What you need to do to restore your Minnesota driving privileges
To get your suspended license back in Minnesota, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that suspension type requires. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety keeps records of all suspensions, and you can look yours up online or by phone. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $680 for a standard suspension), resolve the underlying issue — whether that's unpaid traffic fines, a failed drug test, or unpaid child support — and then submit proof to the state that the issue is resolved.
The process takes different paths depending on whether your suspension came from a DWI conviction, unpaid tickets, medical reasons, or other causes. Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the conditions; others require you to request reinstatement in writing. Knowing which type you have saves weeks of waiting.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling 651-296-6911 before taking any other step.
- Most suspensions require a $680 reinstatement fee plus proof that you have resolved the underlying issue — unpaid fines, a failed medical exam, or child support arrears.
- DWI-related suspensions have their own timeline and may require an ignition interlock device or a substance abuse evaluation before reinstatement is possible.
- Once you have paid fees and resolved the cause, submit your reinstatement request to the Driver and Vehicle Services division, either online, by mail, or in person at a DVS office.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services division and ask for the specific reason your license was suspended. You can do this three ways: call 651-296-6911 during business hours, visit any DVS office in person, or check your suspension status online through the state's website if you have your driver's license number and date of birth.
Write down the suspension reason exactly as the state gives it to you. The reason determines what you must do next. A suspension for unpaid child support requires different steps than a suspension for failing a medical exam, which is different again from a DWI-related suspension. The state will also tell you the suspension start date and, if one exists, the date it is scheduled to end automatically.
Common suspension reasons and what each requires
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: Pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Once paid, the court sends notice to the Department of Public Safety automatically. You then submit a reinstatement request and pay the $680 fee. This usually takes one to two weeks after the court processes your payment.
Unpaid child support: Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or the county child support office listed in your suspension notice. Arrange a payment plan or pay the full amount owed. Once the child support agency confirms the debt is resolved or a plan is in place, they notify the state, and you can request reinstatement.
Medical suspension (failed exam or doctor's report): You must pass a new medical exam from a licensed physician or specialist. The exam focuses on the condition that triggered the suspension — vision, hearing, or a medical condition affecting your ability to drive safely. Submit the completed medical form (MN Form DL 44) along with your reinstatement request and the $680 fee.
DWI-related suspension: These suspensions have mandatory waiting periods that vary by offense. A first DWI suspension typically lasts 90 days from the arrest date for a chemical test refusal, or 30 days if you took the test. After the waiting period ends, you must submit proof of a substance abuse evaluation (even if you do not need treatment) and pay the $680 reinstatement fee. Some suspensions also require an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before you can drive again.
Paying the reinstatement fee and submitting your request
Once you have resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, passed the medical exam, completed the child support arrangement, or finished the DWI waiting period — you are ready to request reinstatement. The reinstatement fee is $680 and does not change based on suspension type or length.
You can submit your reinstatement request and fee three ways. Online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website is fastest; the system processes requests within one to three business days if all documents are correct. By mail, send your request form, proof of resolution (court receipt, medical form, child support letter), and a check or money order to the Driver and Vehicle Services division at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1500, St. Paul, MN 55101. By phone, call 651-296-6911 and ask about paying over the phone, though you will still need to mail or upload supporting documents.
Keep copies of everything you submit. The state will send you a letter confirming reinstatement, usually within two to four weeks of receiving your complete request. Your driving privileges are restored on the date shown in that letter, not the date you submit the request.
What to do if your suspension is still active and you need to drive
If your suspension has not ended and you do not yet meet the conditions for reinstatement, Minnesota offers a limited license in some cases. A limited license lets you drive to work, school, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs, but nowhere else. You must request a limited license through the same Driver and Vehicle Services division, and approval depends on the suspension reason — limited licenses are available for most suspensions except those related to refusing a chemical test in a DWI case.
To request a limited license, contact DVS by phone or in person and explain why you need to drive. You will need to show proof of the reason — an employment letter, school enrollment, or a medical appointment confirmation. There is no fee for a limited license, but it is not automatic; the state must approve your request.
Reinstating a license suspended for more than one reason
If your license was suspended for multiple reasons — unpaid fines and a failed medical exam, for example — you must resolve all of them before reinstatement. Ask the Department of Public Safety to list every suspension reason when you call. Some reasons may have already been resolved or may have expired, but you cannot get your full license back until every active suspension is cleared.
If you are unsure whether a particular suspension reason still applies, ask the state directly. Do not assume a suspension has been lifted just because time has passed. The state will tell you exactly which issues remain and what proof you need to resolve each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have already submitted my reinstatement request?
No. Your license remains suspended until the state sends you written confirmation of reinstatement. Driving during this time is illegal, even if your request has been approved internally. Wait for the official letter before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the $680 reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services division and ask about a payment plan. Some situations may may have access to for a reduced fee or installment arrangement, though this varies. Call 651-296-6911 to discuss your specific circumstances.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Online requests typically process within one to three business days. Requests by mail take two to four weeks. The timeline depends on whether all your documents are complete and correct. Incomplete requests are returned, which adds time.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license back?
No. The reinstatement process is administrative, not legal. You handle it directly with the Department of Public Safety. A lawyer is not required, though you may want one if you are disputing the suspension itself or if it stems from a criminal case.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Minnesota. You can be arrested, fined, and face jail time. Your suspension period may also be extended. Do not drive until your license is officially reinstated.