Minnesota DWI License Reinstatement: The Basic Path

After a DWI conviction in Minnesota, your license goes through a mandatory revocation period set by the court. Once that period ends, you cannot straightforward start driving again — you must formally request reinstatement through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process requires you to meet specific conditions, pay a reinstatement fee, and in most cases pass a written test and vision screening.

The length of your revocation depends on whether this is your first offense and whether anyone was injured. A first-time DWI typically results in a 90-day to one-year revocation. A second offense within ten years brings a one-year minimum revocation. A third or subsequent offense can mean a three-year or longer revocation. The court order you received at sentencing states your exact revocation end date — that is the earliest you can request reinstatement.

You cannot request reinstatement before your revocation period ends, and submitting early will delay your case. The DPS will not process any reinstatement request until the calendar date on your court order has passed.

Key Takeaways

  • Your revocation period is set by the court at sentencing and appears in your court order; you cannot request reinstatement until that date passes.
  • Minnesota requires you to complete an alcohol assessment and treatment program before reinstatement, and you must provide proof to the DPS.
  • You will pay a $680 reinstatement fee to the DPS, plus any outstanding fines or restitution owed to the court.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test and vision screening at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office before your license is restored.
  • If you have prior DWI convictions, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a set period after reinstatement.

Alcohol Assessment and Treatment: The Required First Step

Before the DPS will even consider your reinstatement request, you must complete a chemical health assessment and any recommended treatment. This is not optional — it is a statutory requirement under Minnesota law. The assessment must be conducted by a may have access to professional, typically through a treatment provider, hospital, or counseling agency licensed by the state.

During the assessment, a clinician will evaluate your substance use history, risk factors, and need for treatment. Based on the results, you may be required to complete outpatient counseling, inpatient treatment, or both. Some people are assessed as needing only education classes; others need months of ongoing therapy. The court or DPS will specify what level of treatment you must finish.

You must keep documentation of your assessment and all treatment completion. When you submit your reinstatement request to the DPS, you will need to provide a letter or certificate from your treatment provider confirming that you have completed the required program. Without this proof, your reinstatement will be denied.

The Reinstatement Request and Fee

You submit your reinstatement request directly to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division. You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at a DVS office, or through the online system if you have a Minnesota ID number. The DPS address and current submission methods are available on the official Minnesota DPS website.

With your request, you must include:

  • A completed reinstatement process form (available from the DPS website or any DVS office)
  • Proof of completion of your chemical health assessment and treatment program
  • Payment of the $680 reinstatement fee (as of the most recent update; confirm the current amount with the DPS)
  • Proof that any court-ordered fines or restitution have been paid
  • Your driver's license number or identification number

The DPS processes reinstatement requests in the order they are received. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if documents are missing or unclear. If your request is incomplete, the DPS will send you a notice listing what is missing and give you a important date to submit it.

Knowledge Test and Vision Screening Requirements

Once the DPS approves your reinstatement request, you must pass a written knowledge test and vision screening before your license is actually restored. You cannot take these tests before your reinstatement is approved — the approval must come first.

The knowledge test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is the same test required for a standard license renewal, not a special DWI test. You have three attempts to pass; if you fail all three, you must wait 30 days before you can test again. Study materials are available free on the Minnesota DPS website.

The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read an eye chart at a DVS office. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to obtain a corrective lens restriction on your license or to see an eye doctor and provide a medical report.

You take both tests at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your approved reinstatement notice, a valid form of identification, and payment for any test fees (currently $10 for the knowledge test, though confirm with your local office). Once you pass both, your license is reinstated on the spot.

Ignition Interlock Device Requirements

If you have one or more prior DWI convictions within the past ten years, Minnesota law requires you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle you own or regularly drive. The device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.

For a second DWI within ten years, the IID requirement is typically one year. For a third or subsequent offense, it is usually three years. The court order at your sentencing should specify your IID requirement, but confirm this with the DPS during your reinstatement process.

You must install the device before you can legally drive, even though your license has been reinstated. You are responsible for finding a certified installer in Minnesota and paying the installation and monthly monitoring fees, which typically range from $60 to $100 per month depending on the provider. The DPS maintains a list of certified installers on its website.

Once installed, you must submit proof of installation to the DPS. You will also be required to bring the vehicle in for monthly calibration checks. Tampering with, removing, or circumventing the device is a criminal offense and will result in additional charges.

Paying Court Fines and Restitution

Before the DPS will approve your reinstatement request, you must have paid all fines and restitution ordered by the court. If you still owe money, contact the court that handled your case to find out the exact amount and payment options.

Many courts accept payment by mail, in person, or online through their website. Some offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once. You will need a receipt or written confirmation of payment to submit with your reinstatement request.

If you are having financial hardship, you can request a hearing with the court to ask about reducing the fine or setting up a payment plan. This must be done before you submit your reinstatement request, because the DPS will not move forward until the court confirms that all financial obligations are satisfied.

What Happens After Your License Is Reinstated

Once you pass the knowledge test and vision screening, your license is restored and you can drive when ready. However, several restrictions may explore depending on your conviction history and court order.

If an ignition interlock device is required, you cannot drive any vehicle without one installed. If your license was issued with a corrective lens restriction, you must wear glasses or contacts while driving. Some court orders include a requirement to carry proof of insurance at all times or to report to a probation officer — follow all conditions in your court order.

Your reinstatement is permanent unless you receive another DWI conviction or violate the terms of your reinstatement (such as driving without an IID when one is required). A second or subsequent DWI will trigger another revocation and a longer reinstatement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a restricted license before my revocation period ends?

Minnesota does not issue restricted licenses for DWI revocations. You cannot drive at all during your revocation period, with no exceptions for work or medical appointments. Some states allow this, but Minnesota does not. You must wait until your revocation period ends and you complete the full reinstatement process.

What if I move out of Minnesota before my revocation ends?

Your Minnesota revocation remains in effect even if you move to another state. When you move, you must notify the Minnesota DPS of your new address. If you want to obtain a license in your new state, that state will check Minnesota's records and will likely impose its own revocation period or restrictions. You cannot avoid a Minnesota DWI revocation by relocating.

Do I have to retake the written driving test if I already have a valid license?

Yes. After a DWI revocation, Minnesota requires you to pass the knowledge test and vision screening again before reinstatement, even if your license was valid before the revocation. This is a separate requirement from the assessment and treatment program.

What if I cannot afford the treatment program or the reinstatement fee?

Contact the treatment provider about payment plans or sliding-scale fees based on income. Many providers offer these options. For the reinstatement fee, you must pay the full amount to the DPS — there is no fee waiver. If you are in financial hardship, speak with the court about your fines and restitution; the court may be able to adjust those, but the DPS reinstatement fee is set by state law.

How long does the entire reinstatement process take from start to finish?

The timeline depends on how quickly you complete treatment and submit your paperwork. If you finish treatment when ready after your revocation period ends and submit all documents at once, the DPS typically approves your request within two to four weeks. Then you must schedule and pass the knowledge test and vision screening, which can be done within days. Total time is usually one to two months if you move quickly, but can stretch to several months if treatment takes longer or if you delay submitting documents.