How to Get Your License Back After a DWI in Minnesota

A Driving While Impaired (DWI) offense in Minnesota involves operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by substances, triggering strict penalties under state law. Losing your driver's license is a severe and immediate consequence of a DWI in Minnesota, with a revocation period ranging from 90 days to several years. In Minnesota, the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) under the Department of Public Safety administers all suspensions, limited licenses, and reinstatements.

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

Before you can seek reinstatement of your driving privileges, you should know which Minnesota revocation applies and how long it lasts. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169A Section 54 provides the baseline revocation periods for adult DWI violations as follows:

• First-Time DWI: Persons convicted of a first-time DWI get a 30-day license suspension
• Second DWI: Persons convicted for a second DWI with a BAC of less than 0.16% get a one-year suspension, while convictions with a BAC higher than 0.16% get a 2 years suspension
• Third DWI: A third conviction for DWI gets 2-6 years license suspension, depending on the BAC level
• Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing: Persons who refuse to submit to chemical testing may have their license revoked for 90 days
• Under 21 DWI: Minors convicted of a DWI get a 180-day license revocation

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

After a DWI conviction in Minnesota, individuals may be able to clear their criminal record in court and the separate administrative suspension imposed by the DVS.

A court suspension results from a criminal conviction imposed by the courts at sentencing. In Minnesota, convicted persons may fulfill all court-ordered conditions before applying for reinstatement of their driving privileges. Typically, this involves completing jail time, paying fines, and serving probation and community service as imposed by the judge.

A DVS suspension in Minnesota is an administrative action triggered automatically by a refusal to submit to testing or arrest. Reinstating your licenses after a DVS suspension requires serving the mandated revocation period, paying the reinstatement fees, and applying for an Ignition Interlock Permit (IID).

Step 3: Complete a DWI Education or Treatment Program

To regain your driving privileges after a DWI conviction, Minnesota mandates a chemical dependency evaluation and a state-approved risk reduction education (often called a DWI Risk Reduction Program) for all DWI offenders before the DVS will consider reinstatement. Per Chapter 169A Section 275 of Minnesota Statutes, the courts may also routinely impose additional treatment based on your assessment result.

• Chemical Dependency Evaluation: This is a 1-2 hour course, depending on the county, which is mandated by the court and the Department of Vital Statistics (DVS). The evaluation is typically conducted at a Minnesota-licensed chemical dependency treatment agency. The cost varies per provider. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 for the service.
• DWI Risk Reduction Program: The program is mandated by the courts and the Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) and is administered based on two treatment levels.
  • Level I Treatment: Level I treatment is ideal for first-time offenders. It is an 8- to 12-hour educational program that includes sessions on alcohol education, victim-impact panels, and self-assessments. Level I treatment may cost up to $200.
  • Level II Treatment: Level II treatment is designed for repeat offenders or individuals arrested with a very high blood alcohol concentration (BAC). It is a 16+ hour group treatment or outpatient therapy program. Enrollment in the program costs up to $390.

All programs are typically approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) or your county and delivered by a DVS-approved program provider. Every provider issues a Certificate of Completion. Submit the certificate to the court and the DVS, as failure to do so delays your license reinstatement.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

Minnesota does not require SR-22 forms. An SR-22 is not insurance but a state-mandated form filed by your insurer to prove you carry minimum liability. Instead, in Minnesota, drivers typically file a Certificate of Insurance with the state DPS after a license suspension. However, the form serves the same purpose as the SR-22, to prove financial responsibility.

To obtain the document, notify your insurance provider of your DWI-related suspension. They will complete and submit the Certificate of Insurance to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Insurers typically charge a one-time filing fee ranging from $15 to $50. The Insurance certificate remains valid for one year from the date of filing. Any lapse may trigger a new revocation.

Obtaining a Certificate of Insurance can significantly increase your annual premium. First-time DWI offenders may face a 50-100% increase in their annual premium, while repeat offenders could experience a 300% increase.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

Paying the reinstatement fees is mandatory to recover your driver's license after a DWI in Minnesota. The costs are generally based on the severity of the offense.

• Standard Reinstatement Fee: The standard reinstatement fee is $680 for most DUI-related convictions, applicable to first-time and repeat offenders.
• Enhanced Fees for High-Risk Offenders: For a driver with over 3 DWI offenses recorded within 10 years, the reinstatement fee is $706.25

The reinstatement fees are payable online, in person, or by mail. For online payments, applicants use the DVS Online Services portal. Online fees are payable using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, e-check, or American Express. The DVS accepts cash, check, or card payment at any DVS office location. For mail requests, make the check or money order payable to the DVS and mail the reinstatement fees to:

Driver and Vehicle Services
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

After completing all prior requirements, waiting periods, treatment programs, IID installation, insurance verification, and fee payments, submit your reinstatement application to the Minnesota DVS.

You may submit the reinstatement application online using the MyDVS portal. Upload all required documents and confirm compliance to proceed with the application. An in-person application is available at any Department of Veterans Services (DVS) office throughout the state. Some offices require appointments to be scheduled, while others permit walk-ins. To submit a license reinstatement application by mail, enclose copies of all documents and fees in a sealed envelope. Mail the application to the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) or any other DVS office.

What If You're Denied License Reinstatement in Minnesota?

When an application for driver license reinstatement is denied in Minnesota, the most common reasons are:

• Outstanding fees and surcharges
• Incomplete court-ordered requirements
• Unresolved civil judgments or child support
• Failure to prove obtaining insurance or SR-22
• Medical or information deficiencies

After a denial, applicants can respond to the unmet requirements as detailed on the denial notice, pay outstanding fees, provide requested documentation, submit SR-22 certificates, and reapply online or in person.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

A hardship allowance in Minnesota is a special document that permits drivers with revoked or suspended driving privileges to operate a vehicle under strict conditions. It is also referred to as a limited license, as it does not restore all driving rights but rather authorizes specific trips, such as for work or treatment.

Per Minn. Stat. § 171.3,0, persons may be eligible if:

• Their license was revoked for a DWI, insurance violation, or refusal to take a chemical test
• They demonstrate the need to drive for livelihood, educational, medical, or family needs
• Satisfy a legally mandated waiting period

Specific driving routes and allowable driving hours may be imposed, along with installing an Ignition Interlock device, for DWI-related suspensions. The driver is required to carry a limited license whenever driving.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DWI?

The following is a general breakdown of realistic timelines for obtaining a Minnesota driver's license after a DWI based on the type of offense and compliance with the requirements.