How to Reinstate Your Suspended Driver's License in Minnesota

What you need to do to get your Minnesota license back

To reinstate a suspended license in Minnesota, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific requirement tied to that reason. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different violations — unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, failure to appear in court, or lack of insurance — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; you have to resolve the underlying issue first.

Once you have cleared that hurdle, you submit a reinstatement request to DPS, pay the reinstatement fee (currently $680 for most suspensions), and wait for approval. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks after you have met all requirements. If your suspension was for a serious violation like DUI, you may also need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before you can drive.

Key Takeaways

Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or check your suspension notice to learn the exact reason your license was suspended.
Complete the requirement tied to your suspension type — this might mean paying fines, installing an ignition interlock, completing a DUI program, or proving you have insurance.
Submit a reinstatement request to DPS along with the $680 reinstatement fee once all requirements are met.
DPS will mail you a new license or a notice of approval within two to four weeks; you cannot drive legally until you receive it.
If you cannot afford the reinstatement fee, contact DPS about payment plans, though not all suspension types may have access to.

Find out why your license was suspended

Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it, call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-296-6911 or visit their website to look up your record. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. Common suspension reasons in Minnesota include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court date, a DUI or DWI conviction, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many points on your driving record.

Each reason has a different path to reinstatement. Knowing the exact reason is essential because you cannot move forward without addressing it. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines, paying those fines is non-negotiable. If it was suspended for a DUI, you will need to complete a chemical dependency evaluation and possibly a treatment program.

Resolve the underlying violation

Once you know why your license was suspended, take the action required to clear it. If the suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the fine and pay in full or set up a payment plan. If it is for failure to appear in court, contact the court when ready to reschedule or resolve the case. If you missed a court date, you may need to appear before a judge before your license can be reinstated.

For DUI or DWI suspensions, you must complete a chemical dependency evaluation through an approved evaluator in Minnesota. Based on that evaluation, you may be required to complete a treatment program, attend DUI education classes, or both. You will receive documentation of completion that you must submit with your reinstatement request. If your suspension was for driving without insurance, you must obtain a current insurance policy and provide proof to DPS.

For suspensions due to accumulating too many points, you cannot "undo" the points, but your license will become may be able to access for reinstatement after a waiting period — usually 30 days to one year depending on how many points you had. Contact DPS to confirm when you become may be able to access.

Ignition interlock requirements for DUI suspensions

If your suspension followed a DUI or DWI conviction, Minnesota law requires you to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you own or regularly drive. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must have the device installed before you submit your reinstatement request, and you will need to keep it installed for a set period — typically one to three years depending on your conviction history.

You can only use an interlock provider approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The device costs between $60 and $100 per month to lease, plus installation fees. Some providers offer payment plans. You must also pass a "monitoring period" — usually 12 months of clean tests — before the device can be removed. If you tamper with the device or fail a breath test while it is installed, your suspension will be extended.

Submit your reinstatement request to DPS

Once you have completed all requirements, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to request reinstatement. You can do this by mail, phone, or in person at a DPS office. By phone, call 651-296-6911. By mail, send your request to Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 161, St. Paul, MN 55101.

Include your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and documentation proving you have met all requirements — paid fines receipts, court documents showing case resolution, proof of insurance, DUI program completion certificates, or interlock installation confirmation. You must also include the $680 reinstatement fee. Payment methods vary by submission method; call DPS to confirm what they accept for your situation.

DPS will review your request and send you a letter confirming approval or denial. If approved, they will mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit. Do not drive until you receive official approval in writing.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Processing typically takes two to four weeks from the date DPS receives your complete request. If your paperwork is incomplete or DPS needs clarification, they will contact you and the timeline will extend. During this waiting period, you cannot legally drive, even if you believe you have met all requirements.

Once DPS approves your reinstatement, they will mail you either a new physical license or a temporary permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed. The temporary permit allows you to drive legally. Your new license will arrive within one to two weeks of the temporary permit.

If DPS denies your reinstatement request, they will explain why in writing. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, failure to complete a required program, or outstanding fines or court dates you were unaware of. You can resubmit once you have resolved the issue.

Payment plans and fee waivers

The $680 reinstatement fee is substantial, and not everyone can pay it upfront. Minnesota DPS does offer payment plans for some suspension types, though not all. Call 651-296-6911 to ask whether your suspension qualifies for a plan and what the monthly payment would be. Typically, you can pay in two to four installments.

Fee waivers are rare and usually only granted in cases of extreme financial hardship. Contact DPS directly to discuss your situation; they may be able to work with you, though there is no may provide. Some community legal aid organizations in Minnesota also help people navigate license reinstatement; search for "legal aid Minnesota" plus your county name to find local resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially approves your reinstatement and you receive written confirmation. Driving during this period is illegal and can result in additional charges. If you need to drive for work, ask your employer about temporary leave or carpooling options.

What if I cannot afford the ignition interlock device?

The device is legally required for DUI suspensions in Minnesota, so cost is not a valid reason to skip it. However, many providers offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income. Contact DPS for a list of approved providers in your area and ask about their financial options. Some nonprofits also help cover interlock costs for low-income drivers.

Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?

You do not need a lawyer for a straightforward reinstatement, but one can help if your suspension involved a court case you do not understand or if DPS denied your first request. Legal aid organizations in Minnesota offer free or low-cost help to people who cannot afford a private attorney.

What happens if I drive with a suspended license?

Driving with a suspended license in Minnesota is a crime. You can face fines up to $1,000, jail time, and an extended suspension. A second offense within ten years carries harsher penalties. It is not worth the risk.

How long does a suspension stay on my record?

Once your license is reinstated, the suspension itself does not disappear from your driving record, but it stops affecting your ability to drive. Insurance companies and employers may still see it, which can affect your rates or job prospects. The suspension will remain visible on your record for several years, depending on the violation type.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.