Check your license status through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website

The fastest way to learn about your Minnesota driver's license is suspended is to visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services website and use their license status lookup tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The tool gives you an when ready answer — you do not have to call or visit an office.

Go to dps.mn.gov, find the Driver and Vehicle Services section, and look for the link labeled "Check Driver License Status" or "License Status Inquiry." Enter your information exactly as it appears on your license. The system will tell you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.

This online lookup is free and available 24 hours a day. You get a result in seconds, which is why it is the method most people use first.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has a free online tool where you enter your license number and date of birth to see your current license status when ready.
  • A suspension means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension can be lifted once you meet the conditions that caused it — usually paying fines, completing a course, or resolving a court issue.
  • If you cannot access the online tool, you can call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911 or visit a local Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.
  • Common reasons for suspension in Minnesota include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and driving under the influence convictions.

Call the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office if you need help

If the online tool does not work for you, or if you need to speak with someone about why your license is suspended, call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call.

The staff can tell you the specific reason your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to get it reinstated. They can also answer questions about fees or documents you may need to submit.

Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person

You can also walk into any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office and ask staff to check your license status for you. Offices are located in most counties. To find the one nearest you, go to dps.mn.gov and search for "office locations."

Bring your driver's license or state ID with you. Staff will look up your status on the spot and can explain what caused the suspension and what you need to do next. This option takes longer than the online tool or a phone call, but some people prefer speaking face-to-face.

Understand what suspension means and how long it lasts

A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privilege. It is different from a revocation, which is permanent. When your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is a crime and can result in additional fines, jail time, or a longer suspension.

The length of a suspension depends on why it was suspended. Some suspensions last 30 days, others last a year or longer. Once you complete whatever action caused the suspension — paying a fine, finishing a court-ordered course, or resolving a child support issue — you can request reinstatement. The Department of Public Safety will tell you exactly what you need to do and when you can drive again.

Common reasons your Minnesota license might be suspended

Minnesota suspends driver's licenses for many reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or fees, failure to appear in court for a traffic ticket, driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, and unpaid child support. Your license can also be suspended if you do not maintain the required car insurance, if you accumulate too many points on your driving record, or if you are convicted of certain crimes.

Some suspensions are automatic — they happen without a court order. Others require a court decision. Knowing the reason your license is suspended is the first step toward fixing it, which is why checking your status and understanding the cause matters.

What to do if your license is suspended

Once you know why your license is suspended, take action to resolve it. If it is unpaid fines, contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket and pay what you owe. If it is a DUI suspension, you may need to complete a substance abuse assessment or education program. If it is child support, work with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to bring your account current.

After you have completed the required steps, contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office to request reinstatement. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the condition is met. Others require you to submit paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee. The office will tell you which applies to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license is suspended?

No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, jail time, or a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you will face serious consequences.

How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license?

Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions have no reinstatement fee; others cost between $20 and $680. The Driver and Vehicle Services office will tell you the exact fee when you check your status or call 651-296-6911.

How long does it take to get my license back after I fix the problem?

It depends on the reason for suspension. Some suspensions are lifted when ready once you pay a fine or complete a requirement. Others take a few business days to process. Call the office or check online after you have completed the required steps to see if your license has been reinstated.

What if I disagree with the suspension?

You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office or the court that issued the suspension to learn how to file a hearing request. You will need to do this within a specific time frame, so act quickly if you believe the suspension is wrong.