Your license stops working when ready, and driving is illegal
When the Minnesota Department of Public Safety suspends your license, you lose the legal right to drive in Minnesota and every other state. The suspension takes effect on the date the notice says — usually within days of the violation or court order that triggered it. You cannot legally operate any vehicle, even for work or emergencies, until the suspension ends and you have taken the steps to get your license back.
A suspension is temporary: it has an end date, and you can restore your license once you meet the conditions. This is different from a revocation, which is permanent or much longer-term. Most suspensions in Minnesota last from 30 days to three years, depending on what caused them.
Driving on a suspended license is a separate crime. If you are stopped while your license is suspended, you face additional charges, fines up to $1,000, and possible jail time — even if the original suspension was for something minor like a missed court date.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension takes effect on the date listed in the notice, and you cannot legally drive any vehicle until it ends.
- Minnesota suspensions typically last 30 days to three years, depending on the reason — unpaid fines, DWI convictions, and missed court dates each have different timelines.
- You must complete specific steps before you can restore your license, such as paying fines, completing a DWI program, or clearing a court hold.
- Driving while suspended is a separate criminal charge that adds fines, jail time, and extends your suspension further.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling their office.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Minnesota sends a notice in the mail explaining the suspension and why it happened. Read this notice carefully — it tells you the suspension start date, the length of the suspension, and what you must do to restore your license. If you did not receive a notice or cannot find it, you can look up your suspension status online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services website.
The most common reasons for suspension in Minnesota are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI or DUI conviction, accumulating too many points on your driving record, and child support arrears. Each reason has different requirements to lift the suspension. For example, an unpaid fine suspension ends once you pay; a DWI suspension requires you to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
If you are unsure what caused your suspension or what you need to do, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-296-6911 or visit their office in person. They can tell you the exact reason and the exact steps to restore your license.
What you must do before you can drive again
The steps to restore your license depend on why it was suspended. For unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed. For a missed court date, you must appear in court or contact the court to resolve the case. For a DWI suspension, you must complete a DWI education program, install an ignition interlock device, and sometimes serve a period of no driving at all.
After you complete the required steps, you must request reinstatement of your license. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. There is a reinstatement fee — currently $680 for most suspensions, though this amount can change. You will also need to provide proof that you completed any required programs or paid any required fines.
Some suspensions have a waiting period even after you meet the conditions. For example, a DWI suspension may require you to go a certain number of days without driving before you can request reinstatement. Check your suspension notice or call the Department of Public Safety to confirm whether there is a waiting period in your case.
What happens if you drive while suspended
Driving on a suspended license in Minnesota is a misdemeanor crime. If you are caught, you face a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. You will also receive additional criminal charges on top of your original suspension reason.
A conviction for driving while suspended also extends your suspension. The court can add extra time to your original suspension period, sometimes doubling it or longer. This means one traffic stop can turn a 30-day suspension into a 60-day or longer one, plus the cost and record of a new criminal charge.
If you absolutely must drive during your suspension — for example, to get to a medical appointment or court hearing — you may be able to request a limited license from the court that issued your suspension. A limited license allows you to drive only for specific purposes, like work or medical treatment. You must request this before you drive; you cannot ask for it after you are stopped.
Limited licenses and hardship exceptions
Minnesota allows you to request a limited license if your suspension would cause you serious hardship. A limited license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, court-ordered programs, or other essential purposes, but nowhere else. You cannot use it for personal errands or leisure.
To request a limited license, you must file a petition with the court that suspended your license, or with the district court in your county if the suspension came from the Department of Public Safety. You will need to explain why the suspension creates hardship and what driving you need to do. The court decides whether to grant it.
Limited licenses are not automatic. The court looks at whether you have other transportation options, whether the hardship is genuine, and whether you have a history of following traffic laws. Even if you are granted one, it comes with strict conditions — you must carry it while driving, and you can only drive for the purposes listed on it.
Reinstating your license after suspension ends
Once your suspension period ends and you have completed all required steps, your license does not automatically come back. You must request reinstatement through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. You can do this online at their website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
You will need to pay the reinstatement fee and provide proof of completion for any required programs — such as a certificate from a DWI education course or a receipt showing paid fines. If you cannot find your proof, contact the organization that ran the program or the court that ordered it; they can send you a copy.
Processing usually takes one to two weeks after you submit your request and fee. Once approved, your license is restored and you can drive legally again. If you do not request reinstatement, your license remains suspended even after the suspension period technically ends.
How a suspension affects your insurance and future driving
A suspension stays on your driving record for years, even after it ends. Insurance companies see it when they check your record, and it usually raises your rates or causes your insurer to drop you. You may have to buy high-risk insurance, which costs significantly more than standard coverage.
A suspension also affects your ability to get a job that requires driving, such as delivery, rideshare, or commercial work. Many employers check driving records and will not hire someone with a recent suspension. Some professional licenses — like a commercial driver's license — have their own suspension rules tied to your regular license status.
If you accumulate multiple suspensions or violations, you risk losing your license for longer periods or facing a revocation, which is much harder to overturn. Staying on top of fines, court dates, and program requirements helps you avoid a second suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while my license is suspended?
No, you cannot get a temporary license to replace a suspended one. You can only request a limited license from the court, and only if you can show hardship. A limited license is not a replacement — it is permission to drive for specific purposes only.
What if I did not know my license was suspended?
Lack of knowledge does not protect you from the suspension or from charges if you drive while suspended. Minnesota sends notices by mail, so check your mail regularly. If you moved and did not update your address with the Department of Public Safety, you may have missed a notice — update your address when ready if this happened.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay my fines?
Processing takes one to two weeks after you submit your reinstatement request and fee. Some suspensions have a waiting period — you may have to wait a certain number of days after paying fines before you can even request reinstatement. Check your suspension notice or call the Department of Public Safety to confirm.
Will a suspension show up on a background check for a job?
Yes. A suspension appears on your driving record, which employers can see if the job involves driving or if they run a comprehensive background check. It typically stays visible for several years, even after the suspension ends. Some employers will not hire someone with a recent suspension.
Can I appeal my suspension?
It depends on the reason. If your suspension came from a court conviction, you can appeal the conviction itself through the court system. If it came from the Department of Public Safety for administrative reasons — like accumulating points — you can request a hearing. Contact the Department of Public Safety or the court that issued the suspension to learn about your options.