Check your Minnesota driver's license status through the Department of Public Safety website
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you look up your driver's license status online without calling or visiting an office. Go to the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services website, select "Check Driver's License Status," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
The status check takes seconds and tells you the current state of your license. If your license is suspended or revoked, the system will not tell you why — you'll need to contact DPS directly for that information. If your license is expired, you'll see the expiration date and can begin the renewal process.
You can also call the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-296-6911 to ask about your status by phone. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS Driver and Vehicle Services website shows your current license status in seconds without creating an account.
- A status check tells you if your license is valid, expired, suspended, or revoked, but not the reason behind a suspension or revocation.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must contact DPS by phone or in person to learn why and what steps to take next.
- An expired license can be renewed online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired and your age.
- Minnesota suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, and failure to appear in court, among other reasons.
Why your Minnesota license might be suspended or revoked
Minnesota suspends driver's licenses for specific reasons, and the suspension stays in place until you resolve the underlying issue. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a traffic court date, child support arrears, and failure to pay a judgment from a traffic case.
Suspensions also happen when you accumulate too many points on your driving record within a set time period. Minnesota uses a point system where traffic violations add points — for example, a speeding ticket adds two to four points depending on how far over the limit you were. If you reach 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months, your license is suspended.
A revocation is more serious than a suspension. Minnesota revokes licenses for reasons like driving under the influence (DUI), refusing a breath or blood test, reckless driving, or accumulating multiple suspensions. A revocation typically lasts longer and may require you to complete a driver improvement program or substance abuse treatment before you can get your license back.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know your license is suspended, contact DPS to find out the specific reason. Call 651-296-6911 and have your driver's license number ready. The DPS representative will tell you what caused the suspension and what you need to do to clear it.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you'll need to pay the amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Contact the court directly — DPS can give you the court's phone number. Once the court confirms payment, they notify DPS, and your suspension is lifted. This can take a few business days.
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court and resolve the case, which may mean appearing in person or working with the prosecutor to reschedule. If it's due to child support arrears, you'll need to contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or your local child support office to set up a payment plan or bring your account current.
If the suspension is due to accumulated points, you cannot clear it by paying a fee. You must wait out the suspension period, which is typically 30 days for a first suspension. After the suspension ends, your license is reinstated automatically if no other issues exist.
Renewing an expired Minnesota driver's license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person. Minnesota allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses expired less than five years ago and who have no medical restrictions or address changes.
To renew online, visit the DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the steps. You'll need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The renewal fee is $24.50 for a four-year license or $48.50 for an eight-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
If you cannot renew online — for example, if your license expired more than five years ago or you have a medical condition listed on it — you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. You'll also need to pass a vision test.
Reinstating a revoked Minnesota driver's license
A revocation is not automatic like a suspension. To get your license back after a revocation, you must petition the Department of Public Safety. The process and timeline depend on why your license was revoked.
For a DUI revocation, Minnesota typically requires a one-year revocation for a first offense. After one year, you can petition for reinstatement. You'll need to show proof that you've completed a chemical dependency assessment and any recommended treatment, and you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
For other types of revocation, contact DPS at 651-296-6911 to learn what reinstatement requirements explore to your case. Some revocations require you to pass a written test, vision test, or driving test before your license is restored.
How to find a Driver and Vehicle Services office
If you need to renew your license in person, take a written or driving test, or handle a suspension or revocation issue face-to-face, you can visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Minnesota has offices in most counties.
Find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours. You can also call ahead to ask about wait times or to schedule an appointment if your office offers them.
Bring all required documents with you — the DPS website lists what you need based on your transaction type. If you're there to resolve a suspension, bring proof of payment or the court document showing the case was resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to find out why my license was suspended?
When you call DPS at 651-296-6911, a representative can usually tell you the reason on the same call. If the suspension is recent or involves a court case, it may take a few minutes for the system to pull up the details, but you should have an answer within one business day.
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you're stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded.
What if I paid my fine but my license is still showing as suspended?
Courts notify DPS of payments, but the update can take several business days. Check your status again after three to five business days. If it's still suspended, call the court that issued the ticket to confirm they received your payment, then contact DPS to report the delay.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license online?
No. Online renewal does not require a written or vision test. You only need to pass a vision test if you renew in person at an office, and only if you haven't had one recently.
What happens if my license was revoked for a DUI?
Minnesota revokes licenses for at least one year after a DUI conviction. Before you can petition for reinstatement, you must complete a chemical dependency assessment and any recommended treatment. You may also need to install an ignition interlock device. Contact DPS to learn the specific requirements for your case.