How Minnesota Reinstates a Suspended or Revoked License
Minnesota suspends or revokes driver's licenses for specific violations — usually unpaid traffic fines, DWI convictions, or accumulating too many points. Reinstatement is not automatic; you must take concrete steps with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) to get your license back. The process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked, and some routes require you to pay fees, complete a course, or wait out a suspension period before you can even request reinstatement.
The first step is always to find out the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked. You cannot move forward without knowing this, because different violations have different reinstatement paths. You can check your license status and suspension reason on the Minnesota DPS website or by calling their Driver and Vehicle Services line.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked before you can start the reinstatement process.
- Most suspensions require you to pay all outstanding fines, fees, and reinstatement costs to the court or DPS before your license can be restored.
- DWI-related suspensions often require you to complete a chemical dependency assessment or DWI education program before reinstatement is possible.
- Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period; you cannot request reinstatement until that period ends, even if you have paid all fees.
- Once your suspension ends and requirements are met, you must submit a reinstatement request and pay the reinstatement fee to DPS.
Finding Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Go to the Minnesota DPS website and use the Driver License Status Check tool. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The tool will tell you whether your license is suspended or revoked and the reason. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-296-6911 or 1-888-234-1911.
Write down the exact reason and any case or ticket numbers shown. This information is critical because it determines which reinstatement steps you must follow. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI conviction, accumulation of points, or failure to pay child support. Each has a different path forward.
Paying Fines and Court Costs
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear, or other court-related violations, you must pay the full amount owed before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket or citation — the DPS status check should tell you which court. The court will tell you the exact amount due and accept payment by phone, mail, or in person.
Once the court confirms payment, they will notify the Minnesota DPS that the fine is satisfied. However, you will still owe a separate reinstatement fee to DPS itself, which is typically $35 to $45 depending on the type of suspension. You pay this fee directly to DPS when you submit your reinstatement request.
DWI Suspensions and Required Programs
A DWI conviction or refusal to take a breath test triggers a mandatory suspension that cannot be shortened. However, you may be able to request a work permit (also called a limited license) that lets you drive to work, school, or treatment while the suspension is in effect. A work permit requires you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle and pay installation and monthly monitoring fees.
Before you can fully reinstate your license after a DWI suspension, Minnesota requires you to complete a chemical dependency assessment and any recommended treatment or education program. The DPS will provide a list of approved providers. You must complete this assessment and provide proof to DPS before submitting your reinstatement request. Some people also need to complete a DWI education program, which is separate from the assessment.
Waiting Periods and Mandatory Suspension Terms
Many suspensions have a mandatory waiting period. You cannot request reinstatement until this period ends, even if you have paid all fines and completed all programs. The length varies: some suspensions last 30 days, others 90 days, and DWI-related suspensions can last one year or longer depending on whether it is a first or repeat offense.
The DPS status check will tell you when your suspension period ends. Mark that date on your calendar. You cannot submit a reinstatement request before that date — DPS will straightforward reject it. Once the date passes, you can move forward with paying any remaining fees and submitting your request.
Submitting Your Reinstatement Request to DPS
After you have met all requirements — paid fines, completed programs, and waited out any mandatory suspension period — you submit a reinstatement request to the Minnesota DPS. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
You will need to pay the reinstatement fee at the time you submit your request. Bring or include proof that you have satisfied all conditions: court payment receipts, program completion certificates, or other documentation DPS requested. If you are reinstating after a DWI suspension, bring proof of your chemical dependency assessment and any treatment completion.
DPS will review your request and notify you by mail whether your license has been reinstated. This typically takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you can drive legally again. If DPS denies your request, the letter will explain why and what additional steps you need to take.
Work Permits and Limited Licenses During Suspension
If you need to drive while your license is suspended — for work, school, or medical treatment — you can request a work permit from DPS. A work permit is not a full license; it restricts where and when you can drive. You must have a valid reason, and for DWI suspensions, you must install an ignition interlock device.
To request a work permit, contact the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services office or explore online. You will need to explain why you need to drive and provide documentation (a work letter, school enrollment, medical appointment confirmation). The fee for a work permit is separate from the reinstatement fee. A work permit does not shorten your suspension period; it straightforward lets you drive under restrictions while you wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Minnesota?
Once you have met all requirements and submitted your reinstatement request, DPS typically processes it within one to two weeks. However, the total time depends on your suspension reason: if you have a mandatory waiting period, you cannot even request reinstatement until that period ends. DWI suspensions often take longer because you must complete an assessment and possibly treatment before you can request reinstatement.
Can I drive while my license is suspended if I have a work permit?
Yes, a work permit lets you drive to specific places — usually work, school, or medical appointments — during your suspension. You must carry the work permit with you and follow its restrictions. For DWI suspensions, you must also have an ignition interlock device installed. A work permit does not end your suspension; it only allows limited driving during the suspension period.
What if I cannot pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the citation and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will set up a schedule where you pay a portion each month. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask the court to notify DPS that you are in compliance. Some courts will not lift the suspension until the full amount is paid, so confirm the court's policy before assuming a payment plan is enough.
Do I need to take a written test or driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or driving test. You only need to meet the specific requirements for your suspension type — pay fines, complete programs, wait out the suspension period — and then submit your reinstatement request to DPS. Your original license is restored once DPS approves your request.
What happens if I drive with a suspended license?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota. You can be arrested, fined, and face additional charges. Your suspension period may be extended, and you may face jail time depending on how many times you have driven suspended. If you need to drive during your suspension, request a work permit instead of risking criminal charges.