Check your license status directly with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
The fastest way to know whether your Minnesota driver's license is suspended is to check the status yourself through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. You do not need to call or visit an office — you can look it up online in minutes using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Go to dps.mn.gov and find the Driver and Vehicle Services section. Look for the "Check Driver's License Status" tool. Enter your license number and your date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If it is suspended, the result will usually show the reason — for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical suspension.
This online check is free and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to create an account or provide a credit card. If you cannot access the website or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-296-6911, but the online tool is faster and gives you the same information.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Minnesota license status for free on the DPS website using your license number and date of birth.
- The online status check tells you whether your license is suspended and usually shows the reason why.
- If your license is suspended, the DPS website or phone line will tell you what you need to do to get it reinstated.
- A suspension is not permanent — once you resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, pass a medical exam), you can request reinstatement.
What the status result will tell you
When you check your license status, the system shows one of four outcomes: valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension can be lifted once you meet certain conditions. A revoked license is more serious — it means your driving privileges have been taken away, usually for a longer period or after multiple violations. A cancelled license means the state has ended your license, often because you did not renew it or failed to respond to a notice.
If your license is suspended, the result will usually include the reason. Common reasons in Minnesota include unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, failure to pay child support, medical conditions that make you unsafe to drive, or conviction of certain crimes. The reason matters because it determines what you have to do to get your license back.
The status check may also show a reinstatement fee. Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license, and the amount varies depending on the reason for the suspension. You will need to pay this fee in addition to resolving the underlying issue (such as paying fines or appearing in court).
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know why your license is suspended, your next step depends on the reason. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay those amounts to the court or the agency that issued the ticket. If it is due to failure to appear in court, you will need to contact the court and reschedule your appearance or resolve the case. If it is a medical suspension, you will need to provide medical documentation or pass a medical exam showing you are safe to drive.
After you have resolved the underlying issue, contact the Minnesota DPS to request reinstatement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You will need to pay the reinstatement fee at the time of your request. The fee is non-refundable even if your reinstatement is denied, so make sure you have actually resolved the issue before you submit your request.
Reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks after the DPS receives your request and payment. During that time, you cannot legally drive. Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at an office, depending on the type of reinstatement.
How to find a Driver and Vehicle Services office near you
If you need to speak with someone in person or submit documents, Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices throughout the state. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Before you visit an office, call ahead or check the website to confirm what documents you need to bring. If you are requesting reinstatement, you will need proof that you have resolved the issue (such as a receipt showing paid fines or a court order). Bringing the wrong documents can mean a wasted trip.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Minnesota is a crime. If you are pulled over, you face a fine of at least $100 and up to $300, possible jail time, and additional suspension time added to your original suspension. A second or third offense carries steeper penalties. Your vehicle can also be impounded, which means you will have to pay to get it back.
Even if you are not pulled over, driving on a suspended license creates legal and financial risk. If you are in an accident, your insurance may deny your claim because you were driving illegally. You could be sued by the other driver and held personally responsible for all damages. The safest and cheapest option is to resolve the suspension before you drive again.
Temporary driving permits and hardship licenses
In some cases, Minnesota allows you to request a limited license or hardship license that lets you drive for specific purposes — such as getting to work, school, or medical appointments — while your suspension is in effect. You cannot use a limited license for any other reason.
To request a limited license, you must show the court or the DPS that you have a genuine hardship and that you have taken steps to resolve the suspension. For example, if your license is suspended for unpaid fines but you need to drive to work to earn money to pay those fines, you may be able to get a limited license. The court has discretion to grant or deny your request.
A limited license is not automatic and is not may provide. You will need to contact the court that issued the suspension or the DPS to ask about your options. The process usually takes longer than a regular reinstatement, so plan ahead if you think you will need one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if I do not know whether my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended and you drive, you are breaking the law even if you did not know about the suspension. The DPS status check takes five minutes, so check before you drive. Ignorance is not a legal defense.
What if I lost my driver's license number?
You can still check your status on the DPS website using your full name and date of birth instead of your license number. If you cannot access the online tool, call 651-296-6911 and a staff member can look up your status for you.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the fee?
Reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks after the DPS receives your request and payment. If you submit your request online, processing may be faster than if you mail it in. You will receive a new license in the mail unless you choose to pick it up at an office.
Can I appeal a suspension if I think it was a mistake?
Yes, but the process depends on the reason for the suspension. If the suspension was ordered by a court, you can file an appeal with that court. If it was issued by the DPS for a medical reason, you can request a hearing. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to learn about your options.
Will a suspended license show up on a background check?
Yes. A suspended or revoked license is part of your driving record and will appear on background checks run by employers, landlords, and insurance companies. This is another reason to resolve the suspension as soon as you can.