Minnesota reinstatement fees depend on why your license was suspended

The cost to reinstate your Minnesota driver's license ranges from $20 to $680, depending on the reason for suspension and whether you owe fines or restitution. A straightforward administrative reinstatement fee is $20. If your suspension involved a traffic violation, unpaid fines, or a DWI, you will owe additional money beyond the reinstatement fee itself.

Minnesota does not charge a single flat rate for all suspensions. The state separates reinstatement costs into the base fee (which is always $20) and any outstanding financial obligations tied to your case. You cannot reinstate your license until all of these are paid.

Key Takeaways

  • The base reinstatement fee in Minnesota is $20, but you must also pay any fines, restitution, or court costs tied to your suspension before the state will reinstate your license.
  • DWI suspensions carry additional fees beyond the reinstatement fee, and you may be required to install an ignition interlock device at your own cost.
  • You can find out your exact reinstatement cost by contacting the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office or checking your suspension notice.
  • Some suspensions require you to pass a written test or vision test before reinstatement, even if you pay all fees.
  • Payment methods and processing times vary depending on whether you pay in person, by mail, or online through the DVS website.

The $20 base reinstatement fee

Every driver whose license is suspended in Minnesota must pay a $20 reinstatement fee to the state. This is the minimum cost and covers the administrative processing of your reinstatement request. You pay this fee directly to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

The $20 fee does not cover any fines, court costs, or restitution you may owe. It is only the fee to process your reinstatement paperwork. If your suspension involved a traffic violation or criminal charge, those costs are separate and must be paid before or at the same time as the reinstatement fee.

Additional costs for traffic violations and fines

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay those amounts in full before DVS will reinstate your license. The amount depends on the violation and the court that handled your case. A single speeding ticket fine might be $100 to $300, while more serious violations can cost significantly more.

You can contact the court that issued the ticket to find out exactly what you owe. The court will tell you the fine amount, any surcharges, and whether you can pay online, by mail, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, you can then submit your $20 reinstatement fee to DVS.

DWI suspension costs and ignition interlock requirements

A DWI (driving while impaired) suspension in Minnesota involves higher costs than most other suspensions. Beyond the $20 reinstatement fee, you must pay court fines, which typically range from $300 to $1,000 for a first offense, though amounts vary based on your blood alcohol content and other factors. You may also owe restitution if your DWI caused property damage or injury.

Many DWI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive again. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The installation cost is typically $100 to $200, and you pay a monthly monitoring fee of $50 to $100 for as long as the device is required — often 6 months to 3 years depending on your case. These costs are your responsibility, not the state's.

How to find your exact reinstatement cost

Your suspension notice should list the reason for suspension and any fines or court costs you owe. If you no longer have the notice, you can contact the Minnesota DVS directly by phone at 651-297-3298 or visit a DVS office in person. You can also check your driving record online through the DVS website, which will show your suspension status and any outstanding financial obligations.

If your suspension involved a court case, contact the court that handled your case to confirm the exact amount of fines and court costs. The court clerk can tell you whether you can pay online or if you must pay in person or by mail. Once you know your total cost, you can plan when to pay and submit your reinstatement request.

Payment methods and processing time

You can pay your reinstatement fee and any outstanding fines through several methods. The Minnesota DVS accepts payment online through its website, by mail, or in person at any DVS office. Online payment is usually the fastest option and allows you to submit your reinstatement request when ready after payment is processed.

Processing time depends on how you pay. Online payments typically process within one business day, and your license reinstatement may be completed the same day or the next business day. Mail payments take longer — usually 5 to 10 business days from the time DVS receives your payment. In-person payments at a DVS office are processed when ready, and you may receive a temporary driving permit on the spot while your official license is being printed and mailed.

Reinstating a license suspended for medical or administrative reasons

Some suspensions are not tied to violations or fines. If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a failed vision test or a reported medical condition — you may need to pass a medical examination or vision test before reinstatement. These tests are not free; you pay the testing facility directly, not the state. The cost varies depending on the type of test required.

Administrative suspensions, such as those for failure to pay child support or failure to appear in court, also require the underlying issue to be resolved before reinstatement. You must work with the relevant agency (child support enforcement, the court, etc.) to clear the suspension, then pay the $20 reinstatement fee to DVS. The cost to resolve the underlying issue is separate from the reinstatement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license online in Minnesota?

You can submit your reinstatement request and pay your fee online through the Minnesota DVS website. However, if your suspension involved a court case or fines, you must first pay those through the court system. Once all outstanding obligations are paid, you can complete the reinstatement process online.

What if I cannot afford to pay my reinstatement fee and fines all at once?

Contact the court that issued your fines to ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over time. Once you have a payment plan in place, you can still pay the $20 reinstatement fee to DVS separately. Check with your specific court about their policies.

Do I have to pay reinstatement fees if my suspension was a mistake?

If your suspension was issued in error and has been formally dismissed or overturned by the court or DVS, you should not have to pay reinstatement fees. Contact DVS with documentation of the dismissal to have your suspension removed from your record. If you already paid, you may be able to request a refund.

How long does it take to get my license back after I pay?

If you pay online, your reinstatement may be processed within one business day, and you can usually drive with a temporary permit when ready. Your official license will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days. If you pay in person at a DVS office, you may receive a temporary permit the same day.

Will I have to retake my driving test to reinstate my license?

Most reinstatements do not require a new driving test. However, if your suspension was for medical reasons or if you were required to take a test as part of your court order, you will need to pass that test before reinstatement. Check your suspension notice or contact DVS to find out whether a test is required in your case.