Where to check your Minnesota driver's license status
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety runs the official system for checking your driver's license status. You can look up your license online through their website without calling or visiting an office. The fastest way is to go to the Minnesota Secretary of State's online license status tool, which shows you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
You will need your driver's license number or your date of birth and last name to search. The system updates regularly, though it may take a few days for recent actions — like a suspension from a traffic ticket — to show up in the online database.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota's online license status tool is free and available 24/7 on the Secretary of State website.
- A suspended license means you cannot drive legally, but the suspension can often be lifted once you meet specific conditions like paying a fine or completing a course.
- A revoked license is more serious and typically requires a formal hearing or process process to restore driving privileges.
- If your license is expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
- The status tool shows the reason for any suspension or revocation, which tells you what step you need to take next.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can drive legally. Your license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it.
Expired means the date on your license has passed. You cannot drive with an expired license, but renewal is straightforward — you can renew online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you are not yet 65 years old and your license has not been expired for more than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license in person.
Suspended means your driving privileges are temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points from violations, or not maintaining car insurance. A suspension has an end date — once you meet the conditions (usually paying what you owe or completing a required course), you can request reinstatement. The status tool tells you the specific reason and what you must do to lift the suspension.
Revoked means your driving privileges have been permanently removed, at least for a set period. Revocation is more serious than suspension and usually results from serious violations like driving under the influence, reckless driving, or multiple suspensions. Restoring a revoked license typically requires a formal hearing before the Department of Public Safety or a new process process after a waiting period.
How to renew an expired Minnesota license
If your license is expired but not revoked or suspended, you can renew it online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions: your license must have expired within the last five years, you must be under 65 years old, and your name and address must not have changed since your last renewal. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.
If you do not meet those conditions, you can renew by mail by sending your expired license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the Secretary of State website. Processing by mail takes about two weeks.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. You will also need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, use the online status tool to find out why your license is suspended. The most common reasons are unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating traffic violation points. The tool will show you the specific reason and the date the suspension ends or the action you need to take.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay what you owe to the court or the agency listed in your status. Contact that agency directly — they can tell you the exact amount and accept payment. Once payment is confirmed, request reinstatement through the Minnesota Secretary of State. There is usually a reinstatement fee in addition to what you owe.
If the suspension is due to too many traffic points, you may be able to take a defensive driving course to reduce points and lift the suspension. The status tool or the Secretary of State website will tell you whether this option is available for your situation.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license is more complex than a suspension. The reason for revocation — usually a serious violation — determines what you must do next. Some revocations can be challenged through a formal hearing, while others require you to wait a set period before you can reapply.
Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety directly to understand your options. If your revocation was due to a DUI or similar offense, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device, complete an alcohol education program, or wait several years before you can reapply. The department can explain the exact requirements for your case and the timeline for restoration.
How long updates take to appear online
Changes to your license status — like a new suspension or a completed reinstatement — usually appear in the online system within one to three business days. If you just paid a fine or completed a required course, allow a few days before checking again. Court records and payment records must be processed and sent to the Department of Public Safety before the status updates.
If you believe your status is incorrect or has not updated after a week, contact the Minnesota Secretary of State or the Driver and Vehicle Services office directly. Bring documentation of what you completed or paid, and they can investigate why the status has not changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license status is being updated?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally, even if you have submitted payment or completed a required course and are waiting for the status to update. Driving with a suspended or revoked license can result in additional fines and criminal charges. Wait until the online status shows your license is valid again.
What if I lost my license number and cannot check my status?
You can search using your date of birth and last name instead of your license number. If you still cannot find your record, call the Minnesota Secretary of State or visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person with a photo ID. They can look up your status and print a record for you.
Does checking my status online affect my license in any way?
No. Looking up your status does not change anything about your license or trigger any action. It is purely informational and does not count as an official request or report.
How do I know if I have too many points on my license?
The online status tool will show if your license is suspended due to points. Minnesota suspends licenses when drivers accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period, 18 or more points within a 24-month period, or 24 or more points within a 36-month period. You can also request a detailed driving record from the Secretary of State, which lists every violation and the points assigned to each.