How a Minnesota License Suspension Works
When Minnesota suspends your driver's license, the state removes your legal right to drive. You cannot legally operate any vehicle on public roads until the suspension ends and you complete the steps to restore it. A suspension is temporary — it has a set end date — but you must take action to get your license back. straightforward waiting for the date to pass is not enough.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) manages suspensions. They send a notice by mail to your address on file, usually giving you 7 to 10 days before the suspension takes effect. That notice tells you the reason for the suspension, the date it starts, how long it lasts, and what you must do to restore your license.
Driving with a suspended license is a separate crime in Minnesota. You can be arrested, fined, and charged even if you were not speeding or breaking any other traffic law. The penalties get worse if you have been caught driving suspended before.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota suspensions are temporary and have a set end date, but you must complete restoration steps — waiting alone does not restore your license.
- The DPS sends a notice 7 to 10 days before the suspension starts, telling you the reason, length, and what you must do to get your license back.
- Driving while suspended is a separate criminal charge that can result in arrest, fines, and jail time, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee and sometimes show proof of insurance or completion of a course before your license is restored.
- You can request a hearing to challenge the suspension within 7 days of receiving the notice, but you must act quickly.
Common Reasons Minnesota Suspends a License
Minnesota suspends licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. Other reasons include reckless driving, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failing to maintain car insurance, and not paying court-ordered fines.
Administrative suspensions happen automatically when you fail a breath test or refuse a breath test during a DUI stop. These suspensions start right away, often before any court case is decided. A separate criminal suspension may follow if you are convicted.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services can also request a suspension if you owe child support. The state can suspend your license even if the child support case is not yet in court — sometimes just for falling behind on payments.
How Long a Suspension Lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. A first-time DUI administrative suspension lasts 90 days if you took a breath test, or one year if you refused. A criminal DUI suspension lasts at least one year for a first offense, longer for repeat offenses.
Suspensions for unpaid tickets or fines last until you pay what you owe. Suspensions for unpaid child support end when your account is current. Suspensions for accumulating too many points typically last 30 to 90 days, depending on how many points you had.
Some suspensions stack — meaning you may have multiple suspensions running at the same time for different reasons. You must resolve all of them before your license is restored.
What You Must Do to Restore Your License
The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. The notice you receive in the mail lists the specific requirements for your case. Common steps include paying a reinstatement fee (usually $680 in Minnesota), paying any outstanding fines or child support, and providing proof of insurance.
For DUI suspensions, you may need to complete a chemical health assessment and any recommended treatment. You may also need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle — a machine that tests your breath before the engine will start. This device stays in your car for a set period, usually six months to one year.
For suspensions related to too many traffic points, you may need to take a driver improvement course. Some suspensions require you to show proof that you have obtained or maintained car insurance.
Once you have completed all requirements, you must go to a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Bring the documents that prove you have met each requirement. You will pay the reinstatement fee at that time, and your license will be restored on the spot if everything is in order.
Requesting a Hearing to Challenge the Suspension
You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension within 7 days of receiving the notice from DPS. This important date is strict — if you miss it, you lose the right to a hearing and must accept the suspension.
A hearing is useful if you believe the suspension was issued by mistake, if you have evidence that contradicts the reason for the suspension, or if you want to argue that the suspension is too harsh. For DUI suspensions, a hearing can challenge whether the breath test was done correctly or whether the officer had legal grounds to stop you.
To request a hearing, contact the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office listed on your suspension notice. You can request a hearing by mail, phone, or in person. Ask for a written confirmation of your request and the date of your hearing.
At the hearing, you can present evidence and witnesses. You can also have a lawyer represent you, though you are not required to. If you win the hearing, the suspension may be reduced, delayed, or canceled. If you lose, the suspension stands as originally ordered.
Driving Without a Valid License in Minnesota
Driving with a suspended license in Minnesota is a criminal offense. The penalty depends on whether this is your first offense or a repeat offense, and whether your license was suspended for DUI or another reason.
A first offense of driving with a suspended license is usually a misdemeanor. You can be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. A second offense within 10 years is a gross misdemeanor, with fines up to $3,000 and up to one year in jail. A third or later offense can be charged as a felony.
If your license was suspended for DUI and you drive suspended, the penalties are harsher. You can face additional fines, longer jail time, and a longer license suspension. Your vehicle can also be impounded.
Even a single conviction for driving suspended will extend your suspension and make it harder to restore your license. It also creates a criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Getting a Hardship License or Restricted License
Minnesota does not issue a "hardship license" that allows you to drive for work or medical reasons during a suspension. However, you may be able to get a restricted license in limited situations.
A restricted license is available only for certain types of suspensions and only if you meet specific conditions. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you may be able to get a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. You must show that you have a genuine need and that you are making a good-faith effort to pay what you owe.
To request a restricted license, contact the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office that issued your suspension. You will need to explain your situation in writing and provide supporting documents. There is no may provide you will be approved — it depends on the reason for your suspension and the circumstances of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the DPS office to restore my license?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal, even if you are driving to the DPS office to restore it. Arrange a ride with someone else, use public transportation, or ask a family member to drive you. If you are stopped by police on the way, you will be charged with driving suspended.
What if I did not receive the suspension notice in the mail?
Minnesota sends notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved and did not update your address, you may not have received it. Check your mail carefully, including junk folders if the notice was emailed. If you believe you never received notice, contact the DPS office listed on your suspension order. You can still request a hearing, but you must do so within 7 days of when the notice was sent, not when you received it.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was not guilty of the reason for suspension?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from the reason for suspension. Even if you win a hearing and the suspension is canceled, you may still owe court fines or other costs related to your case. The reinstatement fee itself is required to restore your license once all other requirements are met.
Can my license suspension affect my car insurance?
Yes. If your license is suspended, your car insurance may be canceled or not renewed. Some insurers will not cover a driver with a suspended license. When you restore your license, you will need to contact your insurance company and may need to pay a higher premium or switch to a high-risk insurer.
What happens if I move out of Minnesota while my license is suspended?
Your Minnesota suspension remains in effect. If you move to another state, that state can see your suspension record through the National Driver Register. Many states will not issue you a license until your Minnesota suspension is resolved. You should resolve your suspension before moving, or contact the Minnesota DPS to understand how your suspension will affect your ability to get a license in your new state.