A Message from the Wright County License Center:
In Spring 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed the Driver’s License for All (DL for All) bill which goes into effect Sunday, October 1. This will be the first major change to the standard documentation list required for licenses since 2003 in the post 9/11 era. This bill expands the acceptable documents for all Minnesotans looking to obtain a driver’s license, permit, or identification card regardless of immigration status. However, the steps for obtaining a driver’s license or permit have not changed. Anyone looking to apply for a first-time driver’s license or permit must continue to follow the same policies in place now. For residents who currently do not hold a license from another state or country must pass the Class D written exam and obtain an instruction permit. Depending on age, new drivers must hold the permit for three to six months before being eligible to schedule a road test. Once the applicant successfully passes the road test, they are then eligible to apply for a standard Class D driver’s license. DL for All only changes the documents required for a standard credential, those seeking to apply for a REAL ID or Enhanced credential still need to follow those specific documentation requirements. Additionally, DL for All does not apply to those seeking commercial class licenses. Currently, waits times are extended for those looking to make road test appointments. DL for All applicants will still follow the same steps as anyone else looking to obtain a driver’s license. Currently, the average completion time is four to seven months for those starting with an instruction permit to successfully passing a road test.
The Wright County License Center is an authorized third-party proctor, which means we can administer the required written test. We offer the test in multiple languages as well as provide headphones for those seeking an audio test. Written exams are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and there is a $10 fee to take the test. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are accepted on exams days from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Appointments can be made up to 30 days in advance. No exams are administered on Mondays or Fridays. Road tests are only administered by state offices and you must schedule an appointment directly with the state. The License Center is expecting to see an increase in customers over the next several months both from new applicants as well as additional customers coming out from the metro to avoid long wait times. Our staff is working hard at preparing for this change, please understand that an increase in customer volume will mean an increase in wait times. For customers seeking tab renewals, remember to utilize our drive-thru located on the northwest corner of the Government Center.