What you need to do to reinstate a suspended license in Minnesota
To reinstate a suspended Minnesota driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid traffic fines, too many points, DWI convictions, failure to appear in court, or child support issues — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and drive again; you have to address the underlying cause before the state will restore your driving privileges.
The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks once you have completed all requirements, though it can take longer if court involvement is needed. You will need to contact the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services division directly to confirm your suspension reason and what steps explore to you, because doing the wrong thing wastes time and money.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota suspends licenses for specific reasons — unpaid fines, point accumulation, DWI, failure to appear, or child support — and each reason has different reinstatement steps.
- You must contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to learn your suspension reason before you can take the correct action.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $680 for a standard suspension) plus any outstanding fines or restitution.
- Some suspensions require you to complete a driver improvement course, substance abuse program, or court appearance before the fee will be accepted.
- You can check your suspension status and begin the process online through the DPS website or by calling their driver services line.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Minnesota DPS sends a suspension notice by mail to the address on your driver's license, but if you did not receive it or have lost it, you can look up your suspension reason yourself. Visit the Minnesota DPS website and use their driver record lookup tool, or call the Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.
The notice or online record will tell you the suspension reason code and the date the suspension began. Common codes include: financial responsibility (unpaid fines or restitution), point suspension (too many traffic violations), DWI-related suspension, failure to appear in court, or child support non-payment. Knowing this code is essential because it determines what you must do next.
Paying the reinstatement fee and outstanding balances
Minnesota charges a $680 reinstatement fee for most suspensions. This fee is separate from any fines, restitution, or court costs you owe. You must pay the reinstatement fee and clear any outstanding financial obligations before your license can be restored.
You can pay online through the DPS website using a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. If you owe fines or restitution, contact the court that issued the suspension to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Some courts allow online payment; others require a check or in-person payment. Do not assume the reinstatement fee covers your fines — it does not.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court or DPS to ask about payment plans. Some courts will work with you on a schedule, though your license will remain suspended until the full balance is paid.
Completing required programs or court appearances
Depending on your suspension reason, you may need to complete additional steps before you can pay the reinstatement fee. DWI-related suspensions almost always require completion of a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment or education program. Point-based suspensions sometimes require a driver improvement course. Failure-to-appear suspensions require you to resolve the underlying court case first.
The DPS notice you received should specify what programs are required. If it does not, call Driver and Vehicle Services to confirm. Programs must be completed through approved providers — you cannot take just any course and have it count. The DPS website lists approved providers by county. Once you finish a required program, you will receive a certificate of completion; keep this document because you may need to show it when you pay your reinstatement fee.
If your suspension is tied to a court case, you must resolve that case (by appearing in court, paying the fine, or reaching a plea agreement) before reinstatement is possible. Contact the court directly to find out what action is needed.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have paid all fees and fines and completed any required programs, you can request reinstatement. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and receive confirmation within minutes.
If you submit by mail, include a completed reinstatement form (available on the DPS website), proof of payment for the reinstatement fee, proof of payment for any fines or restitution, and certificates of completion for any required programs. Mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date they receive your materials.
If you submit in person, bring the same documents plus your driver's license (if you still have it) and a photo ID. An office staff member can review your documents on the spot and tell you whether everything is in order.
Timeline and what to expect after reinstatement
If you submit your reinstatement request online and all your documents are in order, your license status should update within one to three business days. You will receive an email confirmation. If you submitted by mail or in person, allow one to two weeks for processing.
Once your suspension is lifted, your physical license remains valid — you do not need to order a new one unless it has expired or been damaged. You can drive when ready once the DPS system shows your suspension as lifted. If you are unsure whether your reinstatement has been processed, check your driver record online or call Driver and Vehicle Services.
If your reinstatement is denied, the DPS will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete payment, missing program certificates, or an unresolved court case. Follow the instructions in the denial letter to correct the problem and resubmit.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Minnesota is a crime. A first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A second offense within ten years is a gross misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your insurance will not cover any accident or damage that occurs while you are driving illegally.
If you are stopped by police, be honest about your suspension status. Attempting to hide it or providing false information makes the situation worse. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, look into a work permit or hardship license — Minnesota DPS may issue a limited license for essential driving (work, medical appointments, court appearances) in some cases. Call Driver and Vehicle Services to ask whether you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary or hardship license while my suspension is being processed?
Minnesota does issue limited licenses in some cases, but only for specific reasons like employment, medical treatment, or court-ordered activities. You must request this before your suspension begins or when ready after. Call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3298 to ask whether your situation qualifies and what documentation you need to provide.
What if I moved and did not receive my suspension notice?
The DPS mailed the notice to the address on your license at the time of suspension. If you have moved, you may not have received it, but the suspension is still in effect. Check your driver record online or call to confirm your suspension status. Update your address with the DPS at the same time so you receive future notices.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if the suspension was a mistake?
If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the DPS or the court that issued it to request a review. Provide any documentation that supports your case (proof of payment, court records, etc.). If the suspension is overturned, the fee is waived. If it is upheld, you will owe the fee to reinstate.
How long does reinstatement take if I submit everything by mail?
Processing time is typically one to two weeks from the date the DPS receives your materials. Mail can take several days to arrive, so allow extra time. Submitting online is faster — usually one to three business days. You can track whether your materials have been received by checking your driver record online.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe child support?
No. If your suspension is due to child support non-payment, you must bring your account current or reach a payment agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Services before DPS will reinstate your license. Contact the child support enforcement office to arrange payment or a plan.