What Suspension Means in Minnesota

A suspended license in Minnesota means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period, even if your license card is still in your wallet. The suspension is temporary — once you meet the conditions to lift it, you can drive again. This is different from a revocation, which is permanent and requires you to go through the full licensing process again.

Minnesota suspensions come from specific triggers: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical conditions reported to the state, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The length of the suspension depends on what caused it. Some suspensions last 30 days; others last a year or longer.

You will receive a notice in the mail telling you the suspension is active, the reason, and how long it lasts. If you drive on a suspended license, you face criminal charges, fines up to $1,000, and possible jail time — separate from the original suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota suspensions are temporary and triggered by unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, medical reports, or traffic violation points.
  • You must stop driving when ready when notified; driving on a suspended license is a crime with fines and possible jail time.
  • The length of suspension varies by cause, from 30 days to one year or longer.
  • To lift a suspension, you must meet the specific condition that caused it — usually paying fines, appearing in court, or clearing a medical hold.
  • You can check your suspension status through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling the Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Common Reasons for Suspension in Minnesota

Unpaid traffic fines are the most common cause. If you receive a ticket and do not pay the fine by the due date, the court notifies the state, and your license is suspended. The suspension stays in place until you pay the full amount plus any court costs.

Failure to appear in court for a traffic violation also triggers suspension. If you miss a court date, the judge issues a warrant, and the state suspends your license when ready. You must appear in court and resolve the case to have it lifted.

Accumulating traffic violation points can lead to suspension if you reach a certain threshold. Minnesota uses a point system: speeding is 1 to 4 points, reckless driving is 4 points, and driving under the influence is 12 points. If you reach 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months, your license is suspended for 30 days.

Medical conditions reported to the state can also cause suspension. If a doctor, law enforcement officer, or family member reports that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely, the state may suspend your license pending a medical review. You will need to provide medical documentation clearing you to drive.

Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions result in automatic suspension. A first DUI suspension lasts 90 days; a second within 10 years lasts one year; a third or more lasts three years.

How to Check Your Suspension Status

You can find out whether your license is currently suspended by visiting the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and using their online license status check tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The tool shows your current status, any active suspensions, and the reason for each one.

If you prefer to call, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-297-3298. Have your license number ready. They can tell you the suspension reason, the length, and what you need to do to lift it. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the Minnesota Relay Service at 711.

You can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Bring your license and a photo ID. Staff can print a document showing your suspension status, which you may need for insurance or employment purposes.

Steps to Lift a Suspension

The process to lift a suspension depends on its cause. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can pay online, by phone, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, they notify the state, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days.

If you missed a court appearance, you must go back to court and resolve the case. Call the court clerk to reschedule your appearance or ask about paying the fine by mail or phone. Once the case is resolved, the suspension is lifted.

For point-based suspensions, you must wait out the suspension period. However, you can take a defensive driving course before the suspension ends; completing an approved course may shorten the suspension by up to 30 days. The course must be approved by the state and taken before you contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office to request early reinstatement.

If a medical condition caused the suspension, you will need to provide medical documentation from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. Submit this to the Driver and Vehicle Services office. They may require an in-person medical examination or a driving test before reinstating your license.

Reinstatement Fees and Requirements

Once you have met the condition that caused the suspension, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee to restore your license. The fee varies by suspension type: a standard reinstatement fee is $20, but DUI-related suspensions may cost more. Check with the Driver and Vehicle Services office or the court for the exact amount.

Some suspensions require you to file proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 form) with the state before reinstatement. This is common after DUI convictions and shows that you carry the minimum required auto insurance. Your insurance company can file this for you.

After you pay any fees and submit required documents, your license is reinstated. You will receive a new license card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally once the state confirms reinstatement — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.

Driving on a Suspended License: Consequences

Driving while your license is suspended is a crime in Minnesota. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. A second offense within five years carries a fine up to $3,000 and up to one year in jail. A third or subsequent offense is a felony.

Beyond criminal penalties, driving on a suspended license can result in additional suspension time, higher reinstatement fees, and a permanent mark on your driving record. Your insurance rates will increase significantly, and some insurers may drop you entirely. If you are involved in an accident while driving suspended, your insurance will not cover the damage, and you may face a civil lawsuit.

If you are stopped by police, your vehicle may be impounded, and you will face towing and storage fees. Your license suspension will be extended, and you will have a harder time getting it reinstated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive to work or school while my license is suspended?

No. Minnesota does not issue restricted or work-only licenses during suspension. You cannot drive for any reason — not to work, school, medical appointments, or anywhere else. You must use public transportation, carpool, or other alternatives until the suspension is lifted.

How long does it take to get my license back after I pay a fine?

Once the court confirms payment, the state usually lifts the suspension within one to three business days. You can drive as soon as the state processes the reinstatement, even if your new license card has not arrived yet. Call the Driver and Vehicle Services office to confirm the suspension has been lifted before you drive.

What if I did not receive the notice about my suspension?

The state mails suspension notices to the address on your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received it. Check your suspension status online or by phone when ready. Even if you did not receive notice, the suspension is still active, and driving is illegal. Update your address with the state right away.

Can I get a hardship license while suspended?

Minnesota does not issue hardship or work licenses during suspension. However, if the suspension is due to a medical condition, you may be able to request a hearing to challenge it. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office to learn about your options.

Will a suspension show up on a background check?

A license suspension is a public record and may appear on background checks, especially those run by employers or insurance companies. It shows that you had a suspension and the reason. Once the suspension is lifted, it remains on your driving record but is no longer active.