Permit Photo Requirements:
Minnesota Permit Photo: Rules, Retakes, and Temporary vs Plastic Permit
Yes, you must take a photo for your Minnesota Instruction Permit. The Minnesota DVS captures your photo immediately after you pass the knowledge exam and vision screening.
When Does Minnesota DVS Take Your Permit Photo?
DVS captures your photo immediately after you pass the knowledge test and vision screening. Bring Form PS33100 completed online to avoid delays before reaching the photo station.
- Complete paperwork ahead: Use the Application for Driver's License or ID Card (PS33100) form online to speed up your visit.
- Pre-Apply feature: Complete Minnesota's Pre-Apply system at drive.mn.gov before your visit to avoid form-filling delays.
- Pay the fee: The Class D instruction permit costs $29.50 and remains valid for two years.
Can DVS use an old license or ID photo for a new instruction permit? A new permit application normally requires a current full-face image. Minnesota rules allow a previous image in limited cases, including replacement of an unexpired permit, so a replacement transaction can be different from a first permit application. See Minnesota Rule 7410.1810.
What Are Minnesota DVS Photo Rules for the Instruction Permit
Show your full face with a neutral expression and open eyes. Remove sunglasses, hats, caps, and hoods. Religious head coverings are allowed if they do not obscure facial features.
- Full face visibility: Show a complete face image with a neutral expression and eyes open
- Eyeglasses policy: Eyeglasses are normally removed for the credential photo. A medical variance may be available when needed
- Remove accessories: Sunglasses, hats, caps, and hoods must come off before the photo
- Religious head coverings: Allowed when they don't obscure facial features
A teen in Rochester arrived wearing his baseball cap for the permit photo. Staff made him remove it, leaving his hair messy for the picture. He couldn't get a retake because the photo met technical standards.
Can you smile in a Minnesota permit photo?
Use a neutral expression and keep your eyes open. Minnesota's current credential-photo guidance calls for a clear, full-face image with a neutral expression; do not plan on a broad posed smile. See the DVS photo guidance.
What happens if Minnesota DVS rejects your permit photo?
If the image does not meet DVS photo standards, card production can be delayed and you may be asked to return for a new photo. That is different from asking for a cosmetic retake after an otherwise acceptable image.
Can You Retake Your Minnesota Permit Photo?
DVS can retake a photo when it does not meet technical standards, such as a blink or another image-quality problem. Cosmetic retakes are not guaranteed.
If you later need a replacement instruction permit, Minnesota treats that transaction as a permit renewal; the current Class D instruction-permit renewal fee is $24.50. See the current fee schedule at mn.gov.
How Is Your Photo Used on the Temporary and Plastic Minnesota Permits?
The temporary paper credential and the later plastic card do not look identical. The plastic card uses the credential photo captured by DVS.
| Document | Photo |
|---|---|
| Temporary permit | Temporary credential format issued after approval |
| Plastic card | Uses the DVS credential photo |
Card-production and mailing timelines are covered in the dedicated permit processing-time guide.
How Should You Dress for Your Minnesota DVS Permit Photo?
Wear dark or medium-colored clothing to stand out from the neutral background. Remove accessories, including eyeglasses, before approaching the camera station and practice a neutral expression beforehand.
- Dark or medium clothing: Avoid light colors that blend with the neutral background
- Remove accessories first: Take off hats, eyeglasses, and other nonessential accessories before approaching the camera station
- Practice neutral expression: Keep eyes open and mouth closed for quick, acceptable capture
An applicant in Duluth wore a white shirt to her photo appointment. Staff had to provide a dark-colored drape because her clothing blended with the background, adding extra time to her visit.
For detailed photo standards and requirements, visit the DVS photo guidelines page. Review additional permit details in the instruction permit FAQ.
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