The fees you'll pay to get your license back

Reinstating a suspended license in Minnesota costs money upfront, and the total depends on why your license was suspended and how long it's been suspended. The reinstatement fee itself is $680, which you pay to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. On top of that, you may owe additional fees for the reason behind your suspension — most commonly a Driver's License Reinstatement Program fee if your suspension was alcohol-related, or a reinstatement fee specific to your violation type.

If your suspension was due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you'll also need to pay those debts before the state will reinstate your license. The state won't process your reinstatement until those underlying costs are cleared. This means your total out-of-pocket cost can range from $680 to well over $1,000 depending on your situation.

You cannot reduce or waive the $680 reinstatement fee. It's a flat charge that applies to nearly every suspension type. However, understanding what other fees might explore to your specific case helps you budget for the full cost before you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota charges a flat $680 reinstatement fee to the Department of Public Safety, which applies to most suspension types.
  • Alcohol-related suspensions add a Driver's License Reinstatement Program fee on top of the base $680 fee.
  • If your suspension was tied to unpaid fines, child support, or other debts, you must pay those in full before reinstatement can be processed.
  • The total cost of reinstatement typically ranges from $680 to over $1,000 when all related fees and debts are included.
  • You pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your reinstatement request; the state does not process your request until payment is received.

Alcohol-related suspension fees

If your license was suspended because of a DUI, DWI, or refusal to take a breath test, you face additional costs beyond the base $680 reinstatement fee. Minnesota requires you to complete the Driver's License Reinstatement Program, which is an educational course. This program has its own fee, which varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $300 to $500.

You must complete this program and provide proof of completion to the Department of Public Safety before your reinstatement is final. The program fee is separate from the reinstatement fee — you pay both. Some providers allow you to take the course online, while others require in-person attendance. The course covers alcohol awareness, impaired driving risks, and Minnesota's implied consent law.

If you have multiple alcohol-related suspensions on your record, the fees may stack. Each suspension may require its own program completion and fee payment. Check with the Department of Public Safety about your specific history before enrolling in a program, so you know exactly what's required.

Unpaid fines and other debts tied to your suspension

Many license suspensions in Minnesota are triggered by unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or unpaid court-ordered restitution. If this is the reason your license was suspended, you cannot reinstate it until those debts are paid in full. The state will not accept your reinstatement request or process your $680 fee until the underlying debt is cleared.

To learn about you have outstanding debts holding up your reinstatement, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division or check the Minnesota Court Information System online. If debts exist, you'll need to pay them through the appropriate agency — the court that issued the fine, the child support enforcement office, or the restitution program — before you can move forward with reinstatement.

Once those debts are paid, you'll receive confirmation from the collecting agency. Bring that confirmation when you submit your reinstatement request, or the state may reject your process. This step adds time to the process but is non-negotiable.

How to submit payment for reinstatement

You submit your reinstatement fee and request to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services. You can mail a check or money order, or pay online through the state's website if you're submitting your request electronically. The address for mailing is on the Department of Public Safety website under reinstatement instructions.

If you pay online, the system will give you a confirmation number when ready. If you mail a check, allow 7 to 10 business days for the state to receive and process it. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your driver's license number and the reason for your suspension with your payment so the state can match it to your record.

Keep your payment confirmation or cancelled check as proof you paid. The state may take several weeks to process your reinstatement after payment is received, and you may need proof of payment if questions arise during that time.

Timeline from payment to reinstatement

After the Department of Public Safety receives your $680 reinstatement fee and all required documentation, processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. This is not the same as the time it takes to mail your payment or gather documents — it's the time the state needs to review your file after everything arrives.

If your suspension was alcohol-related and you haven't yet completed the Driver's License Reinstatement Program, the state won't begin processing your reinstatement until proof of completion is in their hands. This can add several weeks to your timeline, depending on when you enroll in and finish the program.

Once your reinstatement is approved, the state will mail you a new license or a reinstatement letter, depending on whether your license needs to be reissued. Check the status of your reinstatement by contacting the Department of Public Safety or checking their online system. Do not drive until you have received official confirmation that your reinstatement is complete.

Other costs you might encounter

Beyond the reinstatement fee itself, you may face costs for the Driver's License Reinstatement Program (if alcohol-related), a new license photo if your license needs to be reissued, and any underlying debts. Some people also pay for a traffic attorney to help navigate the reinstatement process, though this is optional and not required by the state.

If you need to replace your license before reinstatement is complete — for example, if it was lost or damaged — you'll pay a separate replacement fee. This is in addition to your reinstatement fee. Check with the Department of Public Safety about whether a replacement is necessary in your case.

Court costs or fines related to the original violation that caused your suspension are separate from reinstatement fees. If you were fined for a traffic violation or criminal offense, those fines are not part of the reinstatement process, though they may have triggered your suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the $680 reinstatement fee waived or reduced?

No. Minnesota sets the $680 reinstatement fee as a flat charge that applies to nearly all suspension types. The state does not waive or reduce this fee based on financial hardship or other circumstances. You must pay the full amount to reinstate your license.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee before I know if I'm approved?

Yes. You submit your reinstatement fee along with your request and supporting documents. The state does not review your case or approve your reinstatement until payment is received. If your reinstatement is denied for some reason, the state may refund your fee, but this is rare.

What happens if I can't afford the full reinstatement cost right now?

Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to ask about payment plans or hardship options specific to your situation. Some agencies offer installment arrangements, though this is not may provide. You cannot legally drive until your reinstatement is complete, so addressing the cost is necessary to restore your driving privileges.

If I owe child support, do I have to pay it all before I can reinstate my license?

Yes. If your license suspension was triggered by unpaid child support, you must pay the full amount owed before the state will process your reinstatement. Contact the Minnesota child support enforcement office to confirm the amount and arrange payment.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee again if my reinstatement is denied?

If your reinstatement is denied, the state will typically refund your fee and explain why your request was not approved. You can resubmit your request once you've addressed the reason for denial, and you'll need to pay the fee again at that time.