How to Restore Your License After a Suspension Ends
Once your suspension period ends in Minnesota, you cannot straightforward start driving again. You must take specific steps with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to restore your license before you can legally drive. The process depends on why your license was suspended — some suspensions require you to file an SR22 form with your insurance company, others require a written test or a full reexamination, and some require both.
The first step is to confirm your suspension has actually ended. You can check the status of your license online through the Minnesota DPS website or by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services line. If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or medical reasons, you may also need to provide proof that the underlying issue has been resolved before DPS will lift the suspension.
Do not assume your license is automatically restored on the end date. Many people make this mistake and drive illegally for weeks or months. DPS will not contact you to tell you the suspension is over — you must initiate the restoration process yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Your license does not automatically restore when a suspension ends; you must contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to request reinstatement.
- Some suspensions require an SR22 insurance form filed with DPS before your license can be restored, while others require a written knowledge test or full driving reexamination.
- If your suspension was tied to unpaid fines, child support, or medical issues, you must resolve those problems and provide proof before DPS will process your reinstatement.
- You can check whether your suspension has ended by visiting the Minnesota DPS website or calling Driver and Vehicle Services directly.
- Driving while your license is still suspended, even if the suspension period has technically ended, is illegal and can result in criminal charges and further suspension.
Suspensions That Require an SR22 Form
If your suspension was caused by a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or too many traffic violations in a short time, Minnesota requires you to file an SR22 form before your license can be restored. An SR22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files directly with DPS on your behalf. It proves you are carrying the minimum required liability insurance.
To get an SR22, contact your auto insurance company and ask them to file one. Most insurers can file it within one business day. You will likely pay a filing fee (typically $15 to $25) in addition to higher insurance premiums. Once your insurer files the SR22, DPS will receive it electronically. You do not file it yourself — your insurance company does the filing.
After your insurance company files the SR22, contact DPS to confirm they have received it and to request your license reinstatement. Some suspensions also require you to pass a written knowledge test or a full driving test before you can drive again, even after the SR22 is filed. DPS will tell you which tests, if any, you need to pass.
Suspensions That Require a Written Test or Driving Exam
Suspensions for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a mental health condition — typically require you to pass a medical examination or a written knowledge test before your license is restored. You will need to visit a Minnesota DPS office in person to take the test or to schedule a medical evaluation.
Suspensions for accumulating too many points on your driving record may also require a written test. The test covers Minnesota traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DPS website. The test is the same one new drivers take, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
If your suspension included a requirement to complete a driver improvement course or a DUI education program, you must finish that course and provide proof of completion to DPS before your license will be restored. Some courses can be taken online, while others require in-person attendance.
Resolving Underlying Issues Before Reinstatement
If your suspension was tied to unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines in full before DPS will restore your license. Contact the court that issued the citation to find out the exact amount owed and the payment methods accepted. Some courts allow online payment, while others require payment by mail or in person.
If your suspension was caused by unpaid child support, you must contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or the county child support enforcement office to arrange payment or a payment plan. Once you have paid or set up a plan, ask for written confirmation and send it to DPS along with your reinstatement request.
If your suspension was medical in nature and the condition has improved or been treated, you may need a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. DPS will specify what documentation they need. Keep copies of all proof you send to DPS for your own records.
The Reinstatement Request Process
Once you have met all the requirements for your specific suspension type, you can request reinstatement. You have three options: visit a Minnesota DPS office in person, mail a written request, or use the online reinstatement system if your suspension qualifies.
If you visit in person, bring your current ID, proof that you have met all requirements (such as the SR22 filing confirmation, proof of paid fines, or course completion certificate), and be prepared to pay a reinstatement fee. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $20 to $100. DPS offices are located throughout Minnesota, and you can find the one nearest you on the DPS website.
If you mail your request, send it to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, along with copies of all required documentation and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Include your driver's license number and date of birth so DPS can locate your file quickly. Mail takes longer than in-person visits, so allow two to four weeks for processing.
What Happens After You Request Reinstatement
After you submit your reinstatement request, DPS will review your file to confirm that all requirements have been met. If everything is in order, your license will be restored and you will receive a new license card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally once DPS confirms your reinstatement, even if you have not yet received the physical card.
If DPS finds that you have not met all requirements, they will send you a letter explaining what is still needed. Common reasons for denial include an SR22 that was not filed correctly, unpaid fines that DPS was not notified about, or a required test that you have not yet taken. Address any issues when ready and resubmit your request.
If your license was suspended multiple times or for multiple reasons, you may need to meet the requirements for each suspension before reinstatement. For example, if you have both an unpaid fine suspension and a DUI-related suspension, you must resolve both before your license will be restored.
Driving Legally While Your Reinstatement Is Pending
Do not drive while your reinstatement request is being processed, even if you believe you have met all the requirements. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota and can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time, and an additional suspension on top of your current one.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, you can request a limited license or work permit from DPS in some cases. A limited license allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs only. You must request this in writing and explain why you need it. DPS will decide whether to grant it based on your circumstances and the reason for your original suspension.
Some suspensions do not may have access to for a limited license. For example, suspensions for DUI convictions are typically not may be able to access. Ask DPS directly whether a limited license is possible in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?
If you visit a DPS office in person and all your paperwork is correct, reinstatement can be processed the same day. If you mail your request, allow two to four weeks for DPS to receive, review, and process it. You will receive your new license card in the mail within one to two weeks after reinstatement is approved.
Do I have to retake the driving test to get my license back?
It depends on the reason for your suspension. DUI suspensions, medical suspensions, and some point-based suspensions require a written knowledge test or a full driving exam. Other suspensions, such as those for unpaid fines, do not. DPS will tell you which tests you need when you contact them about reinstatement.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Reinstatement fees are set by Minnesota law and cannot be waived. However, some DPS offices may allow you to pay in installments if you explain your financial situation. Contact your local DPS office to ask about payment options. Some counties also have legal aid organizations that may help with fee-related questions.
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have already requested reinstatement?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially restores it. Driving before reinstatement is complete is illegal, even if your request has been submitted. If you need to drive urgently, request a limited license from DPS, though not all suspension types may have access to for one.
What if DPS denies my reinstatement request?
DPS will send you a letter explaining why your request was denied and what additional steps you need to take. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines that were not resolved, or a required test you have not yet passed. Address the issues and resubmit your request. You can also contact DPS directly to ask for clarification on what is needed.