Minnesotans will encounter some limited services as the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) prepares to launch the new MNDRIVE computer system on Nov. 16.
DPS-DVS online services are currently unavailable. Services at DVS exam stations, deputy registrar and driver’s license agent offices statewide will also be limited Nov. 11 through Nov. 14 ahead of the Nov. 16 launch. Customers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and to check the DVS locations web page for the latest information about the office.
In addition, online class D knowledge test registration is now unavailable through Nov. 15. Those who have registered before this time will have the standard 48 hours to take their test.
The service limitations allow DPS-DVS to process all transactions in the Minnesota License and Registration System (MNLARS) and the driver services system (FastDS), before converting to the new and improved MNDRIVE system on Nov. 16.
Although limiting online services and closing offices temporarily is inconvenient, DPS-DS Director Emma Corrie said, “DVS has been working closely with vendor staff and business partners to develop and implement a new system that works better for Minnesotans. MNDRIVE will launch on time, within budget and improve the way Minnesotans receive driver and vehicle services well into the future.”
Service limitations
•Nov. 2-15: Online knowledge test registration is unavailable. Those who already registered for a test have the standard 48 hours from registration to take their test.
•Nov 4-15: Online registration renewal is unavailable. The service will be back online on Nov. 16, which allows Minnesotans enough time to renew November tabs online and receive their stickers by Dec. 10. An option is to renew registration at an open deputy registrar office while the online service is unavailable.
•Nov. 10-15: Remaining DPS-DVS online services are unavailable beginning at 11 p.m. Nov. 10.
•Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)-Nov. 14: Nov. 11 is a state holiday, and all DVS exam stations will be closed. DVS exam stations may also be closed or provide limited service during these days.
•Nov. 12: Fourteen regional DVS exam stations are closed to the public. No services are available, including road tests and knowledge tests. The St. Paul DVS Exam Station will provide prorate and dealer services only. No other services are available.
•Nov. 13: Regional DVS exam stations offer road tests by appointment only. No other services, including application services for those who pass their road test, are available. The St. Paul DVS Exam Station will provide prorate and dealer services only.
•Nov. 14: All 15 regional DVS exam stations are closed to the public.
•Nov. 16: MNDRIVE launches. All driver and vehicle services, online and in offices statewide, resume.
What to expect Nov. 16:
MNDRIVE will change the way Minnesota deputy registrar offices and car dealerships process vehicle services. Some of the changes Minnesotans will see when accessing these services include:
•The system replaces the paper 21-day temporary permit with a new temporary license plate. This temporary license plate is printed on a special paper at the dealership and attached to the vehicle.
•The system allows Minnesotans to upload and submit documents required for vehicle service transactions online, eliminating the need to visit an office.
•The system will accurately calculate registration taxes and fees to ensure Minnesotans are paying the correct amount.
How to stay updated:
•DPS-DVS answers frequently asked questions related to how COVID-19 is affecting DVS services on the DVS COVID-19 FAQ webpage.
•The DPS-DVS Facebook page and Twitter page will have information.
How to get help:
•For driver services questions (licenses, ID cards, driver compliance and exams), visit the DVS website, dps.mn.gov and submit your questions using the driver services contact forms. You can also call 651-297-3298.
•For vehicle services questions (ownership transfers, titles, liens and vehicle registration) visit the DVS website and submit your question using the vehicle services contact forms. You can also call 651-297-2126.
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