What happens when you reinstate a suspended license in Minnesota
Reinstating your Minnesota driver's license means getting it back after the state has suspended or revoked it. The state suspends licenses for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, missed court dates, driving under the influence convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. Reinstatement is not automatic — you have to take specific steps with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and you may need to pay fees or complete other requirements before you can legally drive again.
The exact steps depend on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid fines looks different from a suspension for a DUI conviction. Some suspensions lift automatically after a waiting period; others require you to request reinstatement. Understanding which category applies to you is the first move.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division to find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $680 for most suspensions, though this amount can change) plus any outstanding fines or restitution owed to the court.
- If your suspension was for a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, you may need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle before reinstatement is possible.
- Some suspensions have a mandatory waiting period; you cannot reinstate until that time has passed, even if you pay all fees.
- You can check your suspension status and begin the reinstatement process online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling their driver services line.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the exact reason it was suspended. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains your driving record, and that record shows every suspension, the date it took effect, and the reason. You can check this yourself online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, or you can call their Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298.
When you call or visit online, have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The department will tell you whether your suspension is still active, when it began, and what triggered it. They will also tell you what you need to do to reinstate. This conversation is essential — different suspension reasons have different reinstatement paths, and skipping a required step will delay you.
Paying the reinstatement fee and outstanding fines
Most license suspensions in Minnesota require a reinstatement fee. The current fee is $680 for most suspensions, though this amount can change and some suspension types have different fees. You will also need to pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or restitution that led to the suspension in the first place.
You can pay these fees to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. If your suspension was triggered by unpaid court fines, you may need to pay the court directly rather than the Department of Public Safety. The department will tell you which entity to pay when you contact them. Keep receipts showing payment — you will need proof that fees are settled before reinstatement is granted.
If you cannot afford the full amount at once, contact the court that issued the fine. Some courts allow payment plans. The Department of Public Safety does not typically offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee itself, but the court may work with you on the underlying fines.
Waiting periods and when you can reinstate
Some suspensions come with a mandatory waiting period. You cannot reinstate your license until that period ends, regardless of whether you have paid all fees. A suspension for a first DUI conviction, for example, typically has a mandatory suspension period of at least 90 days. A suspension for accumulating too many traffic points may have a different waiting period.
The Department of Public Safety will tell you the exact waiting period when you check your suspension status. If your suspension is still within the waiting period, you can begin gathering documents and paying fees now so that everything is ready the moment the waiting period ends. Some people complete all steps early and then submit their reinstatement request on the first may be able to access day.
Ignition interlock devices for DUI-related suspensions
If your license was suspended because of a DUI conviction or a refusal to take a breath or blood test, Minnesota law may require you to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you own or regularly drive. This device prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You cannot reinstate your license without proof that an approved device is installed.
You must use a device from a Minnesota-approved vendor. The Department of Public Safety maintains a list of approved vendors on its website. The vendor will install the device, and you will pay an installation fee plus a monthly monitoring fee (typically $60 to $100 per month, though this varies by vendor). You will need to keep the device installed for a set period — usually six months to three years depending on the offense and whether it was a first or repeat violation.
Once the device is installed, the vendor provides you with proof of installation. You bring this proof to the Department of Public Safety when you request reinstatement. Without it, reinstatement will be denied.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have met all requirements — paid fees, completed any waiting period, and installed any required device — you can request reinstatement. You can do this online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The online option is usually fastest.
When you submit your request, you will need to provide your driver's license number, proof of payment for all fees, and any other documentation the department requires (such as proof of ignition interlock installation). The department will review your request and, if everything is in order, will reinstate your license. You can then pick up a new license at a Driver and Vehicle Services office or have it mailed to you.
Processing typically takes one to two weeks if you submit everything correctly. If documents are missing or incomplete, the department will contact you to ask for more information, which delays the process. Double-check that you have included everything before you submit.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
If the Department of Public Safety denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of why. Common reasons include incomplete payment of fines, failure to meet the waiting period, missing documentation, or an outstanding warrant. Read the denial letter carefully to understand what is still missing.
Contact the department to clarify what you need to fix. If the issue is a missing document, ask them exactly what document they need and where to get it. If the issue is unpaid fines, confirm the exact amount owed and to which entity. Once you have resolved the problem, you can resubmit your request. There is no additional fee to resubmit after a denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have paid all my fines?
No. Paying fines does not automatically reinstate your license. You must complete the full reinstatement process with the Department of Public Safety, which includes submitting a formal request and waiting for approval. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you submit all required documents at once and everything is in order, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. If documents are missing or incomplete, it can take longer because the department will need to contact you for more information. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.
Do I have to take a driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the written or road test. You only need to complete the specific requirements tied to your suspension reason — paying fees, waiting out any mandatory period, or installing an ignition interlock device. However, if your license has expired during the suspension, you may need to renew it, which could involve a new photo and vision test.
What if I moved out of Minnesota after my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your Minnesota license even if you now live in another state. Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to request reinstatement by mail or online. You will need to provide a current address, and your reinstated license can be mailed to you. If you plan to get a license in your new state, you may need proof that your Minnesota license is no longer suspended.
Can I get a temporary license while my reinstatement is being processed?
Minnesota does not issue temporary licenses during the reinstatement process. You cannot legally drive until your license is fully reinstated. If you need to drive for work or other essential reasons before reinstatement is complete, explore whether you meet the requirements for a work permit or hardship license, which the Department of Public Safety can explain when you contact them.