How Minnesota reinstates a suspended or revoked license
To reinstate your Minnesota driver's license after suspension or revocation, you must first contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps you need to take. The reinstatement process depends on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic fines, a DWI conviction, medical reasons, or failure to pay child support. You cannot straightforward reapply; you must complete the exact requirements DPS sets for your case before your license becomes valid again.
The first step is always to call the Driver and Vehicle Services division of DPS at 651-297-3298 or visit their office in person to learn your suspension reason and what you owe. Some suspensions require you to pay fines or fees. Others require you to complete a course, pass a new written or driving test, or provide proof of insurance. Until you complete these requirements, your license remains suspended even if you pay money.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Different suspension reasons have different reinstatement paths — some require payment only, others require courses, tests, or proof of insurance.
- You must complete all requirements before your license becomes valid; paying a fee alone does not reinstate a suspended license in most cases.
- Once you meet all requirements, you may need to visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person to finalize reinstatement.
Common reasons for Minnesota license suspension and what each requires
A license suspension for unpaid traffic fines or court costs requires you to pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Once the court confirms payment, they notify DPS electronically, and your license is reinstated within a few business days.
A suspension for DWI (driving while impaired) involves multiple requirements. You must complete a chemical health assessment, pay any fines ordered by the court, and often complete a DWI education program or treatment. Some DWI suspensions also require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period. You cannot drive legally until all these steps are finished.
A suspension for failure to maintain insurance requires proof that you now carry valid auto insurance. You must provide DPS with an insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing continuous coverage from the date of the violation forward. A suspension for unpaid child support requires the child support enforcement office to confirm that you have paid what was owed or made a payment arrangement.
How to contact Minnesota DPS and request reinstatement
Call the Driver and Vehicle Services division at 651-297-3298 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension reason, what you owe or what you must complete, and whether you can handle it by mail or phone or must visit an office in person.
If you prefer to visit in person, DPS has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, Rochester, and Mankato. You can find the address and hours for each location on the DPS website. Bring your current identification and any documents related to your case — court paperwork, proof of payment, insurance cards, or course completion certificates.
You can also mail documents to DPS if the staff member confirms that your reinstatement can be completed by mail. Ask for the mailing address specific to your situation, as different types of suspensions may go to different departments.
Paying fines and fees for reinstatement
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you pay the court directly, not DPS. Contact the district court in the county where your ticket was issued. The court will tell you the exact amount, accepted payment methods, and where to send payment. Courts typically accept payment by mail, phone, or in person at the courthouse.
If your suspension is due to a DWI or other offense, DPS may charge a reinstatement fee in addition to any court fines. This fee varies depending on the type of suspension. Ask DPS staff for the exact amount when you call. Once you pay all required fees and fines, keep proof of payment — a receipt, confirmation number, or bank statement — because you may need to show it to DPS.
Completing required courses or tests for reinstatement
Some suspensions require you to complete a course before reinstatement is possible. A DWI suspension often requires a DWI education program or chemical health assessment. A medical suspension (due to a health condition affecting your ability to drive safely) may require a medical evaluation and clearance from a doctor. A suspension for accumulating too many points on your driving record may require a driver improvement course.
DPS will tell you which course you need and where you can take it. Some courses are offered online, others only in person. You must complete the course and provide DPS with proof of completion — usually a certificate from the course provider. Do not assume the course provider automatically notifies DPS; ask them to confirm they will send your completion record, or request a certificate you can mail to DPS yourself.
If your suspension includes a requirement to retake the written test or driving test, you must schedule that appointment through DPS. You cannot take the test until DPS confirms you are ready. Bring your current ID and any documents DPS requested when you take the test.
Timeline for reinstatement after you meet requirements
Once you complete all requirements, reinstatement usually takes a few business days to two weeks, depending on how DPS receives your documents. If you complete everything in person at a DPS office, your license may be reinstated the same day or within a few days. If you mail documents, allow at least two weeks for processing.
During this waiting period, your license remains suspended. You should not drive, even if you have completed the requirements, until DPS confirms your license is reinstated. You can call DPS to check the status of your reinstatement, or some offices allow you to check online through the DPS website.
What to do if you cannot meet reinstatement requirements right away
If you owe fines but cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact the court to ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow you to pay in installments over several months. Once you set up a payment plan and make the first payment, some courts will notify DPS to lift the suspension temporarily while you pay the rest, though this varies by court.
If you need to complete a course but cannot afford it, ask DPS or the course provider about fee waivers or reduced-cost options. Some DWI education programs offer sliding-scale fees based on income. If a medical suspension is preventing reinstatement, contact your doctor to discuss what evaluation or treatment is needed and whether financial information programs exist in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have completed the reinstatement requirements but am waiting for DPS to process them?
No. Your license remains suspended until DPS officially reinstates it, even if you have completed every requirement. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from DPS before you drive.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended?
Call DPS at 651-297-3298 and provide your driver's license number. They will tell you the reason and the date the suspension began. If you disagree with the suspension, ask DPS about the process to appeal or contest it.
Do I have to visit a DPS office in person to reinstate my license?
Not always. Many reinstatements can be completed by mail or phone if you provide the required documents or proof of payment. Call DPS first to ask whether your specific suspension can be handled remotely. If you must visit an office, DPS will tell you which documents to bring.
Will my insurance rates go up after my license is reinstated?
That depends on your insurance company and the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid fines may not affect your rates, but a DWI suspension usually does. Contact your insurance company to ask how reinstatement will affect your policy.
What happens if I move out of Minnesota while my license is suspended?
Your Minnesota license remains suspended regardless of where you live. If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a license in that state, but you should still resolve your Minnesota suspension to avoid problems if you return or if the states share information about suspensions.