What happens when your Minnesota license is suspended or revoked
When your Minnesota driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in the state. A suspension is temporary — your license will return automatically on a set date, or you can take steps to get it back sooner. A revocation is permanent until you go through a formal reinstatement process with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The reason for the suspension or revocation determines which path you take and what you must do.
The most common reasons for suspension in Minnesota are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions that affect driving, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. Revocations are typically issued for serious violations like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or multiple traffic offenses within a short time. You should receive a notice in the mail explaining which one applies to you and why.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, you can check your status on the Minnesota DPS website or call the Driver and Vehicle Services office at 651-296-6911. Having this information before you start the reinstatement process will save you time.
Key Takeaways
- A suspension is temporary and may end automatically on a set date, while a revocation requires you to complete a formal reinstatement process.
- The reason for your suspension or revocation determines what steps you must take — paying fines, completing a DUI program, or attending a hearing.
- You can check your license status and the reason for suspension or revocation on the Minnesota DPS website or by phone at 651-296-6911.
- Reinstatement fees in Minnesota range depending on the reason, and you may need to provide proof of insurance and pass a written or driving test.
- Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive again, but a new violation may trigger another suspension or revocation.
Suspension: when your license returns automatically or sooner
If your license is suspended, it will return on the date listed in your suspension notice — you do not need to do anything unless you want it back before that date. Common suspension reasons include unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points. Once the underlying issue is resolved (the fine is paid, you appear in court, or the points drop below the threshold), your license is automatically reinstated.
To speed up reinstatement before the suspension date ends, you must address the reason for the suspension. If it was unpaid fines, pay them to the court that issued the ticket. If it was failure to appear, contact the court and appear as required. If it was child support arrears, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Once you resolve the issue, notify the Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services office in writing or through their website, and your license will be reinstated within a few business days.
You can drive legally again only after your license is reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Minnesota and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Revocation: the formal reinstatement process
A revoked license requires you to complete a formal reinstatement process with the Minnesota DPS. This process varies depending on the reason for revocation. For a DUI revocation, you must complete a chemical dependency evaluation and any recommended treatment, provide proof of insurance, and pay a reinstatement fee. For other serious violations, you may need to attend a hearing before an administrative law judge, pass a written test, or both.
The first step is to contact the Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services office to request a reinstatement hearing. You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location of your hearing. At the hearing, you will explain why your license should be reinstated and present any evidence that you are a safe driver — such as completion of a required program, proof of insurance, or a clean driving record since the revocation.
If the judge approves your reinstatement, you will be given instructions on how to pay the reinstatement fee and what documents to bring to the DPS office. Reinstatement fees vary by reason but typically range from $100 to $680. Once you pay the fee and submit all required documents, your license will be reinstated and you can drive legally again.
Documents and fees you will need
The documents required for reinstatement depend on the reason for your suspension or revocation. For most cases, you will need a valid form of identification, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of insurance. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you will need proof of payment from the court. If your revocation was due to a DUI, you will need a letter from a certified chemical dependency counselor stating that you have completed an evaluation and any recommended treatment.
Reinstatement fees in Minnesota vary. A standard reinstatement fee is typically $100 to $150, but DUI-related revocations carry higher fees, sometimes $300 to $680 depending on the number of prior offenses. Some suspensions have no fee if your license returns automatically. You can pay the reinstatement fee by check, money order, or credit card at the Minnesota DPS office or by mail.
You may also be required to pass a written knowledge test or a driving test before reinstatement. The DPS office will tell you whether this applies to your case when you contact them about reinstatement.
How to contact Minnesota DPS and start the process
Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services office to begin reinstatement. You can reach them by phone at 651-296-6911 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time), or visit their website at dps.mn.gov. You can also visit a DPS office in person — there are locations in St. Paul, Duluth, Mankato, and Bemidji.
When you call or visit, have your driver's license number and the reason for your suspension or revocation ready. The DPS staff will tell you exactly what documents you need, what fees explore, and whether you must attend a hearing or complete any programs. If you are reinstating after a suspension, they can often process your request over the phone or online. If you are reinstating after a revocation, they will schedule a hearing date for you.
Keep copies of all documents you submit and any receipts for fees you pay. These records protect you if there is a delay or dispute about your reinstatement status.
What to expect after reinstatement
Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive in Minnesota again. Your driving record will show the suspension or revocation, but this does not affect your ability to drive — it is a historical record. However, insurance companies may see the suspension or revocation and charge higher premiums, so contact your insurer to update your information.
If you receive another traffic violation or fail to pay a fine after reinstatement, your license can be suspended or revoked again. To avoid this, pay all fines on time, follow traffic laws, and maintain valid insurance. If you are reinstated after a DUI, you may be required to use an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle) for a set period — the DPS will inform you of this requirement at reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until your license is officially reinstated by the Minnesota DPS. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons during the reinstatement process, you may request a temporary permit from the DPS office, though approval is not may provide.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away?
Contact the Minnesota DPS to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some offices may work with you if you demonstrate financial hardship. You cannot drive legally until the fee is paid and your license is reinstated, so prioritize this if you need to drive.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most suspensions, but a lawyer can be helpful for revocation hearings, especially if the reason was a DUI or serious violation. A lawyer can help you prepare your case and present evidence to the judge. Legal aid may be available if you cannot afford a lawyer — contact the Minnesota State Bar for referrals.
How long does reinstatement take?
For suspensions, reinstatement can take a few business days to a few weeks depending on how quickly you resolve the underlying issue. For revocations, the process takes longer — typically several weeks to a few months because you must attend a hearing and complete any required programs before the hearing date.
What if my license was suspended in another state?
If your license was suspended in another state, you will need to reinstate it in that state first. Once reinstated there, contact the Minnesota DPS to restore your Minnesota driving privileges. Minnesota shares suspension information with other states through the National Driver Register, so a suspension in one state can affect your ability to drive in Minnesota.