Where to check your Minnesota driver's license status
You can check your Minnesota driver's license status through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Go to dps.mn.gov, find the Driver and Vehicle Services section, and look for the option to check your license status. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to look up your record.
The online system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. It also displays any restrictions or endorsements on your license. This takes about two minutes and gives you current information without calling or visiting an office.
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-2126 (Twin Cities area) or 1-800-657-3941 (outside Twin Cities). Have your license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety website lets you check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
- The online system shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or has restrictions.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, the website explains the reason and what you need to do to restore it.
- You can also call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-2126 or 1-800-657-3941 to check your status by phone.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. Expired means your license passed its renewal date and you cannot drive until you renew it. SuspendedRevoked
Minnesota also uses disqualified for commercial driver's license holders who have violated CDL rules. Each status has different steps to fix it. The online status check will tell you which one applies to your license and often provides next steps.
Why your license might be suspended or revoked
Minnesota suspends licenses for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons (like seizures), accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or a DUI or DWI conviction. Suspension is usually temporary — once you handle the underlying issue, you can restore your license.
Revocation is more serious and typically follows a DUI conviction, multiple DUI arrests, or refusing a breath test. Revocation lasts longer than suspension and requires you to petition for reinstatement through the Department of Public Safety. The online status check will tell you which reason applies to your case.
How to restore a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended, the first step is to fix what caused the suspension. If it's unpaid fines, pay them through the court system. If it's child support, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services. If it's medical, get clearance from your doctor and submit it to the Department of Public Safety.
Once you've resolved the underlying issue, you can request reinstatement. For most suspensions, you can do this online through the Department of Public Safety website or by mail. There is usually a reinstatement fee (typically $20 to $50, depending on the reason). Your license becomes valid again once the fee is processed and the underlying issue is confirmed resolved.
If your license is revoked, the process is longer. You must wait out the revocation period (which varies by reason), then petition for reinstatement. Some revocations require you to complete a substance abuse assessment or driver improvement course before reinstatement is possible. The Department of Public Safety website lists the specific requirements for your situation.
Renewing your license if it's expired
If your license is expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. Online renewal is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions. Go to dps.mn.gov and select the renewal option.
By mail, send your expired license, a completed process form (available on the Department of Public Safety website), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. In person, visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office with your expired license and payment.
Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for four years for most adults. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to take a written test and vision test to renew it, so check the website or call before you go to an office.
What to do if the website won't load or you can't find your information
If the Department of Public Safety website is down or you can't locate your record online, call 651-297-2126 (Twin Cities) or 1-800-657-3941 (outside Twin Cities). The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Have your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number ready.
If you've lost your license number, you can provide your full name and date of birth instead. The representative can look up your status and explain what you need to do next. If you're calling about a suspension or revocation, ask specifically what action caused it and what steps will restore your license.
Checking your driving record for violations and points
Your license status check shows whether your license is valid, but it doesn't show your full driving record or point history. To see violations, accidents, and points on your record, you need to request your driving record separately through the Department of Public Safety.
You can order your driving record online at dps.mn.gov for a small fee (usually $5 to $10). The record arrives by mail within one to two weeks. This is useful if you're explore for a job that requires a clean record, if you want to see why points were added, or if you're disputing a violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to restore a suspended license?
It depends on the reason for suspension. If you pay outstanding fines when ready, reinstatement can happen within one business day. If the suspension is due to child support or medical reasons, it may take one to two weeks after the underlying issue is resolved. Call the Department of Public Safety to confirm the timeline for your specific situation.
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you may be able to request a limited license, but you must petition the court or the Department of Public Safety first.
What if I see an error on my license status?
Call the Department of Public Safety at 651-297-2126 or 1-800-657-3941 to report the error. Explain what you see online and what you believe is incorrect. They can investigate and correct it if it's a mistake in their system. Keep a record of when you called and who you spoke with.
Do I need to renew my license in person or can I do it online?
You can renew online if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
What happens if I don't renew my expired license?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited and fined. Renewing is straightforward and can be done online, by mail, or in person. The sooner you renew, the sooner your license is valid again.