What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Minnesota
To reinstate your Minnesota driver's license, you must contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), pay any reinstatement fees and outstanding fines, and meet the specific requirements tied to why your license was suspended or revoked. The process differs depending on whether your suspension was administrative (tied to unpaid tickets, child support, or insurance lapses) or criminal (DWI-related). Minnesota does not allow online reinstatement for most cases, so you will need to visit a DVS office in person or work through a third-party vendor.
The state charges a reinstatement fee of $680 for most suspensions, though this amount can vary if your case involves multiple violations or a criminal conviction. You must also resolve the underlying reason for the suspension before DVS will process your reinstatement. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you must contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to confirm the debt has been paid or a payment plan established.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota charges a $680 reinstatement fee for most suspensions, and you must pay this fee in full before your license is restored.
- You must resolve the reason your license was suspended — whether that is unpaid fines, child support arrears, or insurance violations — before DVS will process reinstatement.
- DWI-related suspensions require additional steps, including proof of substance abuse treatment or an ignition interlock device installation, depending on your conviction history.
- You must visit a DVS office in person to complete reinstatement; the process cannot be done entirely by mail or online.
- If your license was suspended for medical reasons, you may need a physician's statement or a passing score on a written and driving test before reinstatement is granted.
Administrative Suspensions: Unpaid Fines, Child Support, and Insurance
Administrative suspensions are the most common type in Minnesota and are triggered by non-criminal violations: unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain auto insurance, or child support arrears. If your license was suspended for one of these reasons, you must first resolve the underlying debt or violation before contacting DVS about reinstatement.
For unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the full amount owed, including any collection fees. For child support arrears, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or the county child support enforcement office listed on your suspension notice. For insurance lapses, you must obtain a new insurance policy and provide proof of continuous coverage to DVS. Once you have resolved the issue, you can proceed to a DVS office with your reinstatement fee and supporting documentation.
Bring your current identification, proof that the underlying violation has been resolved, and payment for the $680 reinstatement fee. DVS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Your license will be reinstated on the same day if all documents are in order.
DWI-Related Suspensions and Criminal Convictions
If your license was suspended or revoked due to a DWI (driving while impaired) conviction or implied consent refusal, reinstatement requires additional steps beyond paying the fee. Minnesota law mandates that you complete a substance abuse assessment and follow any recommended treatment before your license can be restored. You must also provide proof of this completion to DVS.
For a first DWI offense with a suspension (not revocation), you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you drive. This device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility, typically ranging from $60 to $150 per month. You must maintain the device for the period specified in your court order, usually between six months and one year.
For a revocation (a more serious penalty than suspension), you must wait out the revocation period set by the court before you can even request reinstatement. Revocation periods range from one year to lifetime, depending on your conviction history. Once the revocation period ends, you must still complete the substance abuse assessment, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide proof of treatment before DVS will restore your driving privileges.
Medical Suspensions and Vision or Competency Issues
Minnesota can suspend your license if a physician reports a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you fail a vision test or road test. To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must obtain a statement from your physician confirming that your condition has improved or been managed to the point that you can drive safely. Some conditions require a letter from a specialist; for example, a cardiac event may require clearance from a cardiologist.
If your suspension was due to a failed vision test, you must pass a new vision screening at a DVS office before reinstatement. If it was due to a failed road test or questions about your driving ability, you may be required to pass a new written test, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test administered by a DVS examiner. These tests are scheduled separately and may take several weeks to complete.
Bring your physician's statement, any test results, and your reinstatement fee to a DVS office. If additional testing is required, the office will schedule those appointments and inform you of the timeline.
Steps to Complete Reinstatement at a DVS Office
Once you have resolved the underlying reason for your suspension and gathered your documents, follow these steps at any Minnesota DVS office:
- Bring your current identification (passport, state ID, or other government-issued ID), your suspension notice, and proof that the underlying violation has been resolved.
- Bring payment for the $680 reinstatement fee. DVS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
- If your suspension was DWI-related, bring proof of substance abuse assessment completion and proof of any required ignition interlock device installation.
- If your suspension was medical, bring your physician's statement or proof of passing any required tests.
- Present all documents to the DVS clerk. They will verify that all requirements have been met.
- Pay the reinstatement fee. Your license will be reinstated when ready if everything is in order.
- You will receive a receipt confirming reinstatement. Your physical license will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days.
If any documents are missing or incomplete, the DVS office will tell you what is needed before reinstatement can be processed. You will not be charged the reinstatement fee until all requirements are met.
Finding a DVS Office and Scheduling Your Visit
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website by entering your city or county. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is necessary, as wait times vary by location.
If you live outside Minnesota or cannot travel to an office, you may be able to use a third-party vendor licensed by Minnesota DVS. These vendors can process some reinstatement requests on your behalf, though they charge a service fee in addition to the state reinstatement fee. Check the DVS website for a list of authorized vendors in your area.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common mistake is attempting reinstatement before the underlying violation has been fully resolved. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you cannot reinstate until the county child support office confirms that the debt has been paid or a payment plan is in place. Calling DVS directly will not speed this up; you must contact the agency responsible for the original suspension.
Another frequent error is bringing incomplete documentation. If your suspension was DWI-related, DVS will not accept a letter from a treatment provider unless it specifically states that you have completed the assessment or program. A letter saying you are enrolled or in progress is not sufficient. Similarly, if your suspension was medical, your physician's statement must be dated within the last 30 days and must explicitly state that you are safe to drive.
Finally, do not assume your reinstatement fee has been paid if you paid fines or child support. The reinstatement fee is separate and must be paid directly to DVS at the time of reinstatement. Paying outstanding fines or child support resolves the suspension, but does not cover the state's reinstatement processing fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive before my physical license arrives in the mail?
No. Your driving privileges are restored on the day DVS processes your reinstatement, but you cannot legally drive until you have your physical license in hand. The receipt you receive at the DVS office is not a valid driving document. Your license will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
What if I cannot pay the full $680 reinstatement fee right now?
Minnesota DVS does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee. The full amount must be paid at the time of reinstatement. If you cannot pay in full, you will need to wait until you can. Some community organizations or legal aid programs may offer emergency information; contact your local legal aid office to ask about options.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and does not require legal representation. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case or if you are unsure whether all requirements have been met, speaking with a lawyer may help clarify what you need to do. Legal aid organizations in Minnesota offer free consultations for low-income individuals.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Minnesota. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $300 and up to 30 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional penalties.
Can my license be reinstated if I still owe child support or fines?
No. Your license cannot be reinstated until the underlying debt or violation is resolved. If you owe child support, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to set up a payment plan; once the plan is in place, you may be able to request reinstatement. If you owe fines, contact the court and pay the full amount or arrange a payment plan with the court before contacting DVS.