Getting your license back after a DWI conviction in Minnesota

After a DWI conviction in Minnesota, your driver's license is suspended or revoked by the state, not just taken away at the courthouse. To drive legally again, you must follow Minnesota's reinstatement process, which involves paying fees, completing required programs, and submitting paperwork to the Department of Public Safety. The steps and timeline depend on whether this is your first offense, how long your suspension lasts, and whether you had a prior DWI within the past ten years.

Minnesota distinguishes between a suspension (temporary, usually one to two years) and a revocation (longer-term, typically five to ten years for repeat offenses). Both require you to take action—your license will not automatically return when the period ends. Understanding which one applies to you is the first step, because the reinstatement requirements differ.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota suspends or revokes your license through the Department of Public Safety, not the court, so you must contact them directly to learn your specific suspension length and requirements.
  • Most first-time DWI suspensions require you to complete a chemical health assessment and an alcohol education program before you can reinstate.
  • You must pay a reinstatement fee (currently $680 for a first suspension, though this amount can change) and provide proof of completion of all required programs.
  • If you had a prior DWI within ten years, your suspension is longer and may require an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before reinstatement.
  • You can request a limited license to drive to work or treatment during your suspension period, but this requires a separate petition to the court.

How Minnesota's suspension and revocation periods work

The length of your license suspension depends on your DWI history. A first-offense DWI typically results in a one-year suspension. If you had a prior DWI within ten years, the suspension is longer—usually three years for a second offense, and even longer for a third or subsequent offense within that ten-year window. A revocation (which is permanent until you meet reinstatement conditions) usually applies after multiple offenses or if you refused a breath or blood test.

Your suspension begins on the date you are convicted, not the date of arrest. The Department of Public Safety will mail you a notice showing your suspension start date and end date. If you do not receive this notice, contact the Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services division at 651-296-6911 to confirm your status. Do not assume your suspension has ended—you must verify the exact date before attempting to reinstate.

Required programs before you can reinstate

Minnesota requires most people suspended for DWI to complete a chemical health assessment and an alcohol education program before reinstatement. The assessment is conducted by a licensed professional and determines what level of treatment, if any, you need. This is not optional—you cannot skip it or substitute a different program.

The alcohol education program is typically a classroom course that runs four to eight hours, depending on your offense history. Some programs are offered in a single day; others meet weekly. You must complete the program through a provider approved by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The provider will give you a certificate of completion, which you will need to submit with your reinstatement paperwork.

If the assessment recommends treatment beyond education (such as counseling or a support group), you must complete that as well before the Department of Public Safety will reinstate your license. This is one reason to start the assessment early—if treatment is recommended, it can add weeks or months to your timeline.

The reinstatement fee and how to submit your paperwork

Minnesota charges a reinstatement fee to restore your driving privileges. As of now, the fee is $680 for a first suspension, though you should confirm the current amount by calling the Department of Public Safety or visiting their website, as fees can change. This fee is separate from any fines imposed by the court.

To reinstate, you must submit a reinstatement request to the Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services division. You will need to include proof that you have completed all required programs (the certificates from your chemical health assessment and alcohol education program), proof of payment of the reinstatement fee, and a completed reinstatement form. You can mail these documents or submit them in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Department receives your complete paperwork. During this time, your license remains suspended. Once approved, you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick one up at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Ignition interlock requirements for repeat offenses

If you had a prior DWI within ten years, Minnesota may require you to install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive. This device measures your breath alcohol level before the engine will start. You cannot start the car if the device detects alcohol.

An ignition interlock is typically required for at least one year after reinstatement for a second offense, and longer for subsequent offenses. You must have the device installed before the Department of Public Safety will reinstate your license. The installation and monthly monitoring fees are your responsibility—they typically range from $60 to $100 per month, depending on the provider.

Minnesota has approved interlock providers throughout the state. The Department of Public Safety can provide you with a list. Once installed, you must have the device serviced monthly and cannot tamper with it or attempt to circumvent it—doing so can result in additional criminal charges and a longer suspension.

Requesting a limited license during suspension

You may be able to drive during your suspension for specific purposes—such as driving to work, school, or treatment—if you obtain a limited license. This is not automatic; you must petition the court in the county where you were convicted.

To request a limited license, file a petition with the district court and explain why you need to drive (for example, your job requires it, or you need to attend treatment). The court will consider your request and may grant it if you can show hardship. You will likely need to attend a hearing. If approved, the court will issue an order, and you can then explore for the limited license through the Department of Public Safety.

A limited license does not reduce your suspension period—it straightforward allows you to drive for approved purposes during the suspension. Once your full suspension ends and you complete reinstatement, you will have full driving privileges again.

What happens if you drive with a suspended license

Driving with a suspended or revoked license in Minnesota is a separate criminal offense. A first violation is a misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation within five years is a felony. You can face jail time, additional fines, and a longer suspension. This is why it is important to either obtain a limited license if you need to drive or wait until your suspension ends and you have completed reinstatement.

If you are stopped by police and your license is suspended, you will be cited. The citation will go to court, and you will face charges in addition to your original DWI case. Avoiding this situation is far simpler than dealing with the consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reinstate my license before my suspension period ends?

No. You must wait until your suspension period has ended before you can reinstate. However, you can complete the required programs (chemical health assessment and alcohol education) during your suspension so that you are ready to submit your reinstatement paperwork as soon as the suspension ends.

What if I move out of Minnesota before my suspension ends?

Your Minnesota suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you move to another state, that state may recognize your Minnesota suspension through the Interstate Compact on Driver's Licenses, which means you may not be able to obtain a license in the new state until your Minnesota suspension is lifted. You must still complete Minnesota's reinstatement process to restore your Minnesota license.

Do I have to use an ignition interlock provider approved by Minnesota?

Yes. The Department of Public Safety maintains a list of approved providers. You cannot use an unapproved provider and have it count toward your requirement. The approved providers are listed on the Department's website or available by phone.

What if I did not receive notice of my suspension?

Contact the Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services division when ready to confirm your suspension status. Lack of notice does not invalidate the suspension—it remains in effect whether or not you received the mailed notice. The Department can tell you your suspension dates and what you need to do to reinstate.

Can I appeal my DWI suspension?

You may have had the right to request a hearing on your suspension within a certain timeframe after your arrest, but that window has likely closed if you have already been convicted. Once convicted, the suspension is part of your sentence. Your options at this point are to complete the reinstatement process or consult with an attorney about whether any grounds for appeal remain in your specific case.