The fastest way to check your license status in Minnesota
You can check whether your Minnesota driver's license is suspended through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, by phone, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The online method is fastest — you enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and the system tells you when ready whether your license is active, suspended, or revoked.
The state's online lookup tool is available 24 hours a day at the Department of Public Safety website. You do not need to create an account or log in. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Driver and Vehicle Services line during business hours, or visit a local office with your ID.
A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Minnesota or most other states during the suspension period. It is different from a revocation, which is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement process. Knowing which one applies to you determines what steps come next.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website lets you check your license status online using your license number and date of birth, with results in seconds.
- A suspension is temporary and ends on a specific date; a revocation is permanent until you complete reinstatement steps through the state.
- Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, child support arrears, or medical suspension.
- If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and the date it ends or how to restore it.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Using the online lookup tool
Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services website and look for the "Check Driver's License Status" option. You will need your Minnesota driver's license number (the number on the front of your card) and your date of birth. Enter both pieces of information and submit the form.
The system will display your license status within seconds. If your license is active, it will say so. If it is suspended, the result will show the suspension type and, in most cases, the date the suspension ends. If it is revoked, it will tell you that and direct you to information about reinstatement.
If the online tool does not work or you cannot find your license number, you can call Driver and Vehicle Services at the phone number listed on the Department of Public Safety website. Have your license number and date of birth ready when you call. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.
Why licenses get suspended in Minnesota
The most common reason for suspension is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered fees. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine by the important date, or if you did not appear in court on the date listed on your citation, the court can request that the state suspend your license.
Child support arrears also trigger suspension. If you are behind on court-ordered child support payments, the state can suspend your license automatically. The suspension lifts once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan with the child support enforcement office.
Medical suspensions happen when the Department of Public Safety receives a report from a doctor or hospital that you have a condition affecting your ability to drive safely. You may not know a report was filed until you check your status or receive a notice in the mail. A medical suspension requires a doctor's clearance before you can drive again.
Other reasons include failure to maintain car insurance, too many points on your driving record in a short time, or a DWI conviction. Each type of suspension has different rules for how long it lasts and what you must do to restore your driving privileges.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, read the notice you received in the mail. It will explain the reason for the suspension, the date it ends (if it is temporary), and what you must do to restore your license. Keep this notice — you may need it later.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court fees, contact the court that issued the ticket or the citation itself to find out the exact amount owed. You can often pay online through the court's website or by phone. Once the court receives payment, it notifies the state, and your suspension is lifted within one to three business days.
If the suspension is due to child support arrears, contact your local child support enforcement office. They can tell you the amount owed and discuss payment options or a payment plan. If you set up a plan, the office will notify the state once you have made the first payment, and your suspension may be lifted when ready or within a few days.
If it is a medical suspension, you must see a doctor and have them complete a form from the Department of Public Safety confirming you are safe to drive. You then submit that form to the state. The process usually takes one to two weeks from the time you submit the medical clearance.
The difference between suspension and revocation
A suspension is temporary. It has an end date, and once that date passes or once you complete the required action (paying a fine, getting medical clearance, or bringing child support current), your license is automatically restored. You do not have to do anything else.
A revocation is permanent. It does not end on a set date. To drive again after revocation, you must go through a formal reinstatement process, which usually involves paying a reinstatement fee, passing a written test, and sometimes a driving test. Revocations typically result from serious violations like multiple DWI convictions or habitual traffic offender status.
If you are not sure which one applies to you, the online status check or a phone call to Driver and Vehicle Services will tell you. The notice you received in the mail should also make this clear.
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving on a suspended license in Minnesota is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor, which can result in a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. A second offense within five years is a gross misdemeanor, with a fine up to $3,000 and up to one year in jail.
Beyond the criminal penalty, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension. The state adds additional time to your suspension period, so you will not be able to drive legally for even longer. If you are caught a second time, the extension is longer still.
If you are stopped and your license is suspended, the officer will likely impound your vehicle. You will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back, which can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of the stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore my license after I pay a fine?
Once the court receives your payment, the state usually lifts the suspension within one to three business days. You can check your status online again after a few days to confirm the suspension has been removed. In rare cases, it may take up to a week if there is a processing delay.
Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?
No. A suspension means you cannot drive at all, even for essential trips like work or medical appointments. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Minnesota. If you need to drive for work, you must resolve the suspension first or explore whether a work permit is available in your situation.
What if I disagree with the reason for my suspension?
You have the right to request a hearing with the Department of Public Safety. The notice you received in the mail should explain how to request one. You must do this within a certain time frame, usually 30 days from the date of the notice. At the hearing, you can present your side of the story.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A driver's license suspension is a public record and may appear on background checks, depending on what the check includes. Employers, landlords, and insurance companies may see it. This is another reason to resolve the suspension as soon as possible.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online tool requires the license number and date of birth of the person whose license you are checking. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission and their information. If you need to know someone else's status, they will have to check it themselves or give you written permission to do so.