Minnesota DVS Fee Refunds: When Can You Request a Refund?

Minnesota DVS treats the instruction-permit fee, knowledge-test retest fees, and refund claims as separate issues. Refund requests use Form PS31081 and are reviewed case by case; the sections below explain when fees apply and how claims work.

Do You Lose the $29.50 Permit Fee If You Fail the Knowledge Test?

Failing the knowledge test does not mean that the $29.50 permit fee bought two test sittings and was then forfeited. The permit fee and knowledge-test retest fees are separate. Attempts 1-2 have no separate retest fee; the third and each later knowledge test after two consecutive failures costs $10.

• Instruction permit fee: $29.50
• Knowledge tests 1-2: No separate retest fee
• Knowledge test 3 and later: $10 each after two consecutive failures
• Road test 3 and later: $20 each after two consecutive failures

See the Minnesota DVS fee schedule for current amounts.

When Can You Get a Refund on Minnesota DVS Permit Fees

Minnesota DVS provides Form PS31081, Claim for a Driver's License Fee Refund for eligible driver-license fee refund requests. Keep the payment receipt and explain the reason for the request on the form. DVS reviews each claim and does not guarantee approval.

What Minnesota DVS Fees Can You Request a Refund For?

Form PS31081 includes claim categories for instruction-permit fees, no-show fees, reinstatement fees, and other listed driver-license fees. A claim is reviewed by DVS and is not automatically approved.

How Do You Submit Minnesota Form PS31081?

Complete the official Claim for a Driver's License Fee Refund form, explain the reason for the request, and follow the submission instructions printed on the current form. Keep supporting payment records with the claim.

Is the Minnesota DVS credit-card service fee refundable? No. The 2.15% credit-card service fee is identified as non-refundable.

Can You Request a Refund of a Road-Test No-Show Fee?

Yes, PS31081 includes a no-show-fee claim category. Submitting the claim does not guarantee that DVS will approve the refund.

How Do You Avoid Paying Extra Minnesota DVS Permit Fees?

Know which charges are separate before you test or schedule a road test. The first two knowledge tests have no separate retest fee, while the third and later attempts cost $10 after two consecutive failures. For road tests, the third and later attempts cost $20; a no-show or change under 24 hours costs $40, and a change 24-72 hours before costs $20.

• Keep receipts for any payment you may later need to question or include with a refund claim.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule a road test, do it more than 72 hours ahead when possible to avoid the late-change fee.
• Use the dedicated test-prep, appointment, and document guides for preparation rather than relying on this refund page.