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 shows your current status when ready — whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
You can also call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-297-3298 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your license number ready when you call. A staff member will tell you your status over the phone and can explain why your license was suspended if you ask.
If you do not have your license number memorized, you can look it up on your physical license card or on any insurance documents or vehicle registration paperwork that lists it.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website has a free tool where you enter your license number and birth date to see your current status when ready.
- Common reasons for suspension in Minnesota include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, and medical suspension after certain health conditions.
- If your license is suspended, you will receive a written notice in the mail explaining the reason and how long the suspension lasts.
- You can call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3298 during business hours if you want to speak to someone about your status or next steps.
Why Minnesota suspends driver's licenses
Minnesota suspends licenses for several reasons, and knowing which one applies to you matters because each has a different path to reinstatement. The most common reason is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution — if you were ticketed and did not pay the fine or did not appear in court, the court can request a suspension. Another frequent reason is unpaid child support; the state can suspend your license if you fall behind on payments.
Medical suspension is another category: if you have a seizure disorder, certain vision problems, or other conditions that affect safe driving, the Department of Public Safety can suspend your license until you provide medical clearance from a doctor. Some people also receive suspensions for accumulating too many points on their driving record within a set time period, or for refusing a breath test during a traffic stop.
Less commonly, suspensions happen because of unpaid vehicle registration fees, failure to maintain car insurance, or an unpaid judgment from a civil lawsuit. The written notice you receive in the mail will state the specific reason and the agency that requested the suspension.
What the notice in the mail will tell you
When Minnesota suspends your license, you should receive a written notice from the Department of Public Safety within a few days. This notice will include the reason for the suspension, the date it began, and the date it will end — or, for some suspensions, the steps you need to take to end it early.
The notice will also list which agency requested the suspension (the court, child support enforcement, the Department of Public Safety itself, or another state agency) and a phone number to call if you have questions. Keep this notice; you will need it if you want to challenge the suspension or if you need to show proof of the suspension to an employer or insurance company.
If you did not receive a notice and the online tool shows your license is suspended, call Driver and Vehicle Services to request a copy. Sometimes notices are delayed in the mail, or the address on file may be outdated.
How to reinstate your license after suspension
The steps to get your license back depend on why it was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — the notice you received should list which court — and ask what amount is due and whether you can set up a payment plan.
If the suspension is for unpaid child support, you will work with the state's child support enforcement office. You can contact them through the Minnesota Department of Human Services website or call your local county child support office. They can tell you the amount owed and discuss payment options.
For medical suspensions, you will need to see a doctor and have them complete a medical evaluation form from the Department of Public Safety. Once your doctor clears you, submit the form to Driver and Vehicle Services. The process typically takes a few weeks.
After you have resolved the underlying issue (paid the fine, arranged child support payments, or obtained medical clearance), contact Driver and Vehicle Services to request reinstatement. Some suspensions lift automatically once the debt is paid or the condition is met, but it is worth calling to confirm your status has changed.
Reinstating your license costs money
Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended license. The fee varies depending on the reason for the suspension and how long it lasted, but typically ranges from $20 to $680. You will need to pay this fee in addition to resolving whatever caused the suspension in the first place — so if you owed court fines, you pay both the fines and the reinstatement fee.
You can pay the reinstatement fee online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Once the fee is processed and any underlying issue is resolved, your license status should update within one to three business days.
If you cannot afford the full reinstatement fee, call Driver and Vehicle Services to ask whether a payment plan is available. Some offices can work with you on timing, though the fee itself cannot be waived.
Driving on a suspended license in Minnesota
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota and carries serious consequences. If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, you can be cited for driving with a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor offense. This adds a new charge to your record separate from whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
A misdemeanor conviction for driving with a suspended license can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time up to 90 days, or both. It also makes your insurance more expensive if you can get coverage at all, and it may affect your employment if your job requires a valid license.
If you need to drive before your license is reinstated — for work, medical appointments, or other essential reasons — ask the court or the agency that suspended your license whether a limited license or work permit is available. Some suspensions allow for a restricted license that lets you drive to work or school during specific hours.
What to do if you disagree with the suspension
If you believe your license was suspended in error or if you want to challenge the reason for the suspension, you have the right to request a hearing. The notice you received should explain how to request one, or you can contact the agency listed on the notice.
For suspensions ordered by a court (traffic fines, failure to appear), you will request a hearing through that court. For child support suspensions, contact the child support enforcement office. For medical suspensions, you can request a review by submitting new medical information to the Department of Public Safety.
Requesting a hearing does not automatically lift the suspension while you wait, but it gives you a chance to present your side of the story to a decision-maker. Bring any documents that support your case — proof of payment if you say you paid a fine, medical records if you are challenging a medical suspension, or evidence of a clerical error if you believe the suspension was issued by mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a suspension usually last in Minnesota?
The length varies by reason. Traffic-related suspensions often last 30 to 90 days, but can be longer if you have multiple violations. Child support suspensions continue until you catch up on payments. Medical suspensions last until you get doctor clearance. Some suspensions are indefinite until you take action, so check your notice or call Driver and Vehicle Services to find out your specific end date.
Can I get a temporary license while mine is suspended?
Minnesota does not issue temporary licenses during a suspension, but you may be able to get a work permit or restricted license that allows driving to work, school, or medical appointments during certain hours. Ask the court or agency that suspended your license whether this option is available for your situation.
What if I moved and did not get the suspension notice?
The Department of Public Safety mails notices to the address on file with your license. If you moved, the notice may not have reached you. Call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3298 to confirm your current address and request a copy of the notice. You can also update your address online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website.
Does a suspension in Minnesota affect my license in other states?
Yes. Minnesota is part of the Driver License Compact, an agreement between states to share suspension and revocation information. If your Minnesota license is suspended, other states will see that suspension in their system, and you cannot legally drive in those states either. You will need to resolve the suspension in Minnesota before driving anywhere.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license. The suspension must be lifted first, and you must pay the reinstatement fee. After that is complete, you can renew your license if it has expired, or you can straightforward use your reinstated license if it is still valid.