How to reinstate your 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 the state requires for that reason. Most suspensions fall into a few categories: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, DWI-related suspensions, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Each has its own reinstatement path, and you cannot skip steps or combine them. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the agency that manages reinstatements, and they will not restore your license until every requirement is met.
The process typically takes two to four weeks once you have completed all requirements and submitted your reinstatement request, but the time to get there depends entirely on what caused the suspension. Some people resolve it in days; others take months if they need to pay fines or complete a DWI program.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or your local court to learn the exact reason for your suspension before you can move forward.
- Different suspension reasons require different steps: unpaid fines need payment, DWI suspensions need program completion, and some require a new written test or vision screening.
- You will pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS (the amount varies by suspension type) after you have met all other requirements.
- Once your license is reinstated, you may face restrictions such as an ignition interlock device, limited driving privileges, or a probationary period.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused it. The DPS does not always send a clear notice, and many people discover the suspension when they are pulled over or try to renew online. Call the Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-296-6911 or visit their website at dps.mn.gov. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. They will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to resolve it.
If the suspension is related to a court case—unpaid fines, failure to appear, or a criminal charge—you may also need to contact the court that issued the suspension. The DPS can tell you which court, or you can search Minnesota court records online at mncourts.us. Do not skip this step; court-related suspensions often have conditions you must meet before the DPS will even consider reinstatement.
Resolving unpaid fines and court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, parking tickets, or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court or municipality listed on your suspension notice. Many courts allow payment by phone, online, or in person. Once you have paid, ask for written confirmation—you will need to show this to the DPS.
If you cannot afford to pay the full amount at once, some courts offer payment plans. Call the court and explain your situation; they may allow you to pay in installments. The suspension stays in place until the balance is zero, so even a partial payment does not restore your driving privileges. After payment is complete, you still must submit a reinstatement request to the DPS and pay their reinstatement fee.
Completing DWI-related suspension requirements
DWI (driving while impaired) suspensions are the most complex to resolve. Minnesota law requires you to complete several steps in order: an alcohol assessment, a treatment program (if recommended by the assessment), and sometimes an ignition interlock device installation. You cannot skip any of these, and you cannot do them out of order.
Start by scheduling an alcohol assessment with a provider approved by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. This assessment determines whether you need treatment and what level of treatment is appropriate. The assessment costs money (typically $200 to $400) and is not covered by the state. After the assessment, if treatment is recommended, you must complete it before the DPS will consider reinstatement. Treatment can range from a one-day education program to months of counseling, depending on the assessment results. Once treatment is done, you will receive a completion certificate—keep this; you will need it for reinstatement.
Many DWI suspensions also require an ignition interlock device, which prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Installation and monthly monitoring fees explore. The DPS will tell you whether this is required for your case.
Handling failure-to-appear suspensions
If you missed a court date, your license was likely suspended automatically. To reinstate it, you must resolve the underlying case. Contact the court listed on your suspension notice and explain that you missed the date. The court may reschedule you or allow you to resolve the case by phone or mail, depending on the charge. Once the case is resolved (either by paying a fine, completing a program, or going to court), the court will notify the DPS, and your suspension will be lifted.
Do not ignore this type of suspension. Failure-to-appear cases can result in a warrant for your arrest, and driving on a suspended license makes the situation worse. Call the court as soon as you realize you missed a date.
Submitting your reinstatement request to the DPS
After you have completed all the requirements for your specific suspension reason, you are ready to request reinstatement. You can do this online at dps.mn.gov, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online is fastest—most online requests are processed within two to four business days.
You will need to pay the reinstatement fee, which varies by suspension type. Standard reinstatement fees range from $45 to $100; DWI-related reinstatements cost more (typically $680 to $1,000). The DPS website will show you the exact fee for your situation. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. Keep your receipt; it serves as proof that you have applied.
If you are explore by mail, send your request and payment to the address listed on the DPS website. Include copies of any completion certificates, court documents, or proof of payment that the DPS requires for your suspension type. Mail takes longer than online—allow two to three weeks.
What happens after reinstatement is approved
Once the DPS approves your reinstatement, your license is restored, but you may face restrictions. Common restrictions include a probationary period (usually one year), an ignition interlock device requirement, or limited driving privileges (such as driving only to work or school). These restrictions appear on your license and are enforceable by law enforcement.
If you are reinstated with restrictions, follow them exactly. Violating a restriction can result in another suspension. If you have questions about what your restrictions mean, call the DPS or visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my license is officially reinstated?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval. You can face additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive written confirmation from the DPS that your license has been reinstated.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The DPS does not waive reinstatement fees, but some courts offer payment plans for fines and costs. If your suspension is related to unpaid court fees, contact the court about a plan. For DWI-related reinstatement fees, call the DPS to ask about your options; some circumstances may allow a reduced fee or payment arrangement.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to get reinstated?
Not for most suspensions. However, if your suspension was for medical reasons or if your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to pass a vision screening or written test. The DPS will tell you if this applies to you when you request reinstatement.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Online requests typically take two to four business days. Mail requests take two to three weeks. If the DPS needs more information from you, the process may take longer. Check the status of your request online at dps.mn.gov or call 651-296-6911.
What if my suspension was due to an error?
Call the DPS when ready at 651-296-6911 and explain the situation. If the suspension was issued by mistake, the DPS can correct it without requiring you to complete reinstatement steps. Bring any documentation that supports your claim (such as proof of payment or a court document showing the case was dismissed).