Check your Minnesota driver license status through the state's online portal or by calling the Department of Public Safety

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety runs the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) system. You can check whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked by using the online status checker on the DVS website or by calling their customer service line. The online method is fastest — you get an answer in seconds — but you will need your driver's license number and date of birth to use it.

The phone option takes longer but works if you do not have your license number handy or prefer to speak with someone. Both methods are free and available during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's online driver license status checker is available 24/7 on the DVS website and returns results when ready using your license number and date of birth.
  • You can also call the DVS customer service line during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time) to have a representative check your status.
  • A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license requires you to reapply and pass tests before you can drive again.
  • If your status shows a suspension or revocation, the reason will be listed — common causes include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical disqualification.
  • You should check your status before renewing your license, as you cannot renew while suspended or revoked.

Using the online status checker

Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and locate the Driver and Vehicle Services section. Look for the link labeled "Check License Status" or "License Status Inquiry." You will be taken to a form that asks for two pieces of information: your Minnesota driver's license number and your date of birth.

Enter both pieces of information exactly as they appear on your license or in your records. The system is case-sensitive for some fields, so double-check before submitting. Once you click submit, the system will display your current status within seconds. The result will show whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.

If your license is valid, the screen will confirm the expiration date. If it is suspended or revoked, the reason will be listed — for example, "Suspension: Failure to Pay Fine" or "Revocation: Medical Disqualification." Write down or take a screenshot of this information, as you may need it if you need to resolve the issue.

Calling the Department of Public Safety

The DVS customer service line is 651-296-6911. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. The line is closed on state holidays. When you call, have your driver's license number and date of birth ready, though the representative can sometimes look up your record using your name and address if you do not have your license number.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning calls (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and calls made on Tuesday or Wednesday typically have shorter waits than calls made on Monday or Friday afternoon. If you reach a representative, they will confirm your identity and then tell you your current license status and any reasons for suspension or revocation.

Understanding suspension versus revocation

A suspended license is temporary. You cannot legally drive while suspended, but the suspension will end on a specific date or once you meet certain conditions — for example, paying a fine or completing a court-ordered program. Once the suspension is lifted, your license is automatically valid again without any action needed from you.

A revoked license is permanent until you take action to restore it. You cannot straightforward wait for it to end. To drive again, you must explore for reinstatement through the DVS, which usually requires paying a reinstatement fee, passing a written test, and sometimes passing a driving test or providing medical clearance. The specific requirements depend on why your license was revoked.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain auto insurance. Common reasons for revocation include driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, reckless driving convictions, or medical conditions that make you unsafe to drive.

What to do if your license is suspended

First, find out the exact reason and the date the suspension will end. The online status checker or phone representative will provide this. If the suspension is due to an unpaid fine, contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and how to pay it. If it is due to failure to appear in court, contact the court when ready to reschedule or resolve the case.

If the suspension is due to failure to maintain insurance, you will need to obtain auto insurance and provide proof to the DVS. Some suspensions require you to complete a specific program, such as a defensive driving course or a substance abuse program. The status information should tell you what is required.

Once you have met the conditions, the suspension is lifted automatically. You do not need to reapply or visit the DVS office. However, it can take a few business days for the system to update after you have paid a fine or submitted proof of insurance, so check your status again after a few days to confirm the suspension has been removed.

What to do if your license is revoked

Contact the DVS to find out the specific requirements for reinstatement. You can call 651-296-6911 or visit a DVS office in person. The requirements vary based on the reason for revocation. For a DUI revocation, you typically must wait a minimum period (often one year or more), pay a reinstatement fee, pass a written test, and sometimes pass a driving test or provide a medical evaluation.

For other types of revocation, such as medical disqualification, you may need to provide a letter from a doctor stating that you are safe to drive. Gather all required documents before you visit the DVS office or submit your reinstatement request. Processing a reinstatement can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license by a certain date.

Checking status before license renewal

Always check your license status before you attempt to renew. If your license is suspended or revoked, the DVS will not process a renewal until the suspension is lifted or the revocation is resolved. Attempting to renew while suspended or revoked will delay your renewal and may result in additional fees or penalties.

If you discover a suspension or revocation when you try to renew, resolve the underlying issue first, then check your status again to confirm it has been cleared. Only after confirmation should you proceed with renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a suspension to be removed from my record?

Once the suspension period ends or you meet the conditions (such as paying a fine), the suspension is lifted automatically. It can take a few business days for the DVS system to update, so check your status again after a few days. If the suspension does not clear after a week, call the DVS to confirm the issue has been resolved.

Can I drive if my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension or revocation. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested. Do not drive until your status shows your license is valid.

What if the online checker says my license is valid but I received a notice saying it was suspended?

The online system is usually updated within one business day, but there can be a delay. Call the DVS at 651-296-6911 to confirm your actual status with a representative. Bring the suspension notice with you so you can provide details about when it was issued.

Do I need to visit a DVS office to check my license status?

No. You can check your status online or by phone without visiting an office. You only need to visit in person if you are explore for reinstatement after a revocation or if you need to resolve an issue that requires a signature or document submission.

Is there a fee to check my license status?

No. Checking your status online or by phone is free. You may owe fees if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines, or if you need to pay a reinstatement fee after a revocation, but the status check itself costs nothing.