Driver's License / State ID Cards

There are three options to choose from for your driver's license or state ID. If you are not sure which license type is right for you, use Help Me Choose a Type of License or ID.

1. Standard - Driver's license / state ID information
2. REAL ID - Driver's license / state ID information
3. Enhanced - Driver's license / state ID information

Which ID is for me?

	Passport Book	Passport Card	Enhanced Driver's License	REAL ID Compliant Driver's License	Standard Driver's License
All foreign travel: land, sea and air	✔
Land and sea travel: U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean	✔	✔	✔
Air travel: U.S.	✔	✔	✔	✔
Entry to federal facilities, nuclear power plants, military bases	✔	✔	✔	✔
Drive in the U.S.			✔	✔	✔

* REAL ID, Enhanced ID, or Passport required for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025

In-person Services

• Driver's license: Applications, Renewals, Replacements, Upgrades
• Identification card: Applications, Renewals, Replacements, Upgrades
• Instruction permits

Payment

Credit / debit cards (2.49% service fee), cash or checks made out to Washington County.

• Pay Reinstatement Fees online.
  (Reinstatement fees cannot be made at Washington County locations.)

Federal enforcement of REAL ID 

 Minnesotans—18 years of age or older—cannot use their standard driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, they will need one of three options:

• Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
• Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card.
• Other federally-approved forms of identification. They are listed online here, but include:
  • U.S. passport or passport card.
  • Foreign government-issued passport.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
  • Permanent resident card.
  • Border crossing card.
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID.
  • U.S. Department of defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  • Visit tsa.gov/real-id for complete list.

To obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card you will need:*

1. One document proving identity, date of birth, and legal U.S. presence.
2. To know your social security number.
3. Two documents proving current Minnesota residency.

*Find the complete required documents list at REALID.dps.mn.gov.

Pre-apply and pre-verify - Visit drive.mn.gov (mobile friendly)

Save time by pre-applying and pre-verifying your REAL ID documents online at dps.mn.gov.

• Upload documents using the mobile-friendly application.
• Staff will verify that the documents you upload are sufficient to issue a REAL ID.
• Bring the original verified documents to a driver’s license office to complete your transaction.
• Receive your REAL ID in 7-10 business days after your office visit.

The best way to ensure you have the correct documentation and speed transaction time is to pre-apply online before visiting a county license center. Washington County offers REAL ID Driver’s License services in Forest Lake, Stillwater, and Woodbury.

Are you a new Minnesota resident?

As a new resident, you will need to obtain a Minnesota driver's license and get Minnesota registration for your vehicle. Requirements:

• Valid license from another state or US territory.
• Pass the MN knowledge test before visiting one of our license centers.

Are you a first-time driver?

• Under Age 18.
• Ages 18 to 21.
• Over Age 21.

Appointments are required for both written and road testing.

Written test

By appointment only. Wednesdays, 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• Schedule your test here: onlineservices.dps.mn.gov.
• Test location: Stillwater License Center, 1520 West Frontage Road.

Other locations: State testing location list.

Class D Road test

Only by appointment. Schedule your test here: onlineservices.dps.mn.gov.
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Driver's Manuals are available online.