What you need to pay to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended license in Minnesota, you pay a reinstatement fee to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). The fee is $680 for most suspensions. You also have to pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears that caused or contributed to the suspension in the first place — the reinstatement fee alone will not restore your driving privileges if those debts remain unpaid.
The exact amount you owe depends on why your license was suspended. If it was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must settle those debts. If it was suspended because of child support arrears, you must bring your child support account current or set up a payment plan with the county child support office. If it was suspended for a DWI or refusal to take a breath test, you may also face additional requirements beyond the fee.
You can pay the reinstatement fee and any fines online through the Minnesota DPS website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Payments by mail should be sent to the address listed on your suspension notice. Online payment is usually the fastest option and lets you see when ready whether your payment was received.
Key Takeaways
- The reinstatement fee in Minnesota is $680, but you must also pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears before your license will be restored.
- You can pay online through the Minnesota DPS website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
- If your suspension is related to a DWI or refusal, you may need to complete additional steps such as an alcohol assessment or install an ignition interlock device.
- After you pay all required fees and debts, contact the DPS to confirm your suspension has been lifted before you drive.
Why your license was suspended and what that means for reinstatement
Minnesota suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason matters because it determines what you must pay and what else you must do. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, child support arrears, a DWI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those debts in full. The court that issued the fine will have a record of the amount. You can contact the court directly or check your suspension notice, which usually lists the court and case number. If your suspension is for child support arrears, you must contact your county's child support enforcement office — they can tell you the exact amount owed and whether you can set up a payment plan instead of paying in full.
If your suspension is related to a DWI or refusal to take a breath test, reinstatement is more complex. You will need to pay the $680 reinstatement fee, but you may also be required to complete an alcohol assessment, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and carry proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance). These requirements vary based on whether it was your first offense and how long your suspension period is.
How to find out what you owe and where to send payment
Your suspension notice is the first place to look. It should list the reason for suspension, the amount owed (if any), and where to send payment. If you cannot find your notice or it does not have this information, contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division at 651-296-6911 or visit their website.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court costs, you can also contact the court that issued the fine directly. The court clerk can confirm the exact amount and accept payment over the phone or by mail. If your suspension is for child support arrears, call your county's child support enforcement office — the number is usually on any child support paperwork you have received, or you can find it through the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
Once you know what you owe, you have three ways to pay. Online payment through the DPS website is fastest and gives you when ready confirmation. You can also mail a check or money order to the address on your suspension notice. If you prefer to pay in person, visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office during business hours — they accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Steps to take after you pay
After you have paid the reinstatement fee and any outstanding debts, do not assume your suspension is automatically lifted. Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to confirm that your suspension has been removed from your record. You can call 651-296-6911 or check online through the DPS website. This step is important because payment processing can take several days, and you need to know for certain that you are legally allowed to drive before you get behind the wheel.
If your suspension was related to a DWI or refusal, you will also need to complete any additional requirements before you can drive. This may include submitting proof of an alcohol assessment, installing an ignition interlock device, and obtaining SR-22 insurance. Your suspension notice or the DPS will tell you which of these explore to your situation. Do not skip these steps — driving without completing them can result in a new suspension or criminal charges.
Once the DPS confirms your suspension is lifted and you have completed any additional requirements, you can legally drive again. Keep a copy of the confirmation email or letter in your vehicle for the first few weeks in case you are stopped by law enforcement.
What happens if you cannot pay the full amount right away
If you owe fines or court costs and cannot pay in full, you can request a payment plan from the court. Contact the court clerk and explain your situation — most courts will work with you to set up monthly payments. Once you have a payment plan in place, you can still pay the $680 reinstatement fee to the DPS, and your suspension may be lifted even if you are still paying down the fines over time.
If your suspension is for child support arrears, the child support enforcement office can also set up a payment plan. You do not have to pay the entire arrearage at once. However, you will still need to pay the $680 reinstatement fee to the DPS separately. Make sure you understand the terms of any payment plan before you agree to it — missing a payment can result in a new suspension.
If you are facing financial hardship, some courts and child support offices have programs to reduce or waive fines. Ask the court clerk or child support officer whether you are may be able to access. These programs are not automatic, so you have to request them, but they exist specifically for people in your situation.
DWI suspensions and additional requirements
If your suspension is related to a DWI conviction or refusal to take a breath test, reinstatement involves more than paying a fee. You will need to complete an alcohol assessment through an approved provider, and depending on the assessment results and your offense history, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in your car that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The cost of installation and monthly monitoring is your responsibility, typically ranging from $60 to $100 per month. You must keep the device installed for the length of time ordered by the court — usually at least one year for a first offense.
You will also need to obtain SR-22 insurance, which is proof of financial responsibility. This is not a separate insurance policy; it is a form your insurance company files with the DPS to show you are insured. Your insurance rates will increase, and you must maintain continuous coverage for the period ordered by the court. If your insurance lapses, your suspension will be reinstated automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my suspension is being processed?
No. Once your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work, until the suspension is lifted. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DPS that your suspension has been removed.
What if I paid my fines but my suspension is still showing as active?
Payment processing takes time, usually three to five business days. Contact the DPS or the court that issued the fine to confirm your payment was received and applied. If the payment was received but the suspension has not been lifted, ask when you can expect the suspension to be removed from the system.
Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if I was not the one who caused the suspension?
Yes. The reinstatement fee applies regardless of who was responsible for the violation. The fee is set by Minnesota law and is the same for all drivers. However, if you believe the suspension was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the DPS to challenge it.
What if I cannot afford the ignition interlock device?
Contact the court that ordered the device and explain your financial situation. Some courts will reduce the monitoring period or allow you to defer installation if you can demonstrate hardship. You can also ask about payment plans with the interlock provider. However, you cannot straightforward refuse to install the device — doing so will result in a new suspension.
Can I get a work permit to drive while my suspension is active?
Minnesota does not issue work permits for suspended licenses. Your only option is to complete all reinstatement requirements and have the suspension officially lifted by the DPS.