Losing your license in Minnesota is not a “one size fits all” problem.
There is a $20 fix (for unpaid tickets) and a $680 fix (for DWI/alcohol offenses). The process for getting back on the road depends entirely on why the Department of Public Safety (DPS) took your card.
If you are confused about whether you are “Suspended,” “Revoked,” or “Cancelled,” stop guessing. This guide explains exactly how to check your status, pay the fees online via MNDRIVE, and what to do if you see the dreaded “Plate Impoundment” order.
Check Your Minnesota License Status on MNDRIVE (Suspended vs Revoked vs Cancelled)
Before you pay anything, you must know exactly what holds are on your record.
The Official Lookup Tool:
- Go to drive.mn.gov (MNDRIVE).
- Click “Driving Privilege Lookup.”
- Enter your Driver’s License Number.
What the Status Means:
- Suspended: Usually for unpaid tickets or minor violations. (Easy Fix).
- Revoked: Usually for DWI, No Insurance, or Fleeing Police. (Hard Fix).
- Cancelled – IPS: “Inimical to Public Safety.” This means you have multiple alcohol offenses and must enroll in the Ignition Interlock program to ever drive again.
Easy Suspensions: $20 Fee After Clearing Court Holds and Tickets
If you lost your license due to unpaid fines, child support, or a minor accumulation of points, the path is simple.
- Clear the Court Hold: You must contact the specific county court (not the DMV) to pay your ticket or setup a payment plan.
- Wait for Clearance: The court will electronically notify the DPS. This takes 24–48 hours.
- Pay the Fee: The standard reinstatement fee is $20.00.
- Book an Appointment: Once paid, you may need to apply for a new card. Check our guide on Minnesota DMV appointments to find a License Center near you (remember: don’t go to an Exam Station for this!).
DWI Revocations: $680 Fee, 7-Day Permit, Knowledge Test, and Ignition Interlock
If you were arrested for DWI (.08 BAC or higher), the process is expensive and strict.
The “7-Day” Rule: At the time of arrest, the officer likely clipped your license and gave you a paper permit. This permit is valid for only 7 days. After that, you cannot drive unless you enter the Ignition Interlock program.
Reinstatement Checklist:
- Pay the Fee: The fee for alcohol-related revocations is $680.00. (Plus a $43.00 application fee for a new card).
- Pass the DWI Knowledge Test: You must take a special written test about alcohol effects.
- Chemical Health Assessment: You may need to see a counselor to prove you do not have a dependency problem.
- Ignition Interlock: For most first-time offenders with a high BAC (0.16+) or repeat offenders, you must install a “blow-and-go” device to drive during your revocation period.
Minnesota Insurance Certificate (Not SR-22) for License Reinstatement
Pay attention here. Most out-of-state guides tell you to get an “SR-22.” Minnesota does NOT use the SR-22 form.
Instead, Minnesota requires a “Certificate of Insurance.”
- What it is: A specific document your insurance agent faxes to the DPS proving you have non-cancellable coverage.
- How to get it: Call your insurer and ask specifically for a “Minnesota Insurance Certificate for Reinstatement.” If you just ask for an SR-22, they might file the wrong paperwork.
Plate Impoundment: Whiskey Plates (W-Series) After Serious DWI Offenses
If your violation was severe (e.g., 0.16+ BAC or a passenger under 16 was in the car), the state doesn’t just take your license—they take your plates.
- The Order: You will receive a “Notice of Plate Impoundment.”
- The Fix: You must surrender your regular plates and buy special “W-Series” plates (known locally as Whiskey Plates).
- Selling the Car: If you plan to sell the vehicle to avoid this, be careful. The buyer won’t be able to get new plates easily without a signed statement. See our guide on Minnesota temporary license plates for how to handle private sales with impound orders.
Minnesota License Reinstatement Fees 2026 and MNDRIVE Payment Guide
You can pay these fees online at MNDRIVE using a checking account or credit card.
| Offense Type | Reinstatement Fee |
| Standard Suspension | $20.00 |
| No Insurance Revocation | $30.00 |
| DWI / Alcohol Revocation | $680.00 |
| Criminal Vehicular Op. | $680.00 |
| New License Application | ~$21.50 |
Conclusion
If you are suspended, log in to MNDRIVE today to pay your $20 fee. If you are revoked for a DWI, prepare for the $680 fee and the specific “Certificate of Insurance” requirement. Whatever you do, do not drive while Revoked—it is a misdemeanor that will restart your suspension clock and could lead to jail time.
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