license. … 171.24 Violations; Driving Without Valid License Driving after your license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled is a crime in Minnesota. Driving while suspended or … 171.2405 License Reinstatement Diversion Program Cities and counties can create programs that allow drivers with suspended licenses to get their license back by … 171.241 Chapter Violations; Misdemeanors Willfully violating any provision of the driver's license chapter is a misdemeanor, unless a specific section says the … 171.245 This former provision has been repealed. 171.25 Enforcement; Delegation of Authority The commissioner of public safety is responsible for running the driver's license system and can delegate duties to … 171.26 Money Credited to Funds Most driver's license fees go into the driver and vehicle services operating account. Enhanced license surcharges are … 171.27 License Expiration and Renewal; Exceptions A standard driver's license expires on your birthday every four years and can be renewed up to one year early. Military … 171.28 This former provision has been repealed. 171.29 Revoked License; Conditions for Reinstatement To get your license back after a revocation, you must pass the required exams and pay a reinstatement fee. The fee is … 171.30 Limited License If your license has been suspended or revoked, you may be able to get a limited license that lets you drive only for … 171.301 Reintegration License People released from prison after serving at least 180 consecutive days can apply for a reintegration driver's license … 171.302 License Violations; Consecutive Sentencing When sentencing someone for driving without a license, driving after revocation, or driving after cancellation, the … 171.305 All subdivisions of this former ignition interlock program section have been repealed or expired. 171.306 Ignition Interlock Device Program Minnesota's ignition interlock program lets people whose driver's license was revoked for a DWI get a restricted license … 171.31 Information on Person Receiving Blindness Benefits The commissioner can request information from agencies that provide blindness benefits to identify people who may not … 171.32 Action Upon Information Relating to Blindness When the commissioner learns that a driver may not meet vision standards, the commissioner can require a vision exam or … 171.321 Qualifications of School Bus and Type Iii Vehicle Drivers School bus drivers must have a valid commercial driver's license with a school bus endorsement, pass a physical exam, … 171.3213 Third-party Testing of School Bus Drivers School districts and school bus companies that are authorized third-party testing programs can enter agreements to test … 171.3215 Canceling Bus Endorsement for Certain Offenses The commissioner can cancel a school bus driver's endorsement if the driver is convicted of certain crimes, including … 171.3216 Actions on School Bus Endorsement In addition to the standard cancellation rules, the commissioner can cancel a school bus endorsement if the driver has … 171.322 Age Limit for Operator of Vehicle for Hire No one under 18 years old can drive a vehicle for hire (such as a taxi or rideshare) or work as a hired driver for a … 171.323 This former provision has been repealed. 171.324 Hazardous Materials Endorsement Background Checks Before getting or renewing a hazardous materials endorsement on a commercial driver's license, the driver must pass a … 171.325 Driver's License Suspensions and Revocations; Reports The Department of Public Safety must submit annual reports to the legislature on driver's license suspensions and … 171.33 Driver Training School; Definitions A commercial driver training school is any business that charges fees to teach people how to drive. A driver training … 171.335 Motorcycle Safety Education Program Minnesota has a motorcycle safety education program run by the Department of Public Safety. The program includes … 171.34 License for School Required No driving school can operate in Minnesota without a license from the commissioner. The license requires meeting … 171.35 License for Instructor Required Driving instructors must be individually licensed by the commissioner. The license requires meeting qualifications set … 171.36 License Fees; Renewal Driving school and instructor licenses are good for one year and must be renewed annually. The fee is $150 for a school … 171.37 Inspection and Examination The commissioner or authorized representatives can inspect driving school facilities and equipment, and examine … 171.38 School or Instructor License Denial or Revocation The commissioner can revoke or refuse to issue or renew a driving school or instructor license if the applicant has not … 171.39 Exemptions The driving school licensing rules do not apply to people giving free driving lessons, employers training their own … 171.395 Teleconference Driver Education Program Licensed driver education programs can offer classroom instruction through live video teleconference if they also … 171.396 Online Driver Education Program Licensed driver education programs can offer the classroom portion of driver's education online, as long as the course … 171.397 Flexible Instruction Permitted Students can mix and match online, teleconference, and in-person classroom instruction to complete their driver's … 171.40 Driver Training School Violation; Petty Misdemeanor Violating any driving school regulation is a petty misdemeanor. 171.41 Cooperation of State Agencies The commissioner can work with other state agencies to develop the rules needed to regulate driving schools and … 171.50 Driver License Compact Minnesota is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement among states to share information about traffic violations … 171.51 Definitions For purposes of the Driver License Compact, the governor is the executive head, and the commissioner of public safety is … 171.52 Transfer of Information Minnesota must share driver records and documents with other states in the Driver License Compact as needed to … 171.53 Compact Administrator The compact administrator for the Driver License Compact does not receive extra pay but can be reimbursed for expenses … 171.54 Reporting to Licensing Authority Courts and government agencies in Minnesota must promptly report license suspensions, revocations, and other actions to … 171.55 Out-of-state Convictions Given Effect The commissioner must treat driving violations reported from other states or Canadian provinces the same as if they … 171.56 Filing of Bylaws and Amendments The Driver License Compact Commission must file copies of its bylaws and any changes with the Minnesota Secretary of … 171.60 Motorcycle Road Guard Certificate To serve as a motorcycle road guard (directing traffic for motorcycle group rides), a person must have a valid …