What the Minnesota reinstatement fee costs and where to send it

Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee of $680 to restore a suspended or revoked driver's license. This is a flat fee — it does not change based on why your license was suspended or how long the suspension lasted. You must pay this fee before the Minnesota Department of Public Safety will process your reinstatement request.

The fee covers the administrative cost of reviewing your case and issuing a new license. It is separate from any other fines, court costs, or restitution you may owe. If you owe money for unpaid traffic tickets, child support, or other court judgments, those must be resolved through the court system, not through the DMV.

You can pay the reinstatement fee by mail, in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, or online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. Each method has different timing, so choose based on how quickly you need your license back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota reinstatement fee is $680 and must be paid before your license can be restored, regardless of the reason for suspension.
  • You can pay by mail, in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, or online through the Secretary of State's website.
  • Paying the fee does not automatically reinstate your license — you must also meet all other reinstatement requirements for your specific suspension type.
  • If you owe court fines, child support, or restitution, those are handled separately and do not go to the DMV.
  • Processing time varies by payment method: online is fastest (same day to a few days), mail takes one to two weeks, and in-person is when ready.

Paying online through the Secretary of State's website

The fastest way to pay is through the Minnesota Secretary of State's online payment system. Go to the Secretary of State's website, navigate to the Driver and Vehicle Services section, and look for the reinstatement fee payment option. You will need your driver's license number and a valid credit or debit card.

Online payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. The DMV typically processes online payments within one to three business days. Keep your confirmation number — you may need it if you contact the DMV to check on your reinstatement status.

One advantage of paying online is that you can do it at any time, including nights and weekends. There is no waiting in line, and you get when ready proof of payment. However, online payment does not complete your reinstatement — it only covers the fee. You still need to submit any other required documents (such as proof that you have resolved the reason for suspension) by mail or in person.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for $680 payable to "State of Minnesota." Include a letter with your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason your license was suspended (for example, "DWI suspension" or "medical suspension"). Mail everything to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, St. Paul, MN 55155.

Processing mail payments takes one to two weeks from the date the DMV receives your envelope. Mail can be delayed, so send your payment at least three weeks before you need your license if you are on a important date. Keep a copy of your check or money order receipt as proof of payment.

If you are paying by mail and also submitting other reinstatement documents (such as proof of insurance or a medical clearance), send everything together in one envelope. This reduces the chance of documents getting separated and speeds up processing.

Paying in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

You can walk into any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office and pay the $680 fee in cash, check, or debit card. Bring your driver's license or state ID. Payment is processed on the spot, and you leave with a receipt.

In-person payment is the fastest option if you need when ready proof of payment or if you are also submitting other documents in person. However, wait times at Driver and Vehicle Services offices vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the office's website to see current wait times before you go.

If you are paying in person and have other reinstatement requirements (such as a medical exam or proof of insurance), ask the staff whether you can submit those documents at the same time. Some offices can accept them; others may require you to mail them separately.

What happens after you pay the reinstatement fee

Paying the fee is one step, but it is not the final step. The DMV will not reinstate your license until you have also met all other requirements for your specific suspension type. For a DWI suspension, you may need to complete an alcohol education program or install an ignition interlock device. For a medical suspension, you may need to submit a doctor's clearance. For a suspension due to unpaid child support or court fines, you may need to show proof that the debt has been paid or a payment plan is in place.

After you pay the fee, the DMV will send you a letter (usually within two to four weeks) telling you what additional steps you need to take. If you have already completed those steps, include proof with your payment. If you have not, complete them before or at the same time you pay the fee.

Once the DMV confirms that you have met all requirements and received your payment, they will mail you a new license. This takes an additional one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

If you cannot afford the $680 fee right now

Minnesota does not offer a payment plan for the reinstatement fee, and there is no waiver or reduction based on financial hardship. The fee is $680, and it must be paid in full before reinstatement can happen.

If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, you have a few options. You can save up and pay when you are able to — there is no important date to pay the fee, though your license will remain suspended until you do. You can ask family or friends for help. Some community organizations or legal aid groups may have emergency funds for people facing license suspension, though these are rare and vary by location.

Contact your local legal aid office or call 211 Minnesota to ask whether any local programs help with DMV fees. Be honest about your situation — some organizations can point you toward resources even if they cannot pay the fee directly.

Reinstatement fee vs. other costs you may owe

The $680 reinstatement fee is separate from other money you may owe related to your suspension. If your license was suspended because of an unpaid traffic ticket, DWI fine, or court judgment, you owe that money to the court, not to the DMV. The court and the DMV do not share payment systems.

If you owe court fines or restitution, contact the court that issued the ticket or judgment. Ask what the total amount is and whether you can set up a payment plan. Some courts allow monthly payments; others require full payment before the DMV will lift the suspension.

Child support arrears work the same way. If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or the county child support office. They will tell you what you owe and what payment options exist. Once child support is current or a payment agreement is in place, the suspension can be lifted — but you still have to pay the $680 DMV reinstatement fee separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I pay the reinstatement fee and then my license is not reinstated?

No. The reinstatement fee is non-refundable. However, if you pay the fee and then discover you do not meet other reinstatement requirements, you can work with the DMV to complete those requirements. The fee covers the processing of your reinstatement request, not a may provide of reinstatement.

What if I pay the fee but forget to submit other required documents?

The DMV will hold your payment and send you a letter listing what else you need to submit. You have time to gather those documents and send them in. Your payment does not expire. However, your license will remain suspended until all requirements are met, so do not delay in submitting the missing documents.

Can I pay the reinstatement fee with a credit card by phone?

The Minnesota DMV does not accept phone payments. You can pay online with a credit or debit card, in person with cash, check, or debit card, or by mail with a check or money order. Online is the only remote option that accepts credit cards.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee every time my license is suspended?

Yes. Each time your license is suspended and you want it reinstated, you must pay the $680 fee. There is no discount for repeat suspensions, and the fee does not carry over from one suspension to another.

What if I lost my receipt for the reinstatement fee payment?

Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at the phone number on their website and provide your driver's license number. They can look up your payment in their system and confirm that it was received. You do not need the physical receipt to proceed with reinstatement, but having it makes verification faster.