What happens when your Minnesota license is suspended or revoked

A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension is temporary — it ends on a specific date set by the state. A revoked license is permanent unless you go through reinstatement. Both suspensions and revocations are issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), and both require you to take action before you can drive again.

The most common reasons for suspension in Minnesota are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions reported to DPS, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Revocation is more serious and usually follows a DUI conviction, multiple serious violations, or a suspension you did not resolve.

You cannot straightforward wait out a revocation or ignore a suspension notice. If you drive on a suspended or revoked license, you face criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer period before reinstatement becomes possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota suspensions end on a set date; revocations require you to request reinstatement through the DPS.
  • Before reinstatement, you must resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — paying fines, clearing child support debt, or completing DUI requirements.
  • You will need to pass a written knowledge test and a road test, and pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS.
  • The DPS processes reinstatement requests by mail or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, and approval typically takes two to four weeks.
  • Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Minnesota and will delay reinstatement further.

Determine whether your license is suspended or revoked

You can check your license status through the Minnesota DPS website or by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-297-3298. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The DPS will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and the date it ends (if it is a suspension) or the requirements you must meet before reinstatement is possible.

If your license is suspended, write down the end date. You cannot legally drive until that date passes, but you do not need to take any action — the suspension lifts automatically. If your license is revoked, the DPS representative will explain what you must do to become may be able to access for reinstatement. Do not assume you know the reason; the DPS record is the only one that matters for reinstatement.

Resolve the underlying reason for suspension or revocation

You cannot move forward with reinstatement until the reason for the suspension or revocation is resolved. The most common situations are:

  • Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Contact the court that issued the ticket or the collection agency listed on your notice. Pay the full amount owed, including any collection fees. Ask for written confirmation of payment.
  • Failure to appear in court: Contact the court when ready. You may need to appear before a judge to resolve the warrant. Bring proof of payment if fines are also owed.
  • Unpaid child support: Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or the county child support office. Arrange a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. The DPS will not process reinstatement until child support arrears are resolved or a payment agreement is in place.
  • DUI or impaired driving conviction: You must complete a chemical health assessment and any recommended treatment, install an ignition interlock device if required by the court, and wait the mandatory suspension period set by Minnesota law (usually six months to one year for a first offense).
  • Medical suspension: Provide updated medical documentation to the DPS showing you are safe to drive. This may require a letter from your doctor or completion of a medical evaluation form.

Keep all receipts and written confirmations. You will need to show proof that the underlying issue is resolved when you submit your reinstatement request.

Complete the reinstatement process and testing requirements

Once the reason for suspension or revocation is resolved, you must submit a reinstatement request to the Minnesota DPS. You can do this by mail or in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office.

By mail, send a letter to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1900, St. Paul, MN 55101. Include your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended or revoked, proof that the underlying issue is resolved (copies of payment receipts, court documents, medical clearance, or child support agreement), and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension or revocation, typically ranging from $20 to $680.

In person, visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office with the same documents and payment. You can find office locations and hours on the DPS website. Bring original documents or certified copies; the DPS will not accept photocopies of court orders or payment confirmations.

After the DPS approves your reinstatement request, you must pass both a written knowledge test and a road test before your license is restored. Schedule these tests at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs; the road test evaluates your ability to drive safely. You will pay a test fee for each (typically $10 to $15 per test). If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you cannot drive legally until you pass both.

Pay the reinstatement fee and wait for approval

The reinstatement fee depends on why your license was suspended or revoked. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear typically cost $20 to $50. Revocations for DUI or serious violations cost $100 to $680. The DPS will tell you the exact amount when you call to check your status.

Payment must be by check, money order, or credit card (if explore in person). The DPS does not accept cash by mail. Include the fee with your reinstatement request; if you explore in person, you can pay at the office.

After the DPS receives your complete process and payment, approval typically takes two to four weeks. You will receive a letter confirming approval and instructions for scheduling your tests. If your process is incomplete or missing documents, the DPS will send a notice asking for more information; you will have 30 days to respond.

Schedule and pass your knowledge and road tests

Once your reinstatement is approved, you must schedule a written knowledge test and a road test at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You can schedule online through the DPS website or by phone at 651-297-3298.

The written test has 40 questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. Study the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DPS website. The test takes about 20 minutes.

The road test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will evaluate your ability to drive safely in real traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you cannot drive legally until you pass.

After you pass both tests, the DPS will issue your reinstated license. You can receive it by mail or pick it up in person at the office where you tested.

Special rules for ignition interlock devices

If your revocation was for a DUI or impaired driving conviction, Minnesota law may require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition; you must blow into it to start the engine, and it prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol.

The court will tell you whether an IID is required as part of your sentence. If it is, you must have it installed before you can drive, even after your license is reinstated. You will need to provide proof of installation to the DPS. The device costs between $60 and $100 to install and $50 to $100 per month to maintain. You are responsible for all costs.

The IID requirement lasts for a set period — usually six months to three years depending on your offense and prior record. After that period, you can request removal, but you must provide proof to the DPS that the device was installed for the full required time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I get a work permit?

Minnesota does not issue work permits or hardship licenses that allow you to drive during a suspension. The only exception is a limited license for certain medical suspensions, and you must request this from the DPS before your suspension begins. If your license is already suspended, you cannot drive legally for any reason.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?

Contact the DPS office or the court that issued the suspension to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some courts will reduce or waive fees for people with low income, but you must request this in writing and provide proof of income. The DPS does not automatically waive fees.

How long does reinstatement take from start to finish?

If you have already resolved the underlying issue, reinstatement takes two to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. Add time for resolving fines, child support, or other requirements — this can take days to months depending on the situation. Testing and approval happen after DPS approval, so plan for an additional one to two weeks.

Do I have to retake the written test if I already passed it before?

Yes. Minnesota requires all drivers whose licenses are revoked to pass both the written and road tests again, regardless of how long ago you originally passed them. This applies to suspensions as well if the suspension lasted more than one year.

What happens if I drive on a revoked license?

Driving on a revoked license is a criminal offense in Minnesota. You face jail time, fines up to $1,000, and a longer revocation period. The DPS will add additional time to your revocation, making reinstatement take much longer. If you are caught a second time, penalties increase significantly.