What's new in this update
- New Virtual Assistant
- GovDelivery Issues
- DSCO staffing status
New online virtual assistant
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Customers using the DVS public website have a new virtual assistant to help them find information about driver and vehicle services. The new assistant replaces the TAMI bot. It will always appear in the lower right corner of the browser screen as you scroll up or down.
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The new assistant is available in multiple languages. Customers can select from English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
The virtual assistant is part of a larger language solution project to assist customers whose first language is not English.
Our intent is to engage with residents in communities around the state in the coming months as development continues. We have already held small sessions with Somali, Spanish and Hmong community members to gather feedback on the virtual assistant.
We encourage you to try the new virtual assistant and email any feedback from you or your customers to the liaisons. This project will have a significant impact on Minnesotans as we move to make more information and services available in multiple languages to support all members of our community.
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GovDelivery Issues
We have seen an uptick in the number of people who are no longer receiving the DVS and Dealer updates. In most cases, it is because offices have made security software changes and upgrades or people are using the incorrect procedure to subscribe or unsubscribe.
- Please do not use the subscriber service links found at the very end of GovDelivery messages. The DVS and dealer update distribution lists are controlled by DVS and not available to the public or to users.
If you have staff to add or remove from the GovDelivery distribution list, send the name and email address of the individual to dvs.communications@state.mn.us. We update the lists every few weeks.
DSCO staffing status
The Driver Service Coordination Office (DSCO) unit is still experiencing a staffing shortage that will continue into the near future.
Until we are better staffed, please consider using the following resources before attempting to call DSCO:
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Update to e-lien function
The MNDRIVE team updated the e-lien function earlier this week to include financial institution locations.
Group Oral Knowledge Tests for class D license now available
Group oral exams are available at the Anoka, Eagan and downtown Saint Paul/Town Square exam stations.
Anyone interested in scheduling a group oral exam should email: DVSExamGroupTesting.DPS@state.mn.us
The request must include:
- Location preference (Anoka, Eagan or downtown Saint Paul).
- Number of testers (must be at least 3 and no more than 7).
- The Minnesota ID number and pre-application confirmation number for each person taking the oral test. If the person taking the test does not have a Minnesota ID number, provide the tester's full name, date of birth and pre-application confirmation number.
- Name and driver's license number of interpreters.
Click here for more information.
Reminder: Youth experiencing homelessness no-cost standard ID card
The no-cost identification card for youth experiencing homelessness became available in January 2022. We have received reports of driver’s license agents incorrectly providing a disability form to customers who want to apply for the no-cost standard Minnesota identification card for youth experiencing homelessness.
- To be eligible, the customer must be a Minnesota resident, 24 years old or younger and experiencing homelessness.
- A parent does not need to sign the application.
- The applicant must provide the following document:
Click here for more information.
Reminder: Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension
The following information appeared in the DVS Update dated May 18, 2022.
Customers applying for or renewing a Minnesota driver’s license, ID card, learner’s permit or commercial driver’s license while in the process of renewing their employment status may qualify for an employment authorization document (EAD) extension.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already provides for an automatic extension period of up to 180 days from the expiration date stated on the EAD. However, DHS has published a temporary final rule increasing the extension period. Effective May 4, 2022, DHS is temporarily increasing the extension period and providing up to 360 days of additional automatic extension time, for a total of up to 540 days from the expiration date on the EAD, to eligible individuals.
Automatic Extension Time Period
The automatic extension time is counted from the expiration date of the EAD. The temporary increase is available to individuals who filed their Form I-765 renewal application either:
- Before May 4, 2022, and the 180-day automatic extension has since expired;
- Before May 4, 2022, and the 180-day automatic extension has not yet expired; or
- Between May 4, 2022, and Oct. 26, 2023, inclusive of these dates.
The normal 180-day automatic extension period will apply to individuals who file their Form I-765renewal application after Oct. 26, 2023.
Customers qualify for the extension if they:
- Properly filed Form I-765 for a renewal of their employment authorization and/or EAD before the current EAD expired, and
- Are otherwise eligible for a renewal, which means that:
- Their EAD renewal application is under a category that is eligible for an automatic extension (see the list of categories below); and
- The category on their current EAD matches the “Class Requested” listed on Form I-797C Notice of Action, Receipt Notice.
- (Note: EAD and this Notice for customers that are a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiary or pending applicant, must contain either the A12 or C19 category. The categories do not need to match each other. In addition, for H-4, E, and L-2 dependent spouses, an unexpired Form I-94 indicating H-4, E, or L-2 nonimmigrant status (including E-1S, E-2S, E-3S, and L-2S class of admission codes) must accompany Form I-797C when presenting proof of employment authorization to an employer for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, purposes).
Eligible Categories:
- A03 – Refugees – I-94 category : Re
- A05 – Asylees – I-94 category: As
- A07 – N8 or N9 (NATO related)
- A08 - Citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau
- A10 - Withholding of Deportation or Removal Granted
- A12 - Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Granted
- A17 - Spouse of principal E nonimmigrant with an unexpired I-94 categories showing E (including E-1S, E-2S and E-3S) nonimmigrant status*
- A18 - Spouse of principal L-1 Nonimmigrant with an unexpired I-94 categories showing L-2 (including L-2S) nonimmigrant status*
- C08 - Asylum Application Pending
- C09 - Pending Adjustment of Status under Section 245 of the Act
- C10 - Suspension of Deportation Applicants (filed before April 1, 1997) Cancellation of Removal Applicants Special Rule Cancellation of Removal Applicants Under NACARA
- C16 - Creation of Record (Adjustment Based on Continuous Residence Since January 1, 1972)
- C19 - Pending initial application for TPS where USCIS determines applicant is prima facieeligible for TPS and can receive an EAD as a “temporary treatment benefit”.
- C20 - Section 210 Legalization (pending I-700)
- C22 - Section 245A Legalization (pending I-687)
- C24 - LIFE Legalization
- C26 - Spouses of certain H-1B principal nonimmigrants with an unexpired I-94 showing H-4 nonimmigrant status
- C31 - VAWA Self-Petitioners
More information is available from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)at https://www.uscis.gov/eadautoextend
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Message from the Office of Traffic Safety
Please do not direct customers to the DWI Consequences brochure on the Office of Traffic Safety website. It is outdated. They are updating the material to reflect current laws. We will let you know when that happens. Thank you.
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