What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back

To reinstate a suspended Minnesota driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not automatically restore your license when a suspension period ends — you have to request reinstatement and meet all conditions before you can drive legally again.

The reinstatement process differs based on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, DWI-related offenses, medical reasons, or other violations. Some suspensions require you to pay fees and fines; others require proof of insurance, a medical evaluation, or completion of a court-ordered program. Until you complete the right steps for your specific suspension reason, your license remains suspended.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your suspension reason through the Minnesota DPS website or by calling 651-296-6911 before taking any action, because the reinstatement steps depend entirely on why your license was suspended.
  • Most reinstatements require a fee to the Minnesota DPS (typically $20 to $680 depending on suspension type), plus payment of any outstanding fines or restitution ordered by a court.
  • If your suspension was DWI-related, you must show proof of insurance and may need to install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is possible.
  • You can request reinstatement by mail, in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, or online through the Minnesota DPS website if your suspension reason qualifies.
  • After reinstatement is approved, you may still need to pass a written or driving test before you can legally operate a vehicle.

Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended

Before you can reinstate your license, you must know the suspension reason. The Minnesota DPS sends a notice to the address on file when a suspension takes effect, but that notice may have been mailed months or years ago. You can check your suspension status and reason through three methods.

The fastest method is to visit mn.gov/dvs and use the online license status tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Minnesota DPS at 651-296-6911 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. central time. You can also visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with your ID and ask staff to look up your suspension reason.

Write down the exact reason — for example, "unpaid traffic fine," "DWI suspension," "medical suspension," or "failure to maintain insurance." This determines which reinstatement steps you must follow.

Reinstatement for Unpaid Fines or Court-Ordered Restitution

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, parking tickets, or court-ordered restitution, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. The Minnesota DPS does not reinstate licenses for financial reasons until the court or collection agency confirms payment.

Contact the court that issued the fine or the collection agency listed in your suspension notice. Ask for the exact amount due and whether you can pay in installments. Some courts allow payment plans; others require the full amount upfront. Once you pay, ask the court or agency to send written confirmation to the Minnesota DPS that the debt is satisfied.

After the DPS receives confirmation of payment, you can request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee is typically $20. You can submit your reinstatement request online at mn.gov/dvs, by mail to the address on your suspension notice, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Reinstatement for DWI or Impaired Driving Suspensions

DWI-related suspensions have the most complex reinstatement requirements. You must meet multiple conditions before the Minnesota DPS will restore your driving privileges. These conditions vary based on whether it was your first offense, whether you refused a breath test, and how long your suspension period is.

For most DWI suspensions, you must provide proof of insurance — a current auto insurance policy that covers Minnesota. The policy must be in your name and show liability coverage. You can obtain this from any insurance company or agent. Some DWI suspensions also require installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), which prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. If your suspension notice mentions an IID requirement, you must have one installed before reinstatement and provide proof of installation to the DPS.

You may also be required to complete a DWI education program or treatment program if the court ordered it. The court notice or your suspension paperwork will specify which program. Once you complete it, the program sends proof directly to the Minnesota DPS. The reinstatement fee for DWI suspensions is typically $680.

Reinstatement for Medical Suspensions

If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance before reinstatement. The Minnesota DPS will have sent you a form to give to your doctor.

Schedule an appointment with your physician and bring the medical evaluation form. Your doctor must complete it and confirm that your condition no longer poses a safety risk or that it is now controlled by medication. Some conditions require an updated evaluation every one to three years, so ask your doctor about that timeline.

Return the completed medical form to the Minnesota DPS by mail or in person. The DPS reviews it and, if approved, notifies you that you can request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee is typically $20. You may also be required to pass a written test or driving test to confirm your knowledge and skills are current.

How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request

Once you have completed all the steps required for your suspension reason, you can request reinstatement through one of three methods. The method you choose depends on your suspension type and whether you have all required documents ready.

Online reinstatement is available at mn.gov/dvs for most suspension types. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee. The online system processes requests quickly, often within one business day.

Mail reinstatement requires you to send a written request to the address listed on your suspension notice, along with the reinstatement fee (check or money order) and any required documentation — such as proof of insurance, medical clearance, or proof of program completion. Mail requests typically take 5 to 10 business days to process.

In-person reinstatement at any Driver and Vehicle Services office is the fastest method if you have all documents. Bring your ID, the reinstatement fee, and any required proof. Staff can process your request when ready and issue a temporary driving permit if your reinstatement is approved on the spot.

What Happens After Reinstatement Is Approved

Once the Minnesota DPS approves your reinstatement request, you will receive written confirmation by mail or email (depending on how you submitted your request). This confirmation is not your license — it is proof that your suspension has been lifted.

You can then drive legally, but you must carry your original license or a temporary permit. If your license was suspended for a long time, it may have expired. Check the expiration date on your license. If it has expired, you must renew it before it is valid for driving. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Some reinstatements include conditions — such as an ignition interlock requirement or a restricted license that limits when or where you can drive. Your reinstatement approval letter will specify any conditions. Violating these conditions can result in another suspension.

Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement

Many people delay reinstatement by submitting incomplete requests. The most common mistake is paying a fine to the wrong entity. If you owe a traffic fine, paying the city or county does not automatically notify the Minnesota DPS — you must may support the court or collection agency sends confirmation to the DPS.

Another frequent error is submitting a reinstatement request before all conditions are met. For example, requesting reinstatement before an ignition interlock is installed, or before a DWI education program is completed, results in denial and delays your reinstatement by weeks.

A third mistake is not checking whether your license itself has expired. Even if your suspension is lifted, an expired license is not valid for driving. Check your license expiration date before you assume you can drive legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Your license remains suspended until the Minnesota DPS approves your reinstatement request and sends you written confirmation. Driving with a suspended license is a crime and can result in arrest, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Wait for approval before you operate a vehicle.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee or outstanding fines?

Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about payment plans or hardship waivers. Some courts allow you to pay in installments over several months. The Minnesota DPS reinstatement fee itself is not waivable, but court fines sometimes are if you demonstrate financial hardship. Ask the court directly — they have more flexibility than the DPS.

How long does reinstatement take?

Online and in-person reinstatement requests are typically processed within one business day. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. DWI-related reinstatements may take longer if the DPS needs to verify that an ignition interlock was installed or that a program was completed. Plan for at least two weeks if you are mailing your request.

Do I need a new photo for my license after reinstatement?

No. Reinstatement does not require a new photo or a new license card. You keep your existing license. However, if your license has expired, you will need to renew it, and renewal does require a new photo and a new card.

What if my suspension was for failure to maintain insurance and I now have insurance?

Provide proof of current insurance to the Minnesota DPS as part of your reinstatement request. The proof must show that your policy is active and covers the vehicle you will be driving. Once the DPS verifies the insurance, you can request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee is typically $20.