What happens when your Minnesota license is suspended or revoked
When your Minnesota driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in the state. A suspension is temporary — your driving privilege is taken away for a set period, after which you can take steps to get it back. A revocation is more serious and typically lasts longer, but reinstatement is still possible once you meet the state's requirements.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all license suspensions and revocations. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, DWI convictions, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Each reason has its own reinstatement path and timeline.
You will receive a notice in the mail explaining why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to get it back. Keep this notice — you will need the information on it when you contact DPS or visit a driver's license office.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota suspensions are temporary and become may be able to access for reinstatement after a waiting period; revocations last longer but reinstatement is still possible once you meet all requirements.
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages all suspensions and revocations, and you must contact them directly to learn your specific reinstatement requirements.
- Most reinstatement paths require you to pay any outstanding fines, fees, or child support before your license can be restored.
- You may need to complete a driver improvement course, pass a written test, or pass a road test depending on why your license was suspended or revoked.
- Once you meet all requirements, you can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person at a Minnesota driver's license office.
How to find out your specific reinstatement requirements
The first step is to contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety directly. You can call their Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298 (Twin Cities area) or 1-888-234-1911 (toll-free). Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
You can also check your suspension or revocation status online through the Minnesota DPS website. Visit the "Check Your Driving Record" tool on the DPS homepage — you will need your license number and date of birth. This tool will show you whether your license is currently suspended or revoked and may provide information about reinstatement steps.
If you received a notice in the mail, it should list the reason for the suspension or revocation and may include basic reinstatement instructions. However, calling DPS is the most reliable way to confirm all requirements specific to your situation, since different violations have different paths.
Common reinstatement requirements and what they mean
Most Minnesota reinstatement cases require you to pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs before your license can be restored. If your suspension was due to unpaid child support, you must work with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to bring your account current. DPS will not reinstate your license until they receive confirmation that the child support obligation has been met.
If your suspension was due to a DWI conviction, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before reinstatement. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility, though some counties offer payment plans.
Many reinstatement cases require you to complete a driver improvement course — a classroom or online program that reviews traffic laws and safe driving practices. The course typically takes four to eight hours. You must complete it before requesting reinstatement, and you will need to provide DPS with proof of completion.
Depending on the reason for your suspension or revocation, you may also need to pass a written test, a road test, or both. DPS will tell you which tests explore to your case when you contact them. If a road test is required, you will schedule it at a Minnesota driver's license office after you have met all other requirements.
Steps to request reinstatement once you meet all requirements
Once you have paid all fines and fees, completed any required courses, and met all other conditions, you can request reinstatement. Minnesota offers three ways to do this: online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.
To request reinstatement online, visit the Minnesota DPS website and use the "Reinstate Your License" tool. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online process is the fastest option and typically takes one to two business days.
To request reinstatement by mail, send a letter to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101. Include your driver's license number, date of birth, the reason your license was suspended or revoked, and proof that you have met all reinstatement requirements (such as a receipt showing fines paid or a course completion certificate). Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension.
To request reinstatement in person, visit any Minnesota driver's license office with your identification, proof that you have met all requirements, and payment for the reinstatement fee. Bring the original notice you received about your suspension or revocation. An office staff member can process your request on the spot, though you may need to schedule a road test if one is required.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee in addition to any fines or court costs you already owe. The fee amount depends on the reason for your suspension or revocation and ranges from around $45 to $680. DPS will tell you the exact fee for your situation when you contact them.
The reinstatement fee covers the administrative cost of processing your request and restoring your driving privilege. It does not cover any fines, child support arrears, or course fees — those are separate costs you must pay before or at the time of reinstatement.
If you are requesting reinstatement by mail or online, you will pay the fee as part of your request. If you are requesting reinstatement in person, bring a check, money order, or be prepared to pay by debit or credit card, depending on what the office accepts.
What to expect after you request reinstatement
If you request reinstatement online or in person, your license status is usually updated within one to two business days. You will be able to drive legally once DPS confirms that your license has been reinstated. You do not need to wait for a new physical license card to arrive in the mail.
If you request reinstatement by mail, allow 10 to 14 business days for processing. DPS will send you a confirmation letter once your license has been reinstated. If your request is missing information or if you have not met all requirements, DPS will contact you to explain what else is needed.
If your reinstatement request is denied, DPS will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include unpaid fines, incomplete course work, or failure to meet a specific important date. The letter will tell you what steps you still need to take and how to resubmit your request once you have completed them.
If you need a new physical license card
Once your license is reinstated, your driving privilege is restored when ready — you do not need a new card to drive legally. However, if your current license card is damaged, lost, or expired, you will need to request a replacement.
You can order a replacement license card online through the Minnesota DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The replacement fee is separate from the reinstatement fee and is typically around $20. The new card will arrive in the mail within 10 to 14 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until DPS confirms that your license has been reinstated. If you request reinstatement online or in person, this usually happens within one to two business days. If you request by mail, allow 10 to 14 business days. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a crime and can result in additional fines and jail time.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the fines to ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over time. You must have a payment plan in place and be current on payments before DPS will reinstate your license.
Do I have to retake the written driving test to get my license back?
Not always. Whether you need to retake the written test depends on the reason for your suspension or revocation. DPS will tell you when you contact them. If a test is required, you can schedule it at any Minnesota driver's license office once you have met all other requirements.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you request reinstatement online or in person, your license is typically reinstated within one to two business days. If you request by mail, allow 10 to 14 business days. The timeline depends on how quickly you submit your request and whether you have met all requirements.
What if I was suspended for unpaid child support?
You must contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to bring your child support account current or to set up a payment plan. Once you are current or have an approved payment plan in place, DHS will notify DPS, and your license can be reinstated. This process may take several weeks, so contact DHS as soon as possible.