Check your license status through the Minnesota Secretary of State website
The Minnesota Secretary of State runs a public lookup tool where you can see whether your driver license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired. Go to mn.gov/sos, find the Driver and Vehicle Services section, and select "License Status Lookup." You will need your driver license number or Minnesota ID number to search.
The lookup returns your current status when ready. If your license is suspended or revoked, the tool will not tell you why — you will need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Services office directly for that information. If your license is expired, you will see the expiration date and can begin the renewal process.
This tool is free and available 24 hours a day. It does not require you to create an account or provide personal information beyond your license number.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Secretary of State website has a free lookup tool that shows whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired.
- A suspension or revocation status does not explain the reason — you must call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 to find out why.
- If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in Minnesota until the suspension is lifted, even if you have a valid out-of-state license.
- Suspensions in Minnesota are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The lookup will show your expiration date.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date and is no longer legal to use for driving. You can still use it as a form of identification, but you cannot operate a vehicle. Renewal can usually be done online, by mail, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
Suspended means your driving privileges have been temporarily taken away. The suspension will end on a specific date, after which your license becomes valid again — but only if you have met any conditions (such as paying a fine or completing a course). You cannot drive during a suspension, and driving with a suspended license is a crime.
Revoked means your driving privileges have been permanently removed. A revocation is more serious than a suspension and typically results from serious violations such as multiple DWI convictions or habitual traffic offender status. You cannot drive at all, and you may have to wait years before you can petition to have your license reinstated.
Common reasons for suspension in Minnesota
The most common reason for suspension is unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or did not appear in court, the court can request that the Secretary of State suspend your license.
Child support arrears also trigger suspension. If you owe child support and fall behind on payments, the state can suspend your license as a collection tool. The suspension lifts once you bring your account current or set up a payment plan.
Failure to appear in court for a traffic or criminal matter results in suspension. If you missed a court date, your license may be suspended until you appear or resolve the case.
Some suspensions are medical or administrative. If you failed a vision test, did not provide proof of insurance after an accident, or did not renew your license before it expired by more than a certain period, the Secretary of State may suspend your driving privileges.
How to lift a suspension
The first step is to call Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time) and ask why your license is suspended. The representative will tell you what you must do to have the suspension removed.
If the suspension is due to an unpaid fine, you will need to pay the fine or set up a payment plan with the court. Once the court confirms payment, it will notify the Secretary of State, and your suspension will be lifted within a few business days.
If the suspension is due to child support arrears, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services or your local child support enforcement office. Once you bring your account current or establish a payment plan, the suspension will be removed.
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must appear in court or have an attorney appear on your behalf. The judge will decide whether to lift the suspension. Some courts allow you to resolve the matter by phone or video if you cannot appear in person.
Renewing an expired license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it online through the Secretary of State website if you meet certain conditions: your license expired within the last five years, you have no suspensions or revocations, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
Online renewal costs $16.50 and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to take a written test and a driving test to renew. In that case, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person.
What to do if you cannot reach Driver and Vehicle Services
If you call and cannot reach a representative, you can submit a question through the Secretary of State website. Go to mn.gov/sos, find the contact form under Driver and Vehicle Services, and describe your situation. Response times vary, but you should expect a reply within 5 to 10 business days.
You can also visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office in person. Minnesota has offices in most counties. Walk-in hours and locations are listed on the Secretary of State website. Bring your driver license or ID and any documents related to your suspension (such as a court notice or child support paperwork).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Minnesota and is a crime. If you are stopped by police, you can be arrested, fined, and have your vehicle impounded. The suspension will also be extended.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length depends on the reason. Court-ordered suspensions for unpaid fines typically last until the fine is paid. Child support suspensions lift when you bring your account current. Some administrative suspensions last 30 to 90 days. Call Driver and Vehicle Services to find out the end date for your specific suspension.
Will my out-of-state license work while my Minnesota license is suspended?
No. A Minnesota suspension applies to your driving privileges in Minnesota, regardless of what license you hold. You cannot legally drive in the state until the suspension is lifted, even if you have a valid license from another state.
What is the difference between a suspension and a revocation?
A suspension is temporary and ends on a specific date or when you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent and typically requires a petition to the Secretary of State years later. Revocations are usually issued for serious violations such as multiple DWI convictions.
Can I get a hardship license while my license is suspended?
Minnesota does not issue hardship licenses. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, paying or setting up a payment plan will lift the suspension. If your suspension is due to a medical issue, you may be able to renew your license once you meet the medical requirements.