Minnesota Permit Fees 2026: $29.50 Permit, Surcharge Traps, Fee Schedule

A Minnesota Class D instruction permit costs $29.50. This fee is paid only after you pass the knowledge test at a Deputy Registrar office.

What Are the Official 2026 Minnesota DVS Permit and Testing Fees?

The Minnesota instruction permit costs $29.50 for first-time applicants. This is the standard 2026 learner permit fee set by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The first two knowledge test attempts are included. The third attempt and beyond each cost $10.

What Extra Costs Does Minnesota DVS Add Beyond the $29.50 Permit Fee

Paying by card adds a ~2.49% convenience surcharge. An Enhanced Driver's License permit adds $15 for a $44.50 total. REAL ID upgrades carry no additional fee.

• Credit/Debit Card Convenience Fee: A ~2.49% surcharge is added if you pay with a card. Paying with cash or check avoids this fee.
• No-Show or Late Cancellation Fee: Missing a scheduled road test costs $20. Canceling less than 24 hours ahead may incur fees; check office policy.
• Enhanced Permit Upgrade: Choosing an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) permit for border travel adds $15, making the total $44.50. Get the enhanced permit application form from DVS.
• REAL ID Permit: Upgrading to REAL ID adds no extra fee beyond the standard $29.50 permit cost.
• Driver's Education (Under 18): This is not a state fee but a mandatory cost paid to private schools, typically $350-$550.

Realistic total cost if you fail the knowledge test 1-2 times: If you pass on your first or second free attempt, you only pay the $29.50 permit fee. If you fail twice and pass on the third try, your total becomes $39.50 ($10 retake fee + $29.50 permit). Check out our Minnesota permit application guide for step-by-step instructions.

What Payment Methods Does Minnesota DVS Accept for Permits?

DVS accepts cash, checks, and most credit and debit cards with a convenience fee. Smaller offices may be cash or check only. No payment plans are available.

• Accepted Methods: Deputy Registrar offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Most accept credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) with the added convenience fee.
• Cash/Check Warning: Some smaller offices may be cash or check only. A driver in Duluth was turned away for only having a card and had to find an ATM, causing a long delay.
• No Fee Waivers: The state does not offer discounts or waivers for the standard permit cost based on income.

Avoid Unexpected Costs at Minnesota DVS

Use a certified birth certificate, not a hospital copy. Pre-apply online at drive.mn.gov. Check your test vehicle's brake lights and turn signals the day before your road test.

• Bring a certified birth certificate, not a hospital copy. Check the REAL ID document requirements for accepted ID formats. A teen in Rochester was rejected for testing because their parent brought an unofficial commemorative birth certificate, requiring a rescheduled appointment.
• Complete the pre-application online before your office visit. Use the Fast Track online application to prevent form errors at the counter. An applicant in Bloomington spent an extra 45 minutes correcting a missed field on the paper form, nearly missing their test slot.
• Verify your test vehicle's equipment the day before. A common failure in St. Paul is for a brake light or turn signal to be out. Testers will cancel on the spot for road tests, resulting in a $40 no-show fee if it's within 24 hours. Download the Minnesota Driver's Manual for complete knowledge test preparation.

For specific test preparation tips, see our Minnesota knowledge test guide. If your permit expires, check our permit renewal information to understand the process.