What a Minnesota work permit does when your license is suspended
A Minnesota work permit (officially called a limited license) lets you drive to and from work, and to work-related locations, even though your license is suspended. It does not restore your full driving privileges — you cannot use it for personal errands, school runs, or any trip unrelated to employment. The permit is issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and is valid only for the specific routes and times you list on your process.
You can request a limited license at any point during your suspension, including when ready after the suspension takes effect. The state does not require you to wait any particular length of time. However, you must meet certain conditions: you need a valid reason for the suspension (not a criminal revocation), proof of employment or a job offer, and the ability to show that you have no other way to reach work.
Key Takeaways
- A limited license in Minnesota allows driving only to work and work-related locations, not for personal use, and requires you to list specific routes on your process.
- You must submit your request to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety with proof of employment, your work address, and a statement that you have no other transportation.
- Criminal revocations (DWI-related) are usually ineligible for a limited license, but most other suspension reasons allow one.
- Processing typically takes one to two weeks after the Department receives your complete process.
- If your request is denied, you can request a hearing before a judge to present your case in person.
Who qualifies for a limited license in Minnesota
You can request a limited license if your suspension is not a criminal revocation. Criminal revocations happen after a DWI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, and Minnesota law does not allow limited licenses for these cases. If your suspension is for unpaid tickets, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or other non-criminal causes, you are may be able to access to request one.
You must also have a genuine employment need. The Department will ask you to explain why you cannot reach work without driving — for example, if public transit does not serve your workplace or your work hours fall outside bus schedules. If you have a job offer in writing, that counts as proof of employment. If you are already working, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, work address, and work schedule.
The Department also considers whether you have other transportation options. If a family member can drive you, or if you live within walking distance of work, your request may be denied. Be honest about this on your process; the Department can verify information through your employer.
Documents you need to submit
Gather these items before you contact the Department of Public Safety:
- A completed Limited License process (form DL-44), available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or at any Driver and Vehicle Services office
- Proof of employment: a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a written job offer
- Your work address and the address of your home
- Your work schedule (days and hours you need to drive)
- A statement explaining why you cannot use public transit, carpool, or other transportation
- Your current Minnesota ID or driver's license number
If you are self-employed, bring documentation of your business — a business license, tax return, or bank statements showing business activity. The Department needs to confirm that your employment is real and ongoing, not temporary or informal.
How to submit your request to the Department of Public Safety
You have two options: mail your process or submit it in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Mailing is slower but requires no appointment. In-person submission is faster and lets you ask questions on the spot.
By mail: Send your completed form DL-44, employment letter, and a copy of your suspension notice to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1900, St. Paul, MN 55101. Include a phone number where the Department can reach you. Mail typically arrives within three to five business days, so expect processing to take one to two weeks total.
In person: Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office with your documents. You can find office locations and hours on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Bring the original employment letter and your ID. Staff will review your process on the spot and tell you if anything is missing. If your process is complete, processing usually takes five to seven business days.
What happens after you submit your process
The Department will review your request and either approve or deny it. If approved, you will receive a limited license in the mail, usually within one to two weeks. The license will show the specific routes you listed and the times you are permitted to drive. You must carry this license whenever you drive, along with your regular ID.
If the Department denies your request, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include a criminal revocation, lack of proof of employment, or the Department's information that you have other transportation available. You have the right to request a hearing before a judge if you disagree with the denial.
While your limited license is in effect, follow the restrictions exactly. Driving outside the listed routes or times, or for purposes other than work, is a violation and can result in additional penalties. If your job changes or your work schedule changes, contact the Department to update your limited license.
Requesting a hearing if your process is denied
If the Department denies your limited license request, you can ask for a hearing before a Minnesota administrative law judge. This hearing gives you a chance to present your case in person and answer questions about your employment and transportation situation.
To request a hearing, send a written request to the Department within 30 days of the denial notice. Include your name, driver's license number, and a brief statement of why you believe you should receive a limited license. The Department will schedule a hearing, usually within two to four weeks. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney. At the hearing, bring your employment letter, proof of your work schedule, and any other documents that support your need for a limited license.
The judge will make a decision within a few days of the hearing. If the judge rules in your favor, the Department will issue your limited license. If the judge denies your request, you can request another hearing after six months have passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a limited license to drive to the grocery store or doctor's office?
No. A limited license covers only driving to work, from work, and to work-related locations (like a job site or client meeting). Any other driving is a violation. If you need to run errands, you must arrange another way to get there.
What if my employer will not write me a letter?
Contact your employer's human resources or payroll department and explain that you need the letter for a court-ordered requirement. If your employer refuses, you can bring a recent pay stub, tax documents showing self-employment income, or a written job offer instead. The Department accepts multiple forms of proof.
How long does a limited license last?
A limited license lasts for the duration of your suspension. When your suspension ends, your limited license ends as well, and you can explore to have your full driving privileges restored.
Can I get a limited license if I was convicted of DWI?
No. Minnesota law does not allow limited licenses for criminal revocations, which include DWI convictions and refusals to take a breath test. You must wait until your revocation period ends to drive again.
What if I move or change jobs while I have a limited license?
Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to update your limited license with your new work address or new route. You cannot drive to a new location until the Department approves the change. Submit an updated process with a new employment letter from your employer.