Check your license status directly through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a public database where you can look up whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. You do not need to visit an office or call — you can check online in minutes from home.

Go to the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services website and select "Check Driver's License Status." You will need your Minnesota driver's license number and your date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

If you do not have your license number handy, you can find it on your physical license card, or you can call the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). A staff member can look up your status over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website lets you check your license status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
  • A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; you cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted and you meet any reinstatement requirements.
  • Common reasons for suspension in Minnesota include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, and driving with a suspended license.
  • If your license is suspended, you must contact the agency that issued the suspension to find out what steps are needed to reinstate it.
  • Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.

What a suspension means and how long it lasts

A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privilege. Unlike a revocation (which is permanent), a suspension has an end date or a set of conditions you must meet before you can drive again. During a suspension, you cannot legally operate any motor vehicle in Minnesota or most other states.

The length of a suspension depends on why it was issued. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines might last until you pay; a suspension for failure to appear in court might last until you resolve the case; a suspension for accumulating too many points on your record might last months or years. The notice you received when the suspension began should state the reason and the conditions for reinstatement.

Common reasons your Minnesota license might be suspended

Minnesota suspends licenses for several reasons, and knowing which one applies to you is the first step toward reinstatement. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, and child support arrears.

Other reasons include driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, driving with a suspended license, failure to maintain car insurance, medical conditions reported to the state, and failure to pay vehicle registration fees. Some suspensions are issued by courts; others are issued by the DPS itself or by other state agencies like the Department of Human Services (for child support issues).

If you are unsure why your license was suspended, the online status check may provide a reason, or you can call the DPS at 651-297-3298 to ask. Write down the reason so you know exactly what you need to do to fix it.

How to find out what you need to do to reinstate your license

Once you know your license is suspended, you need to contact the agency or court that issued the suspension. This is not always the DPS — it might be a district court, a municipal court, the Department of Human Services, or another state agency.

The DPS website or phone line should tell you which agency suspended your license. If the suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court listed. If it is for child support arrears, contact the Department of Human Services. If it is for a DUI or point accumulation, the DPS can tell you the next steps. Do not wait — the longer you drive on a suspended license, the worse the legal consequences become.

What happens if you drive on a suspended license

Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota. A first offense is a misdemeanor and can result in fines up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. A second offense within five years is also a misdemeanor but carries steeper penalties. A third or subsequent offense within ten years is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension, add points to your record, and make it harder to reinstate your license later. If you are stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded, and you may face additional towing and storage fees. If you cause an accident while driving on a suspended license, your insurance may refuse to cover the damage.

If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the court or agency that suspended it whether you are may be able to access for a limited license (sometimes called a work permit). Limited licenses allow you to drive to and from work, school, or medical appointments under specific conditions.

Steps to reinstate your license after suspension

Reinstatement steps vary depending on why your license was suspended. In general, you must first resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, pay child support arrears, or complete a DUI program — then contact the agency that suspended your license to request reinstatement.

For most suspensions, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS. This fee varies but is typically $20 to $100 depending on the type of suspension. Some suspensions require you to provide proof of insurance or pass a vision test before your license is restored. Once all requirements are met and fees are paid, your license status will be updated in the system, and you can drive legally again.

If you are unsure about the exact steps, call the DPS at 651-297-3298 or the agency that suspended your license. They can walk you through what you need to do and in what order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a limited license while my license is suspended?

You may be able to get a limited license (work permit) if you can show the court or DPS that you need to drive for work, school, or medical reasons. The agency that suspended your license decides whether to grant one. Contact them directly to ask about your options.

How long does reinstatement take after I pay my fines?

Once you pay fines or meet other reinstatement requirements, the DPS usually updates your status within one to three business days. You can check the online status tool again to confirm your license is active before you drive.

Will a suspension show up on a background check?

A suspended license is a public record and may appear on background checks, especially those run by employers or landlords. Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains part of your driving history but is no longer active.

What if I lost my license and do not know if it is suspended?

You can still check your status online using your license number and date of birth, even if you do not have the physical card. If you need a replacement card, you can order one through the DPS website or at a driver's license office once your suspension is resolved.

Can I drive in another state if my Minnesota license is suspended?

No. Most states honor suspensions from other states through the Interstate Compact on Driver's License Compact. Driving in another state on a suspended Minnesota license is still illegal and can result in arrest and additional charges.