Trouble getting a Minnesota driver's license? Here's why. - strib [View all]
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Between last October and May, the agency had about 100,000 more requests for licensing services — including renewals — than in the same time period the year before. As a result, DVS isn't meeting the legal requirement to provide testing appointments within 14 days of a request for service.
There are multiple reasons for the congestion in the licensing system.
About 30% of the increase is attributed to standard ID applications and renewals. The Driver's License for All law, which went into effect in October 2023, ended a 20-year requirement that people show proof of legal residency to be tested for a standard license. At the same time, DVS says there has been an increase in requests for Real IDs, which will be required for domestic air travel starting next year. Top all that off with a years-old staffing shortage.
DVS has filled 12 new positions for written and road test examiners, as well as four other clerical and behind-the-scenes staff, that were funded as part of the 2023 law. The agency secured money to hire 30 more examiners in the coming year, which Peterson said will go a long way toward meeting the goal of 160 examiners statewide. There are currently about 120. Most new and future examiners will work at metro exam locations, where the demand is highest.
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https://www.startribune.com/drivers-license-minnesota-dvs/600377818/
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