Getting your license back after a suspension in Minneapolis
To reapply for your Minneapolis driver's license after a long suspension, you must first contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to confirm your suspension has ended and learn what steps are required before you can test again. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DWI conviction, medical reasons, or another cause — because each reason has different reinstatement requirements. Most people need to pay any outstanding fines, complete a written exam, and pass a driving test at a Minneapolis exam station.
You cannot straightforward walk in and retake the test; the state must clear your record first. This typically takes a phone call or an online check to confirm your suspension period has ended and what you still owe. Once cleared, you schedule an appointment at a local exam station, bring the required documents, and pay the reinstatement fee.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety before scheduling any test to confirm your suspension has ended and what you must complete first.
- You will likely need to pay any outstanding fines, fees, or court costs related to your suspension before the state will clear your record.
- Most suspended drivers must pass both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at a Minneapolis exam station.
- Schedule your exam appointment online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by phone; walk-ins are not accepted.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment for the reinstatement fee and exam fees when you arrive for your test.
Confirm your suspension has ended with the state
Before you do anything else, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to verify that your suspension period is actually over. You can call their Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298 or check your status online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
The state will tell you three things: whether your suspension has ended, what you still owe (fines, fees, or court costs), and what reinstatement steps you must complete. If your suspension is still active, they will give you the exact date it ends. If it has ended but you have unpaid fines or fees, you cannot move forward until those are paid — the state will not clear your record otherwise.
Pay any outstanding fines, fees, or court costs
Most suspensions involve money owed to the state or to a court. This might be unpaid traffic fines, reinstatement fees, or court costs from a DWI or reckless driving case. You must pay these before the state will process your reinstatement. Ask the Department of Public Safety representative exactly what you owe, to whom, and how to pay it.
If you owe a traffic fine, you can usually pay online through the Minnesota court system or by mail. If you owe a reinstatement fee to the state, that fee is separate from the exam fee and typically costs between $20 and $100 depending on the reason for your suspension. Keep receipts or confirmation numbers showing payment, because you may need to show proof when you arrive for your exam.
Schedule your written and driving test appointment
Once the state confirms your suspension is cleared and all fines are paid, you can schedule your exam. Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and use their online appointment system, or call 651-297-3298 to book over the phone. You will choose a Minneapolis exam station and a date and time that works for you.
Exam stations in Minneapolis include the one on East Lake Street and the one on West 7th Street; availability varies by location and season. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you are cleared. You cannot take the test without a scheduled appointment — the state does not accept walk-ins.
What to bring to your exam appointment
Bring your Social Security number (or have it memorized), a valid form of identification, and proof that you live in Minnesota. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. You will also need to bring payment for the exam fees and any reinstatement fee the state charged.
The written test costs around $10 to $15, and the driving test costs around $20 to $25, though these amounts vary slightly. Bring a debit card or cash. Do not bring your old suspended license unless the state specifically asked you to; you will receive a new one after you pass both tests.
Pass the written knowledge test first
When you arrive, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer at the exam station. This test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you have not driven in years, study the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free online through the Department of Public Safety website.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the manual. Once you pass the written test, you when ready move on to scheduling your driving test, which usually happens within a few days to a week.
Complete your behind-the-wheel driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parallel parking, lane changes, and turns. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition; you cannot borrow a friend's car unless it meets these requirements.
If you have not driven in a long time, consider taking a few practice drives before your test or hiring a professional driving instructor for a lesson or two. Examiners understand that people are nervous, but they are looking for safe, legal driving — not perfect driving. If you fail, you can retake the test after paying the exam fee again.
Receive your new license after passing
Once you pass both the written and driving tests, the exam station will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready, so you can drive home from the exam station.
Your new license will have a new expiration date, typically four to eight years from the date of issue depending on your age. If you have any questions about restrictions or conditions on your new license, ask the exam station staff before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines before I test?
Contact the court or agency that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. You may also be able to request a hearing to reduce the fine if you have financial hardship. The state will not clear your suspension until something is paid or a plan is in place.
Do I have to retake the written test if I have held a license before?
Yes. After a long suspension, Minnesota requires you to pass both the written and driving tests again, even if you held a license for years before the suspension. This applies regardless of how long you were suspended.
Can I use a motorcycle or a friend's car for the driving test?
You must use the same type of vehicle you are testing for. If you want a regular driver's license, use a regular car. The vehicle must be registered and insured in someone's name, and the owner must be present during the test. You cannot use a motorcycle to test for a regular license.
What happens if I fail the driving test twice?
You can retake the test as many times as you need, but you must pay the exam fee each time. After two failures, some people find it helpful to take a professional driving lesson before the next attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can test.
Will my new license show that I was suspended?
No. Your new license will not display your suspension history. However, law enforcement and insurance companies can see your driving record if they look it up. Your record will show the suspension, but your physical license will not.