Check your Minnesota license status through the state's online portal
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety runs an online lookup tool where you can see whether your driver license is valid, suspended, revoked, or restricted. You do not need to visit an office or call — the search takes about two minutes and shows your status when ready.
Go to mn.gov/dvs (the Driver and Vehicle Services website) and look for the "License Status Lookup" tool. You will need your Minnesota driver license number or your date of birth and last name. The system will display your current status and, if there are holds or suspensions, basic information about why.
The lookup covers suspensions from unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, medical conditions that affect driving, and administrative actions by the state. It does not show pending court cases or tickets you have not yet resolved — only what the state's records currently show.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota's online lookup tool at mn.gov/dvs shows your license status in real time without requiring a phone call or office visit.
- You can search using either your driver license number or your date of birth and last name.
- The tool displays suspensions, revocations, and restrictions but does not show pending tickets or court cases.
- If your license is suspended, the lookup will tell you the reason — such as unpaid fines, child support, or a medical hold — and you can then contact the relevant agency to resolve it.
- A valid Minnesota license means you can legally drive; any other status means you cannot drive legally until the issue is cleared.
What each license status means in Minnesota
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The lookup will show your expiration date.
Suspended means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the state, or failure to appear in court. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, make a court appearance, or clear the medical hold.
Revoked means the state has permanently cancelled your license, usually after multiple serious violations or a DUI conviction. You cannot drive legally until you go through the reinstatement process, which varies by the reason for revocation and may take months or years.
Restricted means you can drive only under certain conditions — for example, only during daylight hours, only to work, or only with an ignition interlock device installed. The lookup will not always show the specific restrictions; you may need to call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911 for details.
Why your license might be suspended in Minnesota
The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or did not appear in court, the court can request a suspension. Paying the fine or resolving the court case will lift it.
Child support arrears trigger suspensions automatically in Minnesota. If you owe back child support, the state's child support enforcement agency can suspend your license. Once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan, the suspension is removed.
Medical suspensions happen when a doctor or the state's medical review board determines a condition — such as seizures, severe vision loss, or loss of consciousness — makes driving unsafe. You must provide medical clearance from a doctor before the state will restore your license.
Administrative suspensions can result from refusing a breath test during a DUI stop, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failing to maintain required insurance (such as an SR22). Each has a different timeline for lifting.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, use the lookup tool to confirm the reason. Write down or screenshot the information — you will need it to know which agency to contact.
If the suspension is for unpaid fines, contact the court listed on the ticket or the court in the county where you received the ticket. You can usually pay online, by phone, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, it sends a notice to Driver and Vehicle Services, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days.
If the suspension is for child support, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Child Support Enforcement office at 651-296-2542. Ask what you owe and whether you can set up a payment plan. Once you are current or have an approved plan, the suspension is removed.
If the suspension is medical, you must see a doctor and have them complete the state's medical form (Form DL-44). Submit the form to Driver and Vehicle Services. The state will review it and restore your license if the doctor clears you to drive.
If you are unsure of the reason or the lookup tool does not give enough detail, call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911. Have your driver license number ready. They can explain the suspension and tell you exactly what steps to take.
How long suspensions last in Minnesota
The length depends on the reason and whether it is your first suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines lasts until you pay; there is no set time limit. A suspension for child support arrears ends once you bring your account current or have an approved payment arrangement.
Administrative suspensions for refusing a breath test last at least one year for a first offense. Suspensions for accumulating too many traffic points can last 30 days to one year depending on how many points you have. Medical suspensions last until you provide medical clearance.
If your license was revoked rather than suspended, the timeline is much longer. Revocation for a DUI conviction typically requires a waiting period of one to three years before you can even request reinstatement, and reinstatement itself involves additional requirements like an SR22 and an ignition interlock device.
Reinstating your license after suspension ends
Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, cleared the child support arrears, or obtained medical clearance — you do not always have to do anything. Driver and Vehicle Services automatically lifts many suspensions once the court, child support agency, or medical reviewer notifies them.
However, some suspensions require you to request reinstatement. If your suspension was for unpaid fines and you paid in full, the court will notify the state, but it can take a few days. If you need to drive when ready, call Driver and Vehicle Services to confirm the suspension has been lifted.
For medical suspensions, you must submit the completed medical form yourself. For revocations, you must file a formal reinstatement petition with Driver and Vehicle Services, pay a reinstatement fee (currently $680 for a DUI revocation), and often complete a driver safety course or substance abuse program.
After reinstatement, your new license will be mailed to you. You can check the status of a reinstatement request by calling 651-296-6911 or using the online lookup tool again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license shows suspended on the lookup?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, contact Driver and Vehicle Services about a work permit or hardship reinstatement, though these are granted only in limited circumstances.
How long does it take for a suspension to show on the lookup tool?
Usually one to three business days after the court or agency that requested the suspension sends notice to Driver and Vehicle Services. If you just paid a fine or resolved an issue, check back in a few days rather than when ready.
What if the lookup tool says my license is valid but I was told it is suspended?
The lookup tool reflects what is in the state's system at that moment. If you were recently notified of a suspension, it may not yet appear online. Call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 to confirm your actual status, or check again in a few days.
Do I need to renew my license if it was suspended?
If your license expired while it was suspended, you will need to renew it once the suspension is lifted. You cannot renew a suspended license online or by mail — you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.
Can I look up someone else's license status?
No. The lookup tool is for your own license only. You cannot search another person's status without their permission, and the system requires either your license number or your date of birth and name to prevent unauthorized searches.