How to get your license back after a DUI in Minnesota

Steps the state lists

1. 1

   Choose a reinstatement option for the revocation period

   The DPS Ignition Interlock Program Guidelines list, for a first alcohol, drug or refusal offense with an alcohol concentration under 0.16 or a test refusal: an ignition interlock restricted license with full class D privileges, a limited license after a 15-day no-driving waiting period, or no driving for the revocation period (90 days; 180 days if under 21). For 0.16 or greater (1-year revocation): interlock restricted license or no driving. For a second offense within 10 years (20 years for incidents on or after July 1, 2025, per the DVS IIDP page) ignition interlock is required unless the driver did not own or lease a vehicle. DVS's Driver compliance page states the notice of withdrawal lists the requirements to reinstate.

   What the source says

   “Alcohol concentration level under 0.16 or test refusal Available options: Option 1 An ignition interlock restricted license with full class D driving privileges Option 2 After a 15 day waiting period of no driving, a limited license will be issued Option 3 No driving for the revocation period”

2. 2

   Pay the $680 reinstatement fee or opt into the partial payment program

   The Guidelines list payment of the $680 reinstatement fee, or the partial payment option under Minn. Stat. § 171.29, among the application materials. Under § 171.306, subd. 4(a), the commissioner must not require a program participant to pay the fee and surcharge before issuing a restricted license, but the participant is not eligible for full reinstatement until the full fee and surcharge are paid.

   What the source says

   “Pay the $680 reinstatement fee or opt into the partial payment program as outlined in Minnesota Statute, Section 171.29”

3. 3

   Apply for a new class D driver's license or instruction permit and pay the application fee

   The Guidelines state Minnesota residents apply for a new class D license or permit and pay the application fee; commercial driving privileges are not allowed while in the program, so CDL holders must apply for a class D license. Under § 171.29, subd. 1(b), the re-examination requirement does not apply to a person whose license was revoked for an impaired driving offense.

   What the source says

   “Apply for a new class D driver’s license or instruction permit, and pay the application fee (Minnesota residents only)”

4. 4

   Submit the Ignition Interlock Participation Agreement and proof of insurance for the equipped vehicle

   The Guidelines list the Participation Agreement, a Special Review Awareness form if required, and an Insurance Identification Card for the vehicle(s) to be equipped with the device; a Certificate of Insurance is required if the driving record shows a history of an insurance-related incident. Canceled-IPS drivers must also submit a chemical use assessment and a Last Use Statement.

   What the source says

   “Submit an Insurance Identification Card for the vehicle(s) to be equipped with the device. A Certificate of Insurance will be required if your driving record shows a history of an insurance related incident.”

5. 5

   Meet the rehabilitation requirements (treatment enrollment for the restricted license; completion for full privileges)

   The Guidelines state the participant must be enrolled in treatment or other programs (if applicable) to be eligible for the restricted license with ignition interlock, and that if no treatment was necessary a chemical use assessment stating so must be on record at DVS. Treatment must be completed for full driving privileges; the treatment center or assessor faxes verification of completion directly to DVS. Failure to provide evidence of completion results in indefinite enrollment.

   What the source says

   “You must be enrolled in treatment or other programs (if applicable) in order to be eligible for the restricted driver’s license with ignition interlock. If no treatment was necessary, a chemical use assessment stating that treatment was not required must be on record at DVS.”

6. 6

   Complete the program with verification of abstinence in the last 90 days

   For revoked drivers, the Guidelines state there must be no failed breath tests recorded on the device during the last 90 days on the program; a failed breath test may extend the end of the program by 90 days from the date of the failed test. Canceled drivers must have no failed tests during the entire program and must show regular use (30 successful initial breath tests per month).

   What the source says

   “During the last 90 days on the Ignition Interlock Device Program, a person whose driver’s licenseis revoked must not have any failed breath tests recorded on the device. A failed breath test may extend the end of the program by 90 days from the date of the failed recorded breath test.”

7. 7

   Receive the full reinstatement letter, apply for a license without the restriction, and have the device removed

   The Guidelines state that upon successful completion a full reinstatement letter is issued authorizing removal of the device; the participant must then apply for a new or duplicate driver's license without the ignition interlock restriction (the restriction stays on the driving record until then) and schedule an appointment to remove the device.

   What the source says

   “Upon successful completion of the program, a full reinstatement letter will be issued to the participant authorizing the removal of the device.”

Official reinstatement page: Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)

Conditions that travel with reinstatement

When the interlock can be removed

Compliance-based, authorized by a DVS full reinstatement letter. The DPS Guidelines state a revoked driver must have no failed breath tests during the last 90 days on the program, and a failed test may extend the program 90 days from the failed test; the Guidelines' sanctions table adds 90 days to the revocation period for an alcohol reading at or above the set point during the last 90 days. Under Minn. Stat. § 171.306, subd. 5(a), tampering, circumventing, driving a non-equipped vehicle, or violating the license conditions or program guidelines extends the revocation and interlock period by 180 days (first violation), one year (second), or 545 days (third and subsequent); § 171.178, subd. 8(e) extends the period for a positive reading of 0.02 or higher after treatment until abstinence equal to the applicable period is shown, with credit for half the prior time. Treatment must be completed (verification faxed to DVS) before full reinstatement. On completion DVS issues a full reinstatement letter authorizing removal; the participant applies for a new or duplicate license without the restriction and schedules device removal (the manufacturer does not need a copy of the letter). Removing the device early results in revocation. No state removal fee cap; the Guidelines state DVS does not regulate prices.

Compliance period: final 90 days of the program with no failed breath tests (revoked drivers); a failed test may extend the program by 90 days

“Once the participant receives a full reinstatement letter, the participant must: Apply for a new or duplicate driver’s license without the ignition interlock restriction o Note: The ignition interlock restriction will not be removed from the driving record until a new or duplicate license is applied”

Compare removal rules in every state

Questions about reinstatement in Minnesota

What does Minnesota DVS require to reinstate after a first DWI revocation?

The DPS Ignition Interlock Program Guidelines list three options for a first offense under 0.16: an interlock restricted license, a limited license after a 15-day no-driving wait, or no driving for the 90-day revocation (1 year at 0.16 or higher, with no limited-license option). Application materials include the $680 reinstatement fee (or partial payment under § 171.29), a new class D license application and fee, the participation agreement, and proof of insurance for the equipped vehicle.

Who can get a Minnesota limited license after a DWI?

The DVS limited-license page lists an implied consent or DWI revocation for a first offense on record (or a second with the first more than 10 years old) only if the person tested 0.15 or below or refused the test. Only one limited license is allowed in 24 months, and driving is limited to work and employment needs, chemical dependency treatment or counseling, and an enrolled school. Under Minn. Stat. § 171.30 the commissioner may add conditions and require proof that public transit would be a significant hardship.

How does the Minnesota interlock program end?

The DPS Guidelines state a revoked driver must have no failed breath tests in the last 90 days of the program, and a failed test may extend the program 90 days. Required treatment must be completed and verified to DVS. DVS then issues a full reinstatement letter authorizing removal; the driver applies for a new or duplicate license without the restriction and schedules removal. Under § 171.306, subd. 5, violations extend the period by 180 days, one year, or 545 days.

Sources

1. DPS DVS: Ignition Interlock Program Guidelines (PDF, October 2024) — reinstatement options, application materials, rehabilitation, abstinence verification, removing the device
2. DPS DVS: Ignition Interlock Device Program (IIDP) (required and optional participants; 10-year/20-year lookback)
3. DPS DVS: Ignition Interlock Device Program request for reinstatement (no-vehicle exemption, form PS3001)
4. DPS DVS: Driver compliance (notice of withdrawal lists reinstatement requirements; fee payment)
5. DPS DVS: Driver compliance limited license (eligibility, restrictions, application)
6. Minn. Stat. § 171.306 Ignition Interlock Device Program (program requirements; restricted license; violation extensions) (Revisor of Statutes)
7. Minn. Stat. § 171.178 Revocation, denial, and reinstatement; DWI (treatment and interlock periods) (Revisor of Statutes)
8. Minn. Stat. § 171.30 Limited license (Revisor of Statutes)
9. Minn. Stat. § 171.29 Revoked license; conditions for reinstatement (fee, partial payment; no exam for impaired driving) (Revisor of Statutes)