How to get your license back after a DUI in Minnesota
Getting a license back after a DUI is an agency process, not a court one: the steps below are the ones the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) lists, in its order, each quoted from the agency's own page. Requirements differ by offense, blood-alcohol level, refusal, and prior record; the state's wording controls.
Steps the state lists
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
| Reinstatement fee | $680 |
|---|---|
| SR-22 / financial-responsibility filing | No — Minnesota SR-22 requirements |
| Ignition interlock | Minnesota interlock rule |
| Required program | Chemical use assessment and licensed substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation program (Minn. Stat. § 171.178, subd. 8; § 171.306, subd. 3(e)) |
| Driving during the suspension | Limited license (Minn. Stat. § 171.30); ignition interlock restricted license (Minn. Stat. § 171.306, subd. 4) |
| Re-examination | Knowledge test: required in some cases · road test: required in some cases |
Required program: Chemical use assessment and licensed substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation program (Minn. Stat. § 171.178, subd. 8; § 171.306, subd. 3(e))
Under Minn. Stat. § 171.178, subd. 8(b), the commissioner must not reinstate full driving privileges for a person with a qualified prior impaired driving incident (within 20 years) or two or more priors until the person completes a licensed substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation program and participates in the interlock program for the required period. Under § 171.306, subd. 3(e), a program participant shall participate in any treatment recommended in a chemical use assessment report. The DPS Guidelines state enrollment in treatment (or an assessment on record stating none is required) is needed for the restricted license and completion is needed for full privileges; verification is faxed by the treatment center or assessor directly to DVS. No DVS page or statute requires a separate education course or knowledge test for impaired-driving revocations (§ 171.29, subd. 1(b)).
“The commissioner must not reinstate full driving privileges for a person described in paragraph (a) until the person completes a licensed substance use disorder treatment or rehabilitation program”
Driving during the suspension: Limited license (Minn. Stat. § 171.30); ignition interlock restricted license (Minn. Stat. § 171.306, subd. 4)
The DVS 'Driver compliance limited license' page states a limited license may be issued for an implied consent or DWI conviction 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 blood alcohol concentration or below or refused the test; mandatory waiting periods apply, only one limited license is allowed in a 24-month period, and the holder may drive only to and from work and as required for employment, to and from chemical dependency treatment or counseling, and to and from a school, college or university at which the person is enrolled. Applicants meet with a driver evaluator. Under § 171.30, subd. 1(b), conditions include that the driver's livelihood or attendance at a substance use disorder program depends on the license. Separately, under § 171.306, subd. 4, DVS issues a class D license restricted to interlock-equipped vehicles to a program participant who shows a certified device is installed and the vehicle is insured.
“Implied consent or driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction – first offense on record or second on record with the first being more than 10 years old, only if you tested 0.15 blood alcohol concentration or below, or you refused the test”
Full page: waiting period, conditions and hearing deadline for the Limited license
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 ... Schedule an appointment to remove the device”
Will you have to retake the test? Re-examination in Minnesota
Some states hand the license back once the conditions are met; others treat a revoked or long-withdrawn license as expired and issue a new one only after the knowledge test, the road test or a vision screening is passed again. The rules below are the licensing agency's own, one per test.
| Knowledge (written) test | Required in some cases Driver and Vehicle Services lists the reinstatement requirements on the notice of withdrawal it mails, and its pages name no test for a DWI revocation. By statute a driver whose license was revoked for a no-insurance offense or for the convictions listed in section 171.17 is not issued another license until passing an examination required by the commissioner, but that requirement does not apply to a license revoked for an impaired driving offense. A license expired for more than five years requires the written and road tests again. What the source says“(b) The requirement to successfully pass the examination described in paragraph (a) does not apply to a person whose driver's license has been revoked because of an impaired driving offense.” |
|---|---|
| Road (driving) test | Required in some cases The road test comes back with the written test once a card has been expired for more than five years; the statutory examination after the listed non-impaired-driving revocations is whatever the commissioner requires. What the source says“If your card has been expired for more than 5 years, you will have to: Provide a both a primary and secondary document and, if needed, a document showing proof of name change. Retake the written and road tests.” |
| Vision screening | Required in some cases Vision is checked whenever a license is renewed or issued in person at an exam station or licensing office; no reinstatement page adds a separate vision screening. What the source says“We will check your vision and take your photo” |
What triggers a re-test
A revocation for the statutory list — no-insurance offenses and the convictions in section 171.17 — requires an examination before another license is issued, except a revocation for an impaired driving offense, which is exempt; a card expired for more than five years requires the written and road tests again. The notice of withdrawal states the reinstatement requirements for the individual case.
“shall be issued another license unless and until that person shall have successfully passed an examination as required by the commissioner of public safety.”- Where to take it
- dps.mn.gov — at a DVS driver exam station; the notice of withdrawal lists the requirements and the reinstatement fee can be paid online with the letter ID
- Official driver manual
- Minnesota Driver's Manual
- The rule
- Minn. Stat. § 171.29, subd. 1
“(b) The requirement to successfully pass the examination described in paragraph (a) does not apply to a person whose driver's license has been revoked because of an impaired driving offense.”
Questions about re-testing in Minnesota
- Does a Minnesota DWI revocation mean retaking the written test?
- Not under the statute. Minn. Stat. § 171.29, subd. 1 requires an examination before another license is issued after revocations for no-insurance offenses or the convictions listed in § 171.17, but paragraph (b) states that requirement does not apply to a license revoked because of an impaired driving offense. DVS states the reinstatement requirements on the notice of withdrawal it mails.
- When do the written and road tests come back?
- DVS states that a card expired for more than five years requires a primary and secondary document and retaking the written and road tests. Vision is checked at any in-person renewal.
- What does the Class D license cost?
- The DVS fee table lists $46 for a Class D license and $41 for a renewal; the reinstatement fee is $30 for the revocations listed in § 171.29, subd. 2(a), and the fee page notes the reinstatement fee does not include the cost of a new license.
Reinstatement knowledge check: Minnesota
Ten questions on the rules this site cites for the state — the figures the licensing agency and the statute state, with a link to where each one is stated. The order changes every time.
This is not the agency's knowledge test and does not predict it; it checks the rules cited on this site.
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
- DPS DVS: Ignition Interlock Program Guidelines (PDF, October 2024) — reinstatement options, application materials, rehabilitation, abstinence verification, removing the device
- DPS DVS: Ignition Interlock Device Program (IIDP) (required and optional participants; 10-year/20-year lookback)
- DPS DVS: Ignition Interlock Device Program request for reinstatement (no-vehicle exemption, form PS3001)
- DPS DVS: Driver compliance (notice of withdrawal lists reinstatement requirements; fee payment)
- DPS DVS: Driver compliance limited license (eligibility, restrictions, application)
- Minn. Stat. § 171.306 Ignition Interlock Device Program (program requirements; restricted license; violation extensions) (Revisor of Statutes)
- Minn. Stat. § 171.178 Revocation, denial, and reinstatement; DWI (treatment and interlock periods) (Revisor of Statutes)
- Minn. Stat. § 171.30 Limited license (Revisor of Statutes)
- Minn. Stat. § 171.29 Revoked license; conditions for reinstatement (fee, partial payment; no exam for impaired driving) (Revisor of Statutes)