Check Your Minnesota License Status Through the Secretary of State Website

Minnesota's Secretary of State runs an online tool where you can look up your driver's license status without calling or visiting an office. Go to mn.gov/sos, find the "Driver and Vehicle Services" section, and select "Check License Status." You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to search.

The tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also displays the reason for any suspension or revocation — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical disqualification, or a DWI conviction. The information updates within one business day of any action the state takes, so if you just paid a fine or completed a requirement, check again the next day.

This online search is free and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to create an account or log in. The results appear when ready on your screen, and you can print or screenshot them for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's Secretary of State website lets you search your license status by license number and date of birth at no cost, any time of day.
  • The online tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and explains the reason if there is a problem.
  • You can also call the Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-296-6911 during business hours to speak with someone about your status.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the search results will tell you what you must do to restore it — such as paying fines, completing a course, or meeting medical requirements.
  • Status information updates within one business day, so check again the next day if you recently completed a requirement or paid a fine.

Call the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Line

If you prefer to speak with someone or cannot access the online tool, call 651-296-6911. This is the main line for Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services division. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.

The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Wait times vary depending on call volume, especially around the end of the month or before holidays. If you reach a busy signal, try again later or use the online search instead.

The staff member who answers can tell you your license status, explain why it is suspended or revoked, and walk you through what you need to do to restore it. They can also answer questions about specific requirements, such as how much a fine is or where to take a required course.

Understand What Each License Status Means

Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Your license is valid from the date it was issued until the expiration date printed on the front. Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday, four or eight years after issue depending on your age.

Expired means the date on your license has passed. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if it is only expired by one day. You must renew it before you drive again. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office.

Suspended means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, usually for a specific reason such as unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical issue. A suspension is meant to be temporary — once you meet the requirement (pay the fine, appear in court, pass a medical exam), you can restore your license. The online search or phone line will tell you exactly what you must do.

Revoked means the state has permanently cancelled your license, usually because of a serious violation such as a DWI conviction, multiple suspensions, or a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive. Revocation is more serious than suspension. You may be able to petition for reinstatement after a waiting period, but the process is longer and stricter than restoring a suspended license.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended

If the search shows your license is suspended, the results will list the reason and what you must do to restore it. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, or a medical hold. Do not ignore a suspension — driving on a suspended license is a crime and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time.

Once you complete the requirement — for example, paying the fine or appearing in court — contact the Secretary of State to request reinstatement. You can do this online through the same website, by phone at 651-296-6911, or in person at a Secretary of State office. There is usually a reinstatement fee of $20 to $50, depending on the reason for the suspension. Your license status will update within one business day after reinstatement is approved.

If you are unsure what the requirement is or how to meet it, call 651-296-6911 and ask. The staff can explain the next step and tell you where to send payment or what form to submit.

Check Your License Status in Person at a Secretary of State Office

You can also visit a Minnesota Secretary of State Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to check your status. Offices are located in the Twin Cities and in regional locations across the state. Go to mn.gov/sos and search for "office locations" to find the one nearest you, along with hours and parking information.

Bring your driver's license or state ID. The staff will look up your status on their system and print a report for you. This method takes longer than the online search or phone call, but it is useful if you need to discuss your situation in detail or if you have questions about what documents to bring for a renewal or reinstatement.

Most offices do not require an appointment for a status check, but some locations ask you to take a number and wait. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you are traveling a distance.

Understand Reinstatement Fees and Requirements

If your license is suspended, Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee to restore it. The fee is usually $20 for a standard suspension, but it can be higher — up to $50 or more — depending on the reason for the suspension. Some suspensions, such as those for medical reasons, may have additional requirements beyond the fee, such as passing a medical exam or a written test.

When you request reinstatement, ask whether the fee can be paid online, by mail, or only in person. Some reasons for suspension allow online reinstatement with a credit card payment; others require you to visit an office or mail a check. The Secretary of State website or phone line will tell you the exact method for your situation.

If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices may work with you, though this is not may provide. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you may need to resolve that debt first before reinstatement is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a suspension to show up on my license status?

The state usually updates your status within one business day of issuing a suspension. However, if the suspension came from a court order or another agency, it may take two to three business days to appear in the Secretary of State system. If you believe you should be suspended but do not see it yet, wait a day and check again.

Can I drive while my license is suspended if I have a work permit?

Minnesota does not issue work permits or hardship licenses during a suspension. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work. Your only option is to meet the requirement for reinstatement as quickly as possible.

What if the online search says my license is valid but I was told it is suspended?

This can happen if the suspension was just issued and has not yet updated in the system, or if there is a delay between when a court orders a suspension and when the Secretary of State receives the order. Call 651-296-6911 to confirm your actual status with a staff member, who can see information that may not yet be public on the website.

Do I need to renew my license if it is suspended?

No. Your license cannot be renewed while it is suspended. You must first restore it by meeting the suspension requirement and paying the reinstatement fee. After reinstatement, your license will be valid again, and you can renew it when it expires if needed.

How do I know if my license was revoked instead of suspended?

The online search and phone line will clearly state whether your license is suspended or revoked. Revocation is permanent and usually results from serious violations such as a DWI conviction or multiple suspensions. If your license is revoked, you will need to petition for reinstatement, which is a longer process than restoring a suspension.