What a work permit does when your license is suspended
A work permit in Minnesota is a document that lets you drive to and from work, and to work-related locations, even though your driver's license is suspended. It does not restore your license or remove the suspension — it creates a narrow exception to the suspension that applies only to employment-related driving.
The permit is issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and you can drive only the routes and times listed on it. If you drive outside those boundaries or for any other purpose, you are still breaking the law. The permit lasts as long as your suspension does, unless the court sets an earlier end date.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a suspended license and a genuine job or job offer to request a work permit from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
- Your employer or a job offer letter must confirm that you need to drive for work, and the letter goes directly to the Department of Public Safety with your request.
- The Department of Public Safety reviews your request and the reason for your suspension — some suspensions (like DWI convictions) may disqualify you or delay approval.
- Once approved, your work permit specifies the exact routes you can drive and the hours you can drive them, and you must carry it with you whenever you drive.
- The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time the Department receives a complete request.
Gather the documents you need before you request
Start by collecting proof that you have a job or a job offer. This can be a letter from your employer on company letterhead, a signed job offer, or a recent pay stub. The document must state that you need to drive as part of your work, and it should include your job title, the dates you work, and whether you drive a company vehicle or your own car.
You will also need your suspended driver's license or your Minnesota ID card. Have your Social Security number ready. If you have been convicted of a DWI or are suspended because of a DWI-related offense, gather any court documents related to that conviction, because the Department of Public Safety may need them to process your request.
Write down the specific routes you drive to work and the times you typically drive them. For example: "Home at 1234 Oak Street to employer at 5678 Industrial Boulevard, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m." The more specific you are, the faster the Department can issue your permit.
Submit your request to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Contact the Driver and Vehicle Services Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by phone at 651-296-6911 or 1-800-657-3724. Tell them you are requesting a work permit because your license is suspended. They will ask you questions about your suspension, your job, and the routes you drive.
The Department will tell you whether to mail your request or submit it in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. If you mail it, send your employer's letter, a copy of your suspended license or ID, and a written description of your work routes and hours to the address they provide. If you submit in person, bring the same documents and be prepared to answer questions about your suspension and your job.
Some suspensions require additional steps. If your suspension is related to a DWI conviction, the Department may require a letter from your employer stating that they are aware of the conviction and still want to employ you. Ask the Department whether this applies to your case when you call.
What happens while the Department reviews your request
The Department of Public Safety will review your employer's letter, your suspension record, and the reason for your suspension. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines or a minor violation, approval usually takes two to four weeks. If your suspension is related to a DWI or a serious offense, the review may take longer because the Department has to verify additional information with the court.
The Department will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether your request has been approved. If it is approved, they will mail your work permit to the address on your suspended license. If it is denied, they will explain why and tell you whether you can request again later.
While you are waiting, do not drive except in a genuine emergency. Driving on a suspended license without a work permit is a crime, even if you have requested one. If you are stopped by police, the permit request will not protect you.
Understand what your work permit allows and does not allow
Your work permit will list the specific routes you can drive, the days of the week you can drive them, and the hours you can drive. For example, it might say "Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., from 1234 Oak Street to 5678 Industrial Boulevard." You can drive only those routes during those hours. Driving to a coffee shop on the way to work, or taking a detour to pick up groceries, violates the permit.
You must carry your work permit with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police, show them both your suspended license and your work permit. Without the permit in your possession, you are driving on a suspended license illegally, even if you are on an approved route at an approved time.
If your job changes — you get a new job, your hours change, or you no longer need to drive for work — contact the Department of Public Safety to request a new permit or to end the current one. Driving under an outdated permit can result in charges.
What to do if your request is denied
If the Department denies your request, ask them in writing why it was denied. Some denials are temporary — for example, if your suspension is very recent or if the Department needs more information from your employer. In those cases, you can request again after a waiting period, usually 30 to 90 days.
If your denial is permanent — for example, because your suspension is related to a serious DWI conviction — you may have the right to request a hearing before a judge. Ask the Department whether a hearing is available in your situation. If it is, you will need to file a written request with the court that issued your suspension, usually within 30 days of the denial.
While you wait or prepare for a hearing, explore other transportation options. Some employers offer carpool programs, public transit passes, or flexible schedules that let you work from home part of the week. These options may be faster than waiting for a work permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to places other than work with a work permit?
No. A work permit allows you to drive only to and from work and to work-related locations specified on the permit. Driving to run errands, visit friends, or go to appointments violates the permit, even if you are on an approved route. If you are stopped by police, you must be able to explain why you are driving and show that it is work-related.
What if my job requires me to drive to multiple locations?
Tell your employer and the Department of Public Safety about all the locations you need to drive to. Your work permit can list multiple destinations — for example, a main office and three client sites. The Department will include all of them on your permit, but you can drive only to those specific locations during your approved hours.
How long does a work permit last?
Your work permit lasts as long as your license suspension does. When your suspension ends, your work permit ends automatically. If the court sets an earlier end date for your suspension, your work permit ends on that date. You do not need to do anything — the Department will notify you when your suspension is lifted.
What happens if I am stopped by police while driving on my work permit?
Show the officer both your suspended license and your work permit. If you are on an approved route during approved hours, the officer should let you go. If you are outside your approved routes or hours, you can be cited for driving on a suspended license. Keep your permit in your vehicle at all times so you can show it when ready.
Can I get a work permit if my suspension is for a DWI?
Yes, but the process may take longer and your employer may need to sign a letter stating they are aware of the DWI conviction. The Department of Public Safety will tell you whether this is required when you call. Some DWI-related suspensions have restrictions on work permits — for example, you may not be allowed to drive a commercial vehicle — so ask the Department about any limits that explore to your case.