What DVS.DPS.MN.GOV tells you about your license
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) website at dvs.dps.mn.gov lets you look up whether your driver's license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired without visiting an office or calling. You enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system returns your current status within seconds.
This tool shows you what the state's records say about your license right now. It does not show why a suspension or revocation happened, when it will end, or what you need to do to restore it — those details require a phone call or an in-person visit. But if you need a quick answer about whether you can legally drive, this is the fastest way to get one.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your Minnesota driver's license status anytime at dvs.dps.mn.gov by entering your license number and date of birth.
- The status tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled, but does not explain the reason or restoration timeline.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; a revoked license requires a formal reinstatement process that varies by reason.
- If your status shows a problem, call the DVS at 651-297-3298 or visit a local Driver and Vehicle Services office to learn next steps.
- The website is available 24 hours a day, but phone lines and offices have set hours that vary by location.
How to use the status lookup tool
Go to dvs.dps.mn.gov and look for the "Check License Status" link on the homepage. Click it and you will see a form asking for two pieces of information: your Minnesota driver's license number and your date of birth. Enter both exactly as they appear on your license.
After you submit, the system will display one of several possible statuses. A valid license means you can legally drive. An expired license means your renewal date has passed and you need to renew before driving. A suspended license means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege — usually for unpaid tickets, child support arrears, or insurance violations. A revoked license means the state has permanently cancelled your privilege and you must go through a formal reinstatement process. A cancelled status means the license was terminated, often because you moved out of state or surrendered it voluntarily.
The lookup tool does not show you the reason for a suspension or revocation, the date it will end, or what you must do to fix it. That information requires contacting DVS directly.
What each license status means for driving
If your status is valid, you can drive legally in Minnesota and in other states that recognize your license. You should still check your renewal date — Minnesota licenses expire on your birthday, and you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration.
If your status is expired, you cannot legally drive. You must renew your license before getting behind the wheel. Renewal can be done online at dvs.dps.mn.gov if you are renewing before your license expires or within two years after expiration, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
If your status is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a crime. Suspensions are usually temporary and end on a specific date, but you will not see that date on the status tool. Call DVS at 651-297-3298 to find out when your suspension ends and whether you need to pay fines, complete a course, or meet other conditions to restore your privilege.
If your status is revoked, you cannot legally drive and cannot straightforward wait for the revocation to end. You must petition for reinstatement, which involves meeting specific requirements that depend on why your license was revoked. This process can take months and may require a hearing. Contact DVS or a Driver and Vehicle Services office to learn what you must do.
Why your license might be suspended or revoked
Minnesota suspends licenses for several reasons: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, failure to maintain auto insurance, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Most suspensions are temporary and will end once you pay what you owe, appear in court, or meet the other condition.
Revocations are more serious and usually result from DWI (driving while impaired) convictions, reckless driving convictions, or accumulating multiple suspensions. A revoked license cannot be restored automatically — you must file a petition with the state and often must meet conditions like completing a substance abuse program or paying reinstatement fees.
The status lookup tool will tell you that your license is suspended or revoked, but not which of these reasons applies to you. That is why the next step is always to call or visit in person.
How to contact DVS if your status shows a problem
If the lookup tool shows your license is suspended, revoked, expired, or cancelled, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services division. Call 651-297-3298 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. central time. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready.
You can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Minnesota has offices in most counties. Find your nearest office and its hours at dvs.dps.mn.gov under "Office Locations." Some offices require an appointment; others take walk-ins. Bring your driver's license or state ID and be prepared to wait.
If you are calling about a suspension, ask when it will end and what conditions you must meet to restore your privilege. If you are calling about a revocation, ask what the reason is and what the reinstatement process requires. If you are calling about an expired license, you can often renew online instead of visiting an office.
Renewing an expired license online or in person
If your status shows expired, you have two options. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online at dvs.dps.mn.gov. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number. The fee is $48 for a four-year renewal or $72 for an eight-year renewal. You will receive your new license by mail in about two weeks.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your current ID, proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number. The process takes about 30 minutes and costs the same as online renewal. You can get a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for your new one to arrive.
What the status tool does not tell you
The lookup tool is designed to answer one question: is my license valid right now? It does not answer questions about why your license was suspended or revoked, when a suspension will end, what you must do to restore a revoked license, whether you have outstanding fines, or whether there are court cases attached to your license.
It also does not show your driving record, points on your license, or whether you have unpaid tickets. If you need that information, you can request a copy of your driving record from DVS for a fee, or you can ask about it when you call or visit in person.
The status tool is a real-time snapshot of your license status in the state system. If you just paid a fine or appeared in court, it may take a few days for that change to show up in the system. If your status has not updated after a week, call DVS to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license status shows suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. Call DVS to find out when it will end and what you must do to restore your privilege.
How long does it take for a status change to show up on the website?
Changes usually appear within one to three business days, but can take longer depending on the reason. If you just paid a fine or appeared in court, check back after a few days. If your status has not updated after a week, call DVS at 651-297-3298 to confirm the change was processed.
What if I cannot remember my driver's license number?
You will need your license number to use the status lookup tool. If you do not have it, call DVS at 651-297-3298 and provide your name and date of birth. They can look up your number and tell you your status over the phone.
Can I check someone else's license status?
The status lookup tool is for your own license only. You cannot check another person's status using this tool. If you need information about someone else's license, they must check it themselves or give you written permission to inquire on their behalf.
Is the DVS website find?
Yes. The dvs.dps.mn.gov website uses encryption to protect your personal information. You only need to enter your license number and date of birth, which are not sensitive enough to cause identity theft on their own. Do not enter your Social Security number or financial information on the status lookup page.