How to restore your suspended license in Minnesota
To get your suspended license back in Minnesota, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you have to do and how long the process takes. You'll contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), pay any fines or fees owed, complete any required programs or court orders, and then request reinstatement. The state will not automatically restore your license when the suspension period ends; you have to ask for it back.
The most common reasons for suspension in Minnesota are unpaid traffic fines, driving with a suspended license, DWI convictions, and failure to pay child support or court-ordered fines. Each has different steps and timelines. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period if you've met all conditions; others require you to take action before you can drive legally again.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what you must complete before reinstatement.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and restitution before the state will consider your reinstatement request.
- Depending on the reason for suspension, you may need to complete a DWI program, attend traffic safety school, or provide proof of insurance.
- After you've met all requirements, submit a reinstatement request to DPS; processing typically takes one to two weeks.
- Driving with a suspended license is illegal and carries additional penalties, so do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license is restored.
Find out why your license was suspended
Call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 or visit their website at dps.mn.gov. Have your driver's license number ready. The representative will tell you the specific reason for suspension, the suspension end date, and what you must do to get reinstated.
Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers, court information, or agency names. If the suspension is tied to a court case or child support order, you may need to contact that court or agency directly to confirm you've met all requirements. Do not assume the suspension will end on its own — many suspensions require active steps from you.
Pay all fines, fees, and restitution
Before Minnesota will reinstate your license, you must pay any outstanding fines, court costs, restitution, or reinstatement fees. The amount varies depending on the reason for suspension. A reinstatement fee typically ranges from $20 to $680, depending on how many times your license has been suspended.
Ask DPS where to send payment and whether you can pay online, by mail, or in person. Keep a copy of your payment receipt or confirmation number. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask whether a payment plan is available — some courts and agencies will work with you on this. Do not skip this step; unpaid fines will block reinstatement.
Complete required programs or court orders
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may need to complete additional requirements before reinstatement is possible.
DWI suspensions: If your suspension is due to a DWI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, you must complete a DWI program approved by the state. This usually includes an assessment, education classes, and sometimes counseling. The program length varies based on your assessment results and prior DWI history. You'll receive a certificate of completion, which you must provide to DPS.
Traffic safety school: Some suspensions require you to complete a traffic safety course. This is typically a four-hour online or in-person class. You'll receive a certificate upon completion and must submit it with your reinstatement request.
Proof of insurance: If your suspension is related to driving without insurance, you must obtain a valid auto insurance policy and provide proof to DPS. Your insurer can send this directly to the state.
Child support or court fines: If your suspension is due to unpaid child support or court-ordered fines, contact the relevant court or child support enforcement agency to confirm you've paid what is owed or have an approved payment plan in place.
Request reinstatement from the Department of Public Safety
Once you've completed all requirements — paid fines, finished programs, and gathered required documents — submit your reinstatement request to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. You can do this online through their website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Include your driver's license number, proof of payment, certificates of program completion, proof of insurance (if required), and any other documents DPS told you to submit. Double-check that everything is included before sending; incomplete applications delay processing.
Processing typically takes one to two weeks. DPS will send you written confirmation when your license is reinstated. Do not drive until you receive this confirmation in writing — driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Minnesota and carries fines, jail time, and further license suspension.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
If DPS denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines still on record, or failure to complete a required program.
Review the denial letter carefully and contact DPS to ask what is still missing. Fix whatever the issue is — pay remaining balances, obtain missing certificates, or complete any unfinished requirements — and resubmit your request. You can request reinstatement as many times as needed until all conditions are met.
If you believe the denial is in error or you have questions about the requirements, you have the right to request a hearing before a Minnesota administrative law judge. The denial letter will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so.
Understand Minnesota's hard suspension rules
Minnesota has hard suspension periods for certain violations, meaning your license cannot be reinstated until a minimum amount of time has passed, regardless of whether you've completed other requirements. These explore mainly to DWI convictions and repeat traffic violations.
For a first DWI, the hard suspension period is 30 days. For a second DWI within ten years, it is one year. For a third or subsequent DWI, it is three years. During a hard suspension, you cannot drive at all — not even with a work permit or limited license.
After the hard suspension period ends, you can then complete the other requirements (DWI program, payment of fines, proof of insurance) and request reinstatement. Ask DPS for the exact date your hard suspension ends so you know when you can begin the reinstatement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a work permit while my license is suspended?
A work permit (also called a limited license) may be available for certain types of suspensions, but not all. Hard suspensions for DWI do not allow any driving. For other suspensions, you can request a work permit from DPS that allows you to drive only to and from work, school, or court. You must show that driving is necessary for employment or education. Contact DPS to ask whether your suspension type qualifies.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your complete process. If your process is missing documents or information, processing will take longer. You can call DPS to check the status of your request if you haven't heard back within three weeks.
What happens if I drive while my license is suspended?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota. A first offense carries a fine of $200 to $500 and possible jail time. Your license suspension will be extended, and you may face additional criminal charges. Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license is reinstated.
Do I have to retake the written or road test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to complete the specific requirements tied to your suspension reason — such as paying fines, finishing a program, or providing proof of insurance. Your original license remains valid once reinstated.
What if I can't afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will allow you to pay in installments over time. Some fines can also be reduced or waived if you can show financial hardship. Ask DPS or the court about your options before giving up — a payment plan is often better than remaining unable to drive.