Driving in Minnesota is a privilege you can lose. DVS keeps a record of your violations in Minnesota and other states, and serious or repeated violations can take away or restrict your license. You can get a copy of your record at drive.mn.gov.
License withdrawal
Losing your license by suspension, revocation or cancellation. DPS mails a notice of withdrawal listing what you must do to be reinstated.
Handbook p. 91 ↗Your license may be suspended if you:
- Repeatedly violate traffic laws
- Are convicted of a violation that contributed to a crash with death, injury or serious damage
- Use or let someone else use your license for an illegal act — lending it is illegal
- Commit an offense in another state that would mean suspension in Minnesota
- Are judged in court legally unfit to drive
- Fail to report a medical condition that would cancel your privileges
- Fail to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing within 5 years of the same conviction
- Possess a fake or altered license, or apply fraudulently for a license or ID
You may also be suspended if you:
- Take any part of the license exam for someone else, or let someone take it for you
- Falsely identify yourself to a police officer
- Fail to appear in court or pay a fine for a motor vehicle violation
- Are convicted of a misdemeanor violation of Minnesota traffic law
- Fail to pay court-ordered child support
- Let your license or ID be used to buy tobacco for someone under 18 or alcohol for someone under 21
- Are under 21 and a court finds you drove while or after consuming alcohol
- Are convicted of theft of gasoline
Know the rule
Paying a fee to the state or a license agent with a bad check brings a suspension that lasts until the check and related fees are paid in full.
Handbook p. 92 ↗Know the rule
After a suspension ends, you may be reinstated once all requirements are met, including paying the reinstatement fee. If your license expired or your name or address changed during the suspension, apply for a new license and pay the fee.
Handbook p. 92 ↗Your license may be revoked if you:
- Refuse or fail a test for alcohol or a controlled substance
- Are convicted of manslaughter or another crime while driving
- Are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Are convicted of a felony in which you used a motor vehicle
- Are convicted of driving over 100 mph
- Are convicted of fleeing a police officer
- Are convicted of failing to stop, identify yourself and give aid after a crash
Revocation also applies if you:
- Lie under oath or give false vehicle ownership or operation information to DPS
- Plead guilty or forfeit bail for 3 jail-eligible traffic violations in one year
- Are convicted in another state of an offense that would mean revocation here
- Knowingly drive a vehicle whose owner lacks no-fault insurance (misdemeanor)
- Own an uninsured vehicle and knowingly drive it or let others drive it
- Are convicted of a gross misdemeanor for not stopping for a school bus with red lights flashing
- Are convicted of selling or possessing a controlled substance while driving
Know the rule
After revocation, you may be reinstated once you meet every requirement on your withdrawal notice. Show proper ID for the written or road test, and apply for a new license after passing all required tests.
Handbook p. 92 ↗Put it into practice
A driver convicted of passing a school bus with red lights flashing is convicted again three years later. Because it's within five years of the first conviction, the license may be suspended.