What you need to do to get your Minnesota license back
To reinstate your Minnesota driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the state requires for that reason. Minnesota suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, DWI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failure to appear in court. Each reason has its own reinstatement path, and you cannot skip steps or use a shortcut — the Minnesota Department of Public Safety will not restore your license until you have done exactly what they ask.
The process always starts with contacting the Driver and Vehicle Services division to learn your suspension reason and what you owe. You will then pay any fines, complete any required programs or court appearances, and submit proof to the state. Only after the state confirms you have met every requirement will your license be reinstated.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid fines, DWI, too many points, or failure to appear — and each reason requires different steps to reinstate.
- You must contact Driver and Vehicle Services to learn your specific suspension reason before you can begin the reinstatement process.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay all fines and fees owed to the court or state before your license will be restored.
- If your suspension was for a DWI or serious traffic violation, you may need to complete a driver improvement program or other court-ordered requirements.
- Reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after you submit all required documents and fees, depending on the reason for suspension.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division, to learn the exact reason your license was suspended. You can call them at 651-297-3298 or visit their office in person. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
The state will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to reinstate. Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers, court names, fines owed, or programs you must complete. This information is your roadmap for the rest of the process.
Paying fines and court costs
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or failure to appear in court, you must pay what you owe before reinstatement. The state will tell you which court has your case and how much is due. You can usually pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse.
Keep a record of your payment — a receipt, confirmation number, or bank statement showing the transaction. You will need to show this proof to Driver and Vehicle Services when you request reinstatement. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court to ask about payment plans; many courts will work with you on a schedule.
Completing required programs for DWI suspensions
If your license was suspended because of a DWI (driving while impaired) conviction, Minnesota requires you to complete a chemical health assessment and any recommended treatment before reinstatement. The court will direct you to an approved provider in your area. This assessment is separate from any court-ordered counseling or treatment you may already be doing.
The assessment provider will send a report to the court and to Driver and Vehicle Services. You do not submit this yourself — the provider handles it. However, you are responsible for scheduling the appointment and paying the fee, which varies by provider. Once the state receives the report showing you completed the assessment, you can move forward with reinstatement.
Addressing point-based suspensions
Minnesota suspends licenses when a driver accumulates too many points from traffic violations within a certain time period. If this is your reason, you cannot remove the points or shorten the suspension period. Instead, you must wait out the suspension length the state assigned and then request reinstatement once the time has passed.
The state will tell you the exact date your suspension ends. On or after that date, contact Driver and Vehicle Services to request reinstatement. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee at this time. There are no programs to complete or additional requirements — the suspension straightforward expires, and you can drive again once the state processes your request.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have completed all required steps — paid fines, finished programs, or waited out your suspension period — contact Driver and Vehicle Services to request reinstatement. You can do this by phone, mail, or in person. Have ready any receipts, completion certificates, or court documents proving you have met the requirements.
If you are submitting by mail, send copies (not originals) of your proof documents to the address Driver and Vehicle Services provides. Keep copies for yourself. The state will review your submission and either reinstate your license or contact you if anything is missing. Do not assume your license is reinstated until you receive written confirmation from the state or can verify it online through their website.
Reinstating a license suspended for failure to appear
If your license was suspended because you missed a court date, you must contact the court that issued the suspension and resolve the case. This usually means appearing in court on a new date or paying the fine if you have already been convicted. The court will then notify Driver and Vehicle Services that the suspension should be lifted.
After the court sends notice to the state, allow one to two weeks for the suspension to be removed from the system. You can verify your status by calling Driver and Vehicle Services or checking online. If the suspension is not lifted within two weeks, call the court to confirm they sent the notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit everything?
Reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after Driver and Vehicle Services receives all your required documents and fees. During busy periods, it may take longer. You can call to check the status of your request rather than waiting passively.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?
Yes. Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on your suspension reason, typically between $50 and $680. Driver and Vehicle Services will tell you the exact amount when you contact them. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe.
Can I drive before my license is officially reinstated?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota, even if you have completed all reinstatement requirements and are waiting for the state to process your request. Wait for written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will let you pay in installments over several months. Once you have a payment plan in place, you can often request a temporary driving permit while you pay, though this depends on your suspension reason and the court's decision.
Can I reinstate my license online?
You cannot complete the entire process online, but you can check your suspension status and pay fees through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. You will still need to contact Driver and Vehicle Services by phone or mail to formally request reinstatement and submit proof of completed requirements.