How to check your Minnesota license status online or by phone
You can find out whether your Minnesota driver's license is suspended by checking with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) directly. The fastest way is to use the online license status lookup tool on the DPS website, which gives you an answer in seconds without waiting on hold. You can also call the Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298 to speak with someone who can look up your status by your driver's license number or name and date of birth.
The online tool requires your driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have your license number handy, you can provide your full name and date of birth instead. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is suspended, the lookup will show the reason and the date it is scheduled to be reinstated.
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Locations are open during regular business hours across Minnesota, and staff can print out your driving record on the spot. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait, especially during peak hours like lunch and late afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has a free online tool that shows your license status in seconds using your license number and date of birth.
- Common reasons for suspension in Minnesota include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension after a seizure or serious health event.
- A suspension is temporary and your license will be reinstated on a specific date; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license.
- If your license is suspended, you must stop driving when ready — driving on a suspended license carries criminal penalties and can result in arrest.
- To reinstate a suspended license, you typically need to resolve the underlying issue (pay fines, appear in court, or meet medical requirements) and pay a reinstatement fee to the DPS.
Common reasons Minnesota suspends driver's licenses
Minnesota suspends licenses for several specific reasons, and knowing which one applies to you determines what you need to do to get it back. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fines. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the important date, or if you were ordered to pay restitution and did not, the court can request that DPS suspend your license.
Failure to appear in court is another frequent trigger. If you were issued a ticket and did not show up on your court date, the court will issue a bench warrant and request a license suspension. Child support arrears also lead to suspension — if you owe back child support, the state child support enforcement office can request that DPS suspend your license until you bring your account current.
Medical suspensions happen when a doctor reports a condition that makes you unsafe to drive, such as a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, or severe cognitive decline. You may also face suspension if you refused a breath test during a DUI stop, or if you were convicted of driving under the influence. Finally, accumulating too many points from traffic violations within a certain time period can trigger a suspension under Minnesota's point system.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. Your license will be reinstated automatically on a specific date, or once you complete the required steps. You do not have to reapply or take a new test — once the suspension period ends or the underlying issue is resolved, your license becomes valid again.
A revocation is permanent. If your license is revoked, you cannot straightforward wait for it to expire and get a new one. You must formally reapply for a license, which usually means retaking the written test and the driving test, and paying new process fees. Revocations typically result from serious violations like multiple DUI convictions or driving with a revoked license.
When you check your status online or by phone, the system will clearly state whether you have a suspension or revocation. If you see "revoked" and you are unsure why, ask DPS for a copy of your driving record, which will explain the reason and the date the revocation took effect.
Steps to reinstate your suspended license
Reinstatement begins with resolving the reason for the suspension. If the suspension was due to unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the ticket or any court paperwork will have the court's phone number and the amount due. Once you pay, the court will notify DPS, and the suspension will be lifted.
If you failed to appear in court, you must appear before the judge to resolve the case. Call the court to reschedule your appearance, or go in person to explain your absence. The judge may dismiss the case, find you guilty, or set a new trial date. Once the case is resolved, the court will request that DPS lift the suspension.
For child support arrears, contact your local child support office or the Minnesota Department of Human Services. You will need to either pay the full amount owed or set up a payment plan. Once you are current or have an approved plan in place, the child support office will request reinstatement.
For medical suspensions, you must obtain a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive again. Submit this letter to DPS along with a reinstatement request. DPS may require you to pass a medical examination or vision test before reinstating your license.
After resolving the underlying issue, you must pay a reinstatement fee to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension but typically ranges from $20 to $100. You can pay this fee online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license in Minnesota
Driving on a suspended license in Minnesota is a criminal offense, not just a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, you can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license. The charge and penalties depend on whether the suspension was for a safety reason (like a medical condition or DUI) or a financial reason (like unpaid fines).
For a first offense driving on a suspended license due to a financial reason, you face a misdemeanor charge, up to 90 days in jail, and a fine up to $1,000. If the suspension was for a safety reason, the penalties are more severe — up to one year in jail and a fine up to $3,000. Repeat offenses carry even harsher penalties.
Beyond criminal charges, driving on a suspended license will result in your vehicle being impounded, additional fines, and a longer suspension period. Your insurance company may also drop your coverage, and you will have difficulty obtaining insurance in the future. The best course of action is to stop driving when ready and resolve the suspension as quickly as possible.
How to request a hearing if you believe the suspension is wrong
If you believe your license was suspended in error, or if you want to challenge the suspension, you have the right to request a hearing before the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. You must submit your request in writing within a certain timeframe — usually 30 days from the date you received notice of the suspension, though this varies depending on the reason for suspension.
Send your written request to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, along with any documents that support your case. Include your driver's license number, the reason you believe the suspension is incorrect, and any evidence such as proof of payment, court documents, or medical records. DPS will schedule a hearing and notify you of the date and time.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case to a hearing officer. You can bring documents, witnesses, or an attorney. The hearing officer will review the evidence and issue a decision. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the suspension will be lifted. If not, you may have the right to appeal to district court, though you should consult an attorney about this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension last in Minnesota?
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines typically last until you pay; suspensions for failure to appear last until you appear in court; medical suspensions last until your doctor clears you; and suspensions for traffic violations can last from 30 days to several years depending on your driving record. Check your status online to see the specific reinstatement date for your suspension.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Minnesota does not issue hardship licenses or restricted driving permits for most suspensions. However, if your suspension is for a medical reason, you may be able to request a hearing to argue that you need to drive for essential purposes. Contact DPS to ask whether a hardship license is available for your specific situation.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I was suspended by mistake?
If your suspension is lifted because it was issued in error, DPS may waive the reinstatement fee. Contact DPS directly to explain your situation and ask whether a fee waiver is possible. Have documentation ready to support your claim.
Will a suspension show up on a background check?
A suspended license will appear on your driving record, which employers, insurance companies, and landlords may check. Once your license is reinstated, the suspension remains part of your record but is no longer active. Some employers and insurers may still see it depending on how far back they check.
What if I moved out of Minnesota while my license was suspended?
If you moved to another state, your Minnesota suspension is still active in Minnesota's system. If you want to drive in Minnesota again, you must resolve the suspension before your license will be reinstated. If you want to obtain a license in your new state, contact that state's DMV — some states will not issue a license if you have an active suspension in another state.