Minnesota

Minnesota does not have a voter ID law.

Registered voters do not need to provide an ID when they vote in person, except for some first-time voters.

Check the federal ID requirements for first-time voters!

Any registered Minnesota voter may apply for an absentee ballot.

The absentee ballot application requests that you provide your:

• Minnesota-issued driver’s license number OR
• Minnesota state ID card number OR
• Social Security number (last four digits)

If you do not have one of these, there is a box to check.

BUT: if you have an ID number and do not provide it, your absentee ballot may be rejected. You will be unable to check the status of your absentee ballot online.

Check here for a full rundown of the state’s rules!

You must file a formal request with your county court to change your name in Minnesota.

You will need to bring two adult witnesses to your hearing as proof of your identity.

If the court approves your name change, you will receive a court order that can be used to update the name on your ID documents.

Submit a request to Minnesota’s Department of Health to amend your birth certificate.

To change the name on your Minnesota birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• notarized Birth Record Amendment Application form (PDF) 
• certified copy of name-change court order
• required supporting documents (listed in DOH Amendment Birth Record Amendment Packet)
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

You must update your name with the Social Security Administration 24-48 business  hours before you can change your name on a Minnesota-issued ID.

Visit a DVS office to change the name on your Minnesota driver’s license or state ID card. You must apply for a duplicate or renewal license and provide a certified copy of your name-change court order.

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Submit a request to Minnesota’s Department of Health to amend your birth certificate.

To update the gender marker on your Minnesota birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• notarized Birth Record Amendment Application form (PDF) 
• required supporting documents (listed in DOH Amendment Birth Record Amendment Packet) – including one of the following:
  • physician’s letter certifying you have received “appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition”
  • certified copy of court order directing the amendment of birth certificate gender marker
• certified copy of name-change court order (if applicable)
• payment of applicable fee(s)

Note: You must update your birth certificate with the state where you were born.

Minnesota allows residents to mark M, F, or X on their state-issued IDs. No medical certification or documentation is required.

You will be able to self-designate a gender marker when you apply for a new or replacement driver’s license or state ID.

You may apply online or at a DVS office; however, you must visit in person if you are applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID.