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

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a public lookup tool where you can see whether your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You do not need to call or visit an office — you can check your status online in minutes using your driver's license number and date of birth.

Go to mn.gov/dps and look for the Driver and Vehicle Services section. The license status lookup is free and available 24 hours a day. You will see your current status when ready: active, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is suspended, the tool will tell you the reason (unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or another cause) and sometimes the date the suspension ends.

If the online tool does not show your status clearly or you need more detail about why your license was suspended, you can call the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-296-6911. Have your license number ready. Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has a free, 24-hour license status lookup tool that shows whether your license is suspended, revoked, or active.
  • You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to use the online lookup.
  • If your license is suspended, the tool will show you the reason — such as unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical hold.
  • You can also call DPS Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 during business hours if you need to speak with someone or need more information about the suspension.
  • A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue, such as paying fines or attending a required court hearing.

What causes a license suspension in Minnesota

Minnesota suspends licenses for specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you matters because each has a different path to reinstatement. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record within a set time period.

Medical suspensions happen when the DPS receives a report from a doctor, law enforcement, or a court that you may not be safe to drive due to a medical condition. You cannot straightforward pay a fee to lift a medical suspension — you have to provide medical clearance from a doctor and sometimes pass a driving test. Financial suspensions, tied to unpaid child support or other court-ordered debts, require proof that you have paid or made arrangements to pay. Administrative suspensions related to alcohol or drug convictions have their own timelines and may require an ignition interlock device before reinstatement.

How to read your suspension notice

If you received a letter from the Minnesota DPS saying your license is suspended, the notice will state the reason, the effective date, and sometimes the date it will be lifted automatically. Read this letter carefully because it contains the steps you need to take to get your license back.

The notice will tell you whether you need to pay fines, appear in court, provide medical documentation, or complete another requirement. If the letter says your suspension will end on a specific date, that means it is temporary and will lift automatically once that date passes — but only if you have completed any other requirements listed. If no end date is given, the suspension remains in effect until you take action. Keep this letter; you may need to show it to the DPS or a court later.

Steps to reinstate your suspended license

The steps to reinstate your license depend on why it was suspended. For unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or traffic violations bureau listed in your suspension notice. Once you pay, contact that office and ask them to notify the DPS that the debt is cleared. The DPS usually lifts the suspension within one to three business days after receiving notification.

If you failed to appear in court, you must contact the court listed in your notice, explain your absence, and reschedule your hearing or resolve the case. The court will then notify the DPS. For a medical suspension, you will need to obtain a medical evaluation from a licensed doctor stating that you are safe to drive, submit that form to the DPS, and sometimes pass a written or driving test. For suspensions related to alcohol or drug convictions, you may need to complete a substance abuse assessment, install an ignition interlock device, and provide proof to the DPS before reinstatement.

After you complete the required step, do not assume the suspension is automatically lifted. Contact the DPS or check the online status tool again within a few days to confirm. If the suspension is still showing, follow up with the office that was supposed to notify the DPS — sometimes notifications take longer than expected or do not go through.

Reinstatement fees and what they cover

Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee to lift a suspension, separate from any fines or court costs you owe. The fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension and ranges from around $20 to $680. You pay this fee directly to the DPS, usually when you submit your reinstatement request or at a driver's license office.

The reinstatement fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of processing your case and updating your record in the DPS system. It does not cover unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or other debts — those are separate. If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, some courts or community organizations in Minnesota offer payment plans or fee waivers for people with financial hardship. Ask the court or the DPS whether a payment plan is available for your situation.

What to do if you need to drive before your license is reinstated

If your license is suspended and you need to drive for work or essential reasons, Minnesota offers a limited license in some cases. A limited license allows you to drive only for specific purposes — such as getting to work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — and only during certain hours.

To request a limited license, you must file a petition with the district court in the county where you live. The court will review your request and decide whether to grant it. You will need to show that the suspension causes you genuine hardship and that you have a legitimate reason to drive. Having a limited license does not mean your suspension is lifted; it is a temporary permission to drive for specific purposes only. Once you complete the requirements for full reinstatement, you can return to driving normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a suspension stay on my record?

A suspension is removed from your record once it is lifted, but the reason for the suspension may remain on your driving history for a longer period. For example, a DUI conviction stays on your record for ten years in Minnesota, even after the suspension ends. Check with the DPS about how long your specific suspension will affect your record and your insurance rates.

Will my insurance rates go up if my license is suspended?

Your insurance company will likely find out about the suspension, and it may increase your rates or cancel your policy. Some insurers require you to file an SR22 form (proof of financial responsibility) after a suspension is lifted before they will insure you again. Contact your insurance company as soon as you know your license is suspended to understand how it affects your coverage.

Can I drive with a suspended license if I did not know it was suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you were not aware of the suspension. The DPS sends suspension notices by mail, so check your mail regularly. If you did not receive a notice, contact the DPS to confirm your address is correct in their system. Driving on a suspended license can result in criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension.

What if I moved and did not get my suspension notice?

If you moved, the DPS may have sent your suspension notice to your old address. Update your address with the DPS when ready through their website or by calling 651-296-6911. Then check your suspension status online. If you were suspended and did not know it, contact the court or office listed in your suspension reason to explain and begin the reinstatement process as soon as possible.

Can I get my suspension lifted before the end date if I pay extra?

No. You cannot pay extra to shorten a suspension. You can only lift a suspension by meeting the specific requirement listed in your notice — paying fines, appearing in court, providing medical clearance, or completing another requirement. Once you meet that requirement, the DPS will lift the suspension, but you cannot speed up the process with additional payment.