Losing your driver’s license in Minnesota can disrupt every area of your life — from getting to work to taking your children to school. A Minnesota hardship license, formally known as a limited license, offers a legal path to restricted driving privileges during a suspension or revocation period.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what a Minnesota limited license is, who qualifies, how the application process works, the strict hours and restrictions you must follow, and when you must use the state’s Ignition Interlock Program instead.
What Is a Minnesota Limited License?
In Minnesota, a hardship license is officially called a limited license. It allows people whose driver’s licenses have been suspended, canceled, or revoked to drive for designated essential purposes, such as work, school, or medical care.
Minnesota Statute 171.30 governs the issuance of limited licenses, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division administers the program.
Crucial Rule: The 60/6 Limit A Minnesota limited license is strictly capped. You may not drive more than 60 hours per week, and you may only drive 6 days per week. You must explicitly choose one day of the week where you will not drive a vehicle at all.
Who Qualifies for a Minnesota Limited License?
Eligibility depends entirely on the reason for your license suspension or revocation.
You may qualify for a Limited License if:
- Your license is suspended for non-DWI reasons (like unpaid child support or accumulating too many traffic violations).
- Your license was revoked for a first-time DWI where your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was under 0.16.
- You have served the mandatory “hard revocation” waiting period (typically 15 days for an eligible first-time DWI).
You do NOT qualify for a Limited License if:
- You had a BAC of 0.16 or higher.
- You refused the breath, blood, or urine test.
- You have prior DWI convictions on your record. (Note: If you fall into these categories, your only option to drive is to enroll in the Ignition Interlock Program, detailed below).
What Can You Drive For on a Minnesota Limited License?
A Minnesota limited license authorizes driving only for approved essential purposes, which typically include:
| Approved Purpose | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Employment | Driving to and from work; an employer letter is mandatory. |
| School | Travel to/from a post-secondary institution where you are enrolled. |
| Chemical Dependency | Travel to/from treatment, counseling, or a recognized support group (like AA). |
| Family Needs | Travel necessary to prevent the substantial disruption of the medical or nutritional needs of the family (at DVS discretion). |
How to Apply For Minnesota Limited License
Because Minnesota handles standard suspensions and severe DWIs differently, you must follow the path that matches your driving record.
Path A: Applying for a Minnesota Limited License
(For eligible suspensions and first-time DWIs under 0.16 BAC)
In Minnesota, there is no generic mail-in form to get a limited license. You must complete specific prerequisites and meet with the state in person.
- Serve the Waiting Period: If your license was revoked for an eligible first-time DWI, you must wait out a mandatory 15-day “hard revocation” period where absolutely no driving is allowed.
- Pay Your Fees: Before you can get a limited license, you must pay the required fees. For a DWI revocation, this is a massive $680 reinstatement fee, plus a $20 limited license fee.
- Take the Written Test: If your suspension is alcohol-related, you must go to a DVS testing center and pass a specific written test regarding the effects of alcohol and driving.
- Gather Your Documentation: You must prove your hardship. Obtain a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your exact work schedule, the days of the week you work, and how long your commute takes. (If applying for school or treatment, bring official enrollment documents).
- Meet with a DVS Evaluator: Schedule an in-person appointment to meet with a DVS Evaluator at a regional driver examining station. You will present your test scores, fee receipts, and employer letter. If everything is in order, the evaluator will approve and issue your limited license.
Path B: The Ignition Interlock Program
(Mandatory for DWIs 0.16 BAC or higher, Test Refusals, and Repeat Offenders)
If you fall into this category, you are legally barred from getting a limited license. To legally drive, you must enroll in the state’s Ignition Interlock Program.
- Pass the DWI written test and pay the $680 reinstatement fee.
- Sign the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program Participation Agreement.
- Provide proof of SR-22 insurance to the DVS.
- Have a state-approved vendor install the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle.
Once approved, the state will grant you a restricted license that allows for full driving privileges (no destination or hour restrictions), provided you only drive the interlock-equipped vehicle and never blow positive for alcohol.
Minnesota Limited License Violations: What Happens If You Drive Outside Your Restrictions?
Driving outside the scope of your Minnesota limited license — including driving on your designated “day off,” driving past your 60-hour limit, or driving to unapproved locations — is a criminal misdemeanor offense.
Consequences include:
- Immediate cancellation of your limited license.
- Extended suspension or revocation period (often adding 30 days or the remainder of your limited license period, whichever is longer).
- Criminal charges for “Driving After Suspension/Revocation.”
How to Reinstate Your Full Minnesota Driver’s License After a Hardship License
When your suspension period ends and all conditions are satisfied — including the completion of any required chemical dependency programs and satisfying SR-22 insurance requirements — your full driving privileges will be restored. Because you already paid your reinstatement fee during the limited license process, you typically just need to apply for a duplicate card.
Conclusion
A Minnesota limited license provides a legal, structured way to maintain your job and essential needs during a suspension. The key is understanding that you are strictly limited to 60 hours and 6 days a week, and that severe DWIs require the Ignition Interlock Program instead. Prepare your employer documentation carefully, study for the alcohol written test, and schedule your DVS Evaluator appointment as soon as you are eligible.
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