The issue date on a Minnesota driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division issues licenses valid for 4 years for most adult drivers. Minnesota also offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) for border crossings into Canada. Here is where to find ISS and what every field on your Minnesota license means.

Where to find the issue date on a Minnesota driver's license

On the current Minnesota DVS license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and shows when the Minnesota DVS issued your current card. Renewing resets ISS while your license number stays the same.

Date fields on a Minnesota driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for 4 years for most adult drivers and expire on your birthday.

What does DD mean on a Minnesota driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is issued, even if your license number stays the same. Banks, car rental companies, and identity systems use it to confirm the card is authentic.

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Restrictions on a Minnesota driver's license

Minnesota licenses display restrictions in the RSTR field. Common restriction codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No highway or expressway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only

Minnesota Enhanced Driver's License: border crossing with Canada

Minnesota is one of a small number of states that offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). The Minnesota EDL works as a passport alternative for land and sea border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. It has a U.S. flag design and is also REAL ID compliant for domestic air travel. Minnesota shares a long border with Canada, making the EDL useful for residents who cross regularly. Getting an EDL requires in-person document verification and a higher fee than a standard license.

Minnesota REAL ID

Minnesota offers standard, REAL ID-compliant, and Enhanced licenses. A REAL ID Minnesota license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel and federal facilities. Standard Minnesota licenses work for driving but not for air travel.

How to renew a Minnesota driver's license

Minnesota DVS offers online renewal at dps.mn.gov/dvs for eligible drivers. Online renewal is available if you do not need a new photo and your information has not changed. In-person renewal at a DVS exam station is required for first-time REAL ID or EDL, new photos, and CDL transactions.

How to find your original Minnesota licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued, not your original licensing date. To find your original date, request a copy of your Minnesota driving record through the DVS website or in person at a DVS exam station.