How to find out whether your Minnesota driver's license is valid, suspended, or revoked
You can check your Minnesota driver's license status through the Department of Public Safety website without logging in or paying a fee. The fastest way is to visit the Driver and Vehicle Services status checker, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and get an when ready result showing whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired.
The status checker tells you the current condition of your license but not the reason behind it. If you see a suspension or revocation, you will need to contact Driver and Vehicle Services directly to find out why — whether it is unpaid traffic fines, a medical hold, a criminal conviction, or another cause — and what steps you must take to restore it.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety status checker is free and shows your license condition in seconds without creating an account.
- A suspension is temporary and can often be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue, such as paying fines or completing a required course.
- A revocation is more serious and typically requires a formal reinstatement process, which varies depending on why your license was revoked.
- If you cannot access the online tool, you can call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 or visit a local office in person.
What the status checker tells you and what it does not
The online status checker returns one of four results: active, expired, suspended, or revoked. An active license means you can legally drive. An expired license means your renewal date has passed; you cannot drive on an expired license, and you must renew before you get behind the wheel.
A suspended license means the state has temporarily taken away your driving privilege, usually because of unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or a medical condition flagged by a healthcare provider. A revoked license means the state has permanently cancelled your driving privilege, typically because of serious violations such as a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points in a short time.
The status checker does not tell you the reason for a suspension or revocation, the date it took effect, or how long it will last. You must contact Driver and Vehicle Services to get that information and to learn what you need to do to restore your license.
How to use the Minnesota status checker online
Go to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and select "Check Driver's License Status" under the Driver and Vehicle Services section. You will see a form asking for your driver's license number and date of birth. Enter both exactly as they appear on your license, then click the search button.
The result appears on the next screen. If your license is active or expired, the page will show that status clearly. If your license is suspended or revoked, the page will display that status but will not explain why. Write down the status or take a screenshot, then contact Driver and Vehicle Services to find out the reason and what you must do next.
The status checker works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is free and does not require you to create an account or provide any information beyond your license number and birth date.
What to do if your license is suspended
A suspension is temporary. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, or a medical hold placed by a doctor or the state. Once you resolve the underlying issue, you can request that the suspension be lifted.
Contact Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 to find out why your license is suspended. Ask what specific action you must take — whether that is paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, providing medical clearance, or something else. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the issue is resolved; others require you to submit paperwork or pay a reinstatement fee.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you may be able to set up a payment plan. If it is due to a medical condition, you may need a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. The staff member you speak with can tell you exactly what documents or payments are needed and how to submit them.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process. Common reasons include a DUI or DWI conviction, accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months, refusing a breath test, or a second serious violation within a certain time frame. The reinstatement process and waiting period depend on the reason for the revocation.
Call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 and ask about the reinstatement requirements for your specific situation. You will likely need to wait a minimum period — often six months to one year — before you can even explore. You may also need to complete a substance abuse assessment, pass a written test, pass a driving test, and pay a reinstatement fee.
Some revocations require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can drive again. Others require proof of insurance or a letter from an employer. The reinstatement process is not quick, but it is the only way to restore your driving privilege after a revocation.
How to contact Driver and Vehicle Services if you cannot use the online tool
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly, call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. central time. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready when you call.
You can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Minnesota has offices in the Twin Cities area and in other regions throughout the state. Go to the Department of Public Safety website and use the office locator to find the one nearest you, along with its hours and address.
If you are calling about a suspension or revocation, ask the staff member for a written explanation of the reason, the date it took effect, and the steps you must take to resolve it. Request any forms you need to submit and ask about fees.
Understanding the difference between suspension and revocation
The key difference is permanence. A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privilege. Once you fix the problem — pay the fine, appear in court, get medical clearance — the suspension ends and you can drive again. Some suspensions lift automatically; others require you to request reinstatement.
A revocation is a permanent cancellation of your license. You cannot straightforward fix the underlying problem and drive again. Instead, you must wait out a mandatory waiting period, complete specific requirements (such as a substance abuse program or driving test), and formally request reinstatement. Even then, reinstatement is not may provide.
A suspension typically lasts weeks to months. A revocation typically lasts at least six months to several years, depending on the offense. If you are unsure which one applies to you, the status checker will tell you, and Driver and Vehicle Services can explain what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. If you are stopped by police, you will be cited. If your license is suspended, you must not drive until the suspension is lifted.
How long does a suspension usually last?
It depends on the reason. Suspensions for unpaid fines may last until you pay; suspensions for failure to appear in court may last until you appear; medical suspensions may last until you provide clearance. Some suspensions are automatic once the issue is resolved; others require you to request reinstatement. Call Driver and Vehicle Services to find out the timeline for your specific suspension.
What if the status checker says my license is active but I was told it was suspended?
The status checker updates regularly but not when ready. If your suspension was very recent, the online tool may not yet reflect it. Call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 to confirm your current status. If there is a discrepancy, ask them to explain what they see in their system.
Do I have to pay a fee to check my license status?
No. The online status checker is free. You do not pay to use it, and you do not need to create an account. Phone calls to Driver and Vehicle Services are also free.
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or complete the revocation reinstatement process. Once your license is active again, you can renew it if it has expired.