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 currently suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You do not need to visit an office or call a phone line — you can check your status online in minutes using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Go to the Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services website and select the "License Status" or "Check License Status" option. Enter your full name, date of birth, and Minnesota driver's license number exactly as they appear on your license. The system will return your current status when ready.
If the lookup shows your license is suspended, the result will also display the reason for suspension (such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical suspension) and the date the suspension began. This information tells you what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota DPS online license status tool is free and available 24/7 at the official Driver and Vehicle Services website.
- A suspension means your license is temporarily invalid; you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.
- The lookup result will show the specific reason for suspension, which determines what steps you must take to restore your license.
- If you cannot find your license number, you can call the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298 to confirm your status by phone.
- Some suspensions lift automatically once a condition is met (such as paying a fine); others require you to request reinstatement after the condition is satisfied.
Common reasons for Minnesota license suspension
Minnesota suspends licenses for several reasons, and the cause determines how you restore your driving privileges. The most common reason is failure to pay traffic fines or court-ordered restitution. If you were convicted of a traffic violation and did not pay the fine by the important date, the court reports this to DPS and your license is suspended until payment is made.
A second frequent cause is failure to appear in court for a traffic or criminal matter. If you missed a court date, the judge may order a suspension. You must contact the court that issued the suspension, resolve the underlying case, and request that the court notify DPS to lift the suspension.
Other common suspension reasons include accumulating too many points on your driving record (a point suspension), driving with a suspended or revoked license, not maintaining required auto insurance, or medical suspension due to a health condition reported to DPS. Each reason has a different path to reinstatement.
What to do if your license is suspended for unpaid fines or court costs
If the lookup shows your suspension is due to unpaid fines, traffic court costs, or restitution, contact the court that issued the citation or conviction. The court clerk can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person. Once the court receives full payment, it will send a notice to DPS to lift the suspension.
Payment does not always lift the suspension when ready. DPS may take one to three business days to process the court's notice and update your record. After you pay, ask the court clerk for an estimated date when DPS will be notified, and check your license status again a few days later to confirm the suspension has been removed.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court about a payment plan. Some courts will lift the suspension once you have made a first payment and agreed to a schedule for the remainder.
What to do if your license is suspended for failure to appear in court
A failure-to-appear suspension requires you to contact the court that issued it and resolve the underlying case. You cannot straightforward pay a fee to lift this type of suspension. Call the court clerk and explain that you missed your court date. The clerk will tell you whether the case is still open and what you need to do next.
In most cases, you will need to appear in court again or work with the prosecutor to resolve the matter (such as pleading guilty, paying a fine, or completing a diversion program). Once the case is resolved, the court will notify DPS to lift the suspension. If you cannot appear in person, ask the court whether you can handle the matter by phone or mail.
Do not ignore a failure-to-appear suspension. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Minnesota and can result in arrest, additional fines, and jail time.
What to do if your license is suspended for accumulating too many points
Minnesota uses a point system where traffic violations add points to your driving record. If you accumulate 12 or more points within 12 months, 18 or more points within 24 months, or 24 or more points within 36 months, DPS will suspend your license. This is called a point suspension.
A point suspension is automatic and does not require court action. However, you cannot straightforward wait for it to expire — you must request reinstatement from DPS. After the suspension period ends (usually 30 days to one year, depending on how many points you had), you can request reinstatement by contacting the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services office. Some suspensions require you to pass a written test or pay a reinstatement fee before your license is restored.
Check your license status lookup result to see the suspension end date and any conditions for reinstatement. Contact DPS at 651-297-3298 to confirm what you need to do.
What to do if your license is suspended for driving without insurance
If your suspension is due to driving without required auto insurance, you must obtain a valid insurance policy and provide proof to DPS. Contact your insurance company and ask them to send a form SR-22 (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) or an insurance card showing current coverage to DPS.
Some suspensions for lack of insurance lift automatically once DPS receives proof of coverage. Others require you to request reinstatement after insurance is in place. The lookup result should indicate whether you need to take an additional step or whether the suspension will be lifted once DPS processes your insurance information.
If you are having trouble obtaining insurance due to your suspension, some insurance companies specialize in high-risk drivers. Contact DPS to ask for a list of insurers who write policies for drivers with suspensions.
Medical suspensions and how to restore your license
A medical suspension occurs when DPS receives a report from a doctor, hospital, or law enforcement that you may have a medical condition affecting your ability to drive safely. This might be due to a seizure, loss of consciousness, a serious accident, or a report from a healthcare provider.
To lift a medical suspension, you must have a medical examination by a licensed physician and submit a form to DPS stating that you are safe to drive. DPS will provide you with the required form when you contact them. Your doctor completes the form, and you submit it to DPS along with any other requested documentation.
Medical suspensions can take longer to resolve than other types because DPS must review the medical information. Contact DPS at 651-297-3298 to understand what your doctor needs to evaluate and what form to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you are unaware of the suspension. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be arrested, fined, and charged with a misdemeanor. Always check your status before driving.
How long does a Minnesota license suspension last?
The length depends on the reason. Point suspensions typically last 30 days to one year. Failure-to-appear suspensions remain in effect until the court case is resolved. Unpaid-fine suspensions lift once payment is made. Medical suspensions last until a doctor clears you to drive. Check your status lookup result for the specific end date.
What if the online lookup says my license is valid but I was told it is suspended?
Contact DPS directly at 651-297-3298 to verify. The online system is updated regularly but may occasionally lag by a day or two. A phone call to DPS will give you the most current information and allow you to ask questions about your specific situation.
Do I have to pay a fee to reinstate my license after a suspension?
Some suspensions require a reinstatement fee (usually $20 to $50), while others do not. The fee depends on the reason for suspension. Your status lookup result or a call to DPS will tell you whether a fee applies to your suspension.
What happens if I move out of Minnesota while my license is suspended?
Your Minnesota suspension remains in effect. If you move to another state, that state may recognize the suspension and refuse to issue you a new license until the Minnesota suspension is lifted. Always resolve the suspension before relocating.