What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Minnesota driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends licenses for different reasons — unpaid traffic fines, too many points from violations, driving under the influence, or failure to appear in court — and each has its own reinstatement path. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get your license back; you have to address the underlying cause first.
The fastest way to learn what caused your suspension and what you owe is to check your driving record through the DPS website or call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-297-3298. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason, any money owed, and the exact steps to take next.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason your license was suspended before you can reinstate it.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay in full or set up a payment plan with the court that issued the ticket.
- For suspensions related to too many points or a DUI, you may need to complete a driver improvement course or substance abuse program before reinstatement is possible.
- After you complete all required steps, you must submit proof to DPS and pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the suspension reason.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after DPS receives your completed paperwork and fee payment.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
Minnesota suspends licenses for several distinct reasons, and the reinstatement process differs for each. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, accumulation of too many violation points, driving under the influence (DUI), and failure to appear in court or pay child support. Some suspensions are automatic; others are ordered by a judge.
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket — not DPS. The court will tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan. Once you pay in full or the court confirms your payment plan is active, the court sends notice to DPS, and your suspension is lifted. This can happen within days if you pay when ready.
If your suspension resulted from too many violation points (usually 12 or more within a 12-month period), you must complete a driver improvement course approved by the state. The DPS website lists approved courses; many are offered online and cost between $50 and $100. After you finish the course, submit your completion certificate to DPS along with the reinstatement fee.
For DUI-related suspensions, the process is longer. You will need to complete a substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle (if required by the court), and provide proof of all completed steps to DPS. The length of this process depends on what the court ordered and how quickly you complete each step.
How to check your driving record and suspension details
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly what caused the suspension. The Minnesota DPS maintains your driving record and suspension information, and you can access it in three ways: online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
The online method is fastest. Go to the DPS website, select "Check Your Driving Record," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show your current suspension status, the reason, any fines or fees owed, and a summary of violations on your record.
If you prefer to call, contact Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3298. Have your license number ready. Staff can tell you the suspension reason and direct you to the next step — whether that is paying a court, completing a course, or submitting paperwork to DPS. If you are in the Minneapolis or St. Paul area, you can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to review your record with staff.
Paying fines and court costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must contact the specific court that issued the ticket. The court name and case number appear on your ticket or on your DPS driving record. Call the court's collections or traffic division and ask for the total amount owed, including any late fees or court costs that have accrued.
Most courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. Ask whether you can set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once. Some courts allow monthly payments; others require payment within a set timeframe. Once the court receives your payment or confirms your payment plan, it notifies DPS electronically. Your suspension is typically lifted within one to three business days.
Keep a record of your payment — a confirmation number, receipt, or bank statement showing the payment. If your suspension is not lifted within a week after you pay, contact DPS to confirm they received notice from the court.
Completing a driver improvement course
If your suspension resulted from accumulating too many violation points, you must complete a state-approved driver improvement course. This course teaches defensive driving techniques and traffic safety. It does not erase points from your record, but it satisfies the reinstatement requirement and may lower your insurance rates.
The DPS website lists all approved courses. Most are offered online and take four to eight hours to complete. You can usually finish in one or two days. Courses cost between $50 and $100, depending on the provider. After you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion — either printed or emailed to you.
Submit your certificate to DPS along with the reinstatement fee (typically $45 to $55, depending on the suspension reason). You can mail these documents to the address listed on the DPS website or submit them in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. DPS will process your reinstatement within one to two weeks of receiving your complete paperwork.
DUI suspensions and the reinstatement process
A DUI suspension is more complex than other suspension types because it usually involves multiple requirements set by the court. You may need to complete a substance abuse assessment, attend a treatment program, install an ignition interlock device, and provide proof of all completed steps to DPS before reinstatement is possible.
Start by reviewing the court order from your DUI case — it will list every requirement you must complete. If you do not have a copy, contact the court that handled your case. Once you know what is required, contact each provider (the assessment clinic, treatment program, or ignition interlock installer) to understand their timeline and cost. Some programs have waiting lists, so do not delay.
As you complete each step, keep all documentation. When all requirements are finished, submit copies of your completion certificates, proof of interlock installation, and the reinstatement fee to DPS. The reinstatement process for a DUI suspension typically takes two to four weeks after DPS receives your complete paperwork, though this varies depending on court requirements and how quickly you complete each step.
Submitting your reinstatement request and paying the fee
Once you have completed all required steps for your specific suspension reason, you must submit proof to DPS and pay the reinstatement fee. The fee varies by suspension reason: unpaid fines suspensions typically cost $45 to $55, point-based suspensions cost $45 to $55, and DUI suspensions may cost more depending on court requirements.
You can submit your reinstatement request by mail or in person. By mail, send your completed paperwork (proof of payment, course certificate, or other required documents), the reinstatement fee, and a copy of your driver's license to the address listed on the DPS website. Include a cover letter stating your name, license number, and the reason for reinstatement.
By phone or online, you may be able to pay the reinstatement fee directly to DPS, but you will still need to mail or deliver physical proof of completing your requirements. Check the DPS website for current payment methods and mailing addresses, as these can change. After DPS receives your complete submission, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. You will receive written confirmation when your license is reinstated.
What happens if you drive with a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Minnesota is a criminal offense. A first offense is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A second offense within five years is a gross misdemeanor, with penalties up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine. These penalties are separate from the original reason your license was suspended.
If you are stopped by police while your license is suspended, you will be cited and may be arrested. Your vehicle may be impounded. Your insurance will not cover any accident or damage that occurs while you are driving illegally. The safest and most practical choice is to complete your reinstatement requirements as quickly as possible rather than risk driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Minnesota?
The timeline depends on your suspension reason and how quickly you complete required steps. If you pay unpaid fines when ready, your suspension may be lifted within one to three business days. For point-based suspensions, completing a driver improvement course and submitting paperwork typically takes one to two weeks. DUI suspensions can take two to four weeks or longer, depending on court requirements and program availability.
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I have a hardship?
Minnesota does not issue hardship or work permits for most suspensions. Your only legal option is to complete your reinstatement requirements. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines, paying when ready is the fastest path to reinstatement. If you cannot drive legally, consider using public transportation, carpooling, or ride-sharing services temporarily.
What if I lost my driver's license and do not know why it was suspended?
Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-297-3298 or check your driving record online through the DPS website. You do not need your physical license to look up your record — you only need your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Staff can tell you the suspension reason and next steps.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee even if I complete all other requirements?
Yes. The reinstatement fee is separate from any fines, court costs, or program fees you may have already paid. The fee typically ranges from $45 to $55, depending on your suspension reason. You must pay this fee to DPS as part of your reinstatement request, even if you have completed all other requirements.
What if I move out of Minnesota before my license is reinstated?
You can still reinstate your Minnesota license by mail or online, even if you no longer live in the state. Contact DPS to confirm the current mailing address and payment methods. Once your Minnesota license is reinstated, you can explore for a license in your new state. Some states allow you to transfer your Minnesota license; others require you to take a new written and driving test.