Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a certified driver’s record online?
No, you may not. In order to obtain a certified driving record in Minnesota, a driver must apply in person or by mail. The only kind of record that one can obtain by applying online is a non-certified driver record. Whereas the certified record comes with a complete history, this document only contains five years of driving history. The good news is that ordering online can be cheaper than purchasing documents in person or by mail, because you are not getting a certified version.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

Do I need to attend traffic school if I get a speeding ticket?
No, this is not always a requirement. Speeding tickets come with a hefty price, especially if you are driving more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit. However, unless you have committed a number of violations recently, you will most likely not be asked to complete a traffic school course. Other reasons why a court would require that you take one of these classes are if you committed:

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

How can I pay for my traffic or parking ticket?
There are a number of ways to pay traffic tickets in Minnesota. However, your options depend on the county in which you received the citation. Certain counties will only allow drivers to pay in person or by mail. Others offer a wider selection of methods.

For a list of all payment methods used in Minnesota, consult the list below:

  • Online
  • In person
  • By mail
  • By phone

For more information: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Minnesota

How do I file a complaint when I believe someone has illegally accessed my DMV record?
If you believe that someone has illegally accessed your Minnesota driving record, you should take action immediately. Fortunately, the Department of Public Safety makes it easy to get in touch with the right representatives. For all driving-related matters, drivers should get in touch with Driver and Vehicle Services. One way to get in contact is to send an email to the following address: dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us. Otherwise, call the DVS directly at 651-297-3298.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

How do I get a copy of my driving record?
There are a number of ways that a driver can obtain their Minnesota driving record from the DPS, including:
  • Online
  • In person
  • By mail

Applying for a Driving Record Online

Applying digitally is the simplest method available to drivers within the state. However, only a non-certified driver record can be ordered online. To get started with the process, click here.

Applying for a Driving Record in Person

In order to apply in person, fill out a DVS Records Request and take it to a local DVS office. Then submit the form and payment for the documents to complete the process.

Applying for a Driving Record by Mail

The process to apply by mail is very similar to the process to apply in person. You need to fill out a DVS Records Request and mail it (with payment) to the following address:

Driver and Vehicle Services Records Unit 445 Minnesota St, Suite 161 St Paul, MN 55101

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

How do I get a traffic ticket dismissed?
There is only one way to dismiss traffic ticket fines in Minnesota. Drivers must hire a traffic ticket lawyer and win their traffic case. If you are considering getting in contact with an attorney, do your research to find a lawyer that has plenty of experiences with traffic cases. Unlike many other states, completing a traffic school course will not help you dismiss a traffic citation. Fortunately, the DPS does not use a point system to penalize its drivers for violations.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

How do I obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record?
Applicants can get a copy of someone else s Minnesota driving record in two ways. These methods include applying in person and requesting by mail. To apply in person, one must fill out a DVS Records Request and an Authorization Form, signed by the third party. Once you have these documents, simply take them to the local DVS office and submit the necessary payment. To apply by mail, take these documents and payment and mail them to the address below:

Driver and Vehicle Services Records Unit 445 Minnesota St, Suite 161 St Paul, MN 55101

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

How do I reinstate my license if I refused to submit a breath/urine/blood test?
Minnesota drivers license revocation is the result of refusing to take a chemical test when pulled over by police. This revocation will last a period of one full year. Therefore, the process to reinstate your revoked license requires you to take the following steps:
  1. Wait out your revocation period.
  2. Wait out the suspension period, if time is added for a DUI conviction.
  3. Install an ignition interlock device, if necessary.
  4. Serve jail/community service time, if necessary.
  5. Pass the DUI knowledge test and a chemical assessment program, if necessary.
  6. Pay the reinstatement and licensing fees.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

How do I remove points from my driver’s license?
There is no way to remove points from your drivers license in Minnesota. This is because the MN Department of Public Safety does not employ the standard DMV point system that is common throughout the country. However, just because the department does not use a point system does not mean that it does not give out penalties. Drivers who commit serious violations can expect to receive a drivers license suspension. Additionally, license revocations and cancellations are also a possibility.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

How many points can I get on my driving record before my driver’s license is suspended?
One thing that concerns many drivers across the country is the DMV point system. Many states add points to driving records when the driver is convicted of a violation. However, the state of Minnesota does not use a standard DMV point system. Thus, no points are ever put on your MN driver record. Concerning drivers license suspensions, a driver must be charged with a certain number of major offenses in order to lose driving privileges.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

How many times can I attend a traffic school course to remove points from my driving record?
One thing that concerns many drivers in Minnesota is getting points on their MN driver record. Fortunately for residents, the Minnesota DPS does not employ a standard DMV point system. Thus, points are never placed on your driving record for committing a violation. Given that no points can be put on record, points do not have to be removed. As for citations, these can only be dismissed if you hire a traffic ticket attorney and win your traffic case.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

If I lost my traffic or parking ticket, how can I find the information again?
There are a few ways to go about getting information if you have lost your ticket. If you remember the citation number, you can go online. Visit the Minnesota Court Web Payment site, and you will be able to pay off the Minnesota traffic fines. On the other hand, if you do not remember the number on your ticket, you will have to get in contact with the DPS. A representative will help you find the traffic court of the county where you were ticketed so that you can obtain the lost information.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

If my driver’s license was confiscated at the time of my DUI/DWI arrest, how do I get it back?
The process of regaining your confiscated Minnesota drivers license is simple. The only problem is that it will take some time. Police officers are instructed to return licenses to the DPS upon confiscation. If your driving license is suspended for a violation, then you will have to go through the following steps before picking it up:
  1. Wait for the suspension period to end.
  2. Serve jail/community service time, if applicable.
  3. Complete a chemical assessment program.
  4. Pass the DWI knowledge test.
  5. Pay reinstatement and licensing fees.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

What are the different types of driving records?
The state of Minnesota provides two different kinds of driver records. The public has access to certified and non-certified copies of their records. The certified document comes with a complete history of the driver. On the other hand, the non-certified record only covers the previous five years. Given that these are two different documents, with varying levels of comprehensiveness, certified copies are more expensive.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

What are the penalties of being convicted of driving under the influence?
There are a number of consequences associated with committing a DUI in Minnesota. The more serious offenses will incur more extreme penalties. However, certain punishments, such as fines, will be incurred by every drunk driver.

The Department of Public Safety can pass down any or all of the following punishments when handing down a sentence:

  • Jail time
  • Community service/parole
  • Alcohol awareness enrollment
  • Fines
  • Reinstatement fees
  • Ignition interlock device installment
  • Drivers license suspension

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

What happens if I don’t pay for my traffic ticket from another state?
Certain traffic violations are automatically reported to the Minnesota Department of Driver and Vehicle Services, and Minnesota in turn, routinely provides information regarding traffic citations and convictions to other states. Therefore, if you get a traffic ticket in another state, it will be treated as if it were received in your home state, while failure to pay an out-of-state traffic ticket in the state of Kansas (for example) may result in penalties or even a suspension on your driving license.

Even though MN does not have a point system for traffic offenses, it still keeps records of your traffic citations and convictions.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

What happens if I get traffic ticket fines and I have a CDL?
Commercial vehicle operators across the country must abide by the same rules when it comes to incurring traffic fines. Within 30 days of their conviction, these drivers are required to inform their employer. In addition, the commercial drivers will incur a one-year drivers license suspension if he or she commits any of the following violations:

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

What information does a driving record contain?
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety provides a wide variety of information within their state driving records. These pieces of information can be divided into four basic categories: public, restricted, private and confidential information.

For a list of the many different things included within these records, check out the list below:

These documents can be purchased online, in person or by mail.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

What is considered the legal alcohol limit?
What is the cost of a DUI?
The cost of a DUI in Minnesota varies greatly based on the number of the offense. Additionally, the seriousness of the violation is also taken into consideration when determining the fine amount. A first offense for driving under the influence comes with a $1,000 fine. A second or third offense is significantly higher at $3,000. Finally, offenders who commit more than three violations will incur an immense fine of $14,000.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

What is the cost of a traffic ticket?
Traffic ticket fines in Minnesota vary greatly in terms of cost. Thus, it is not possible to assign a simple numerical value across the board. However, there are some key facts to take note of. First of all, DUI citations are some of the most expensive tickets a driver can receive. Speeding fines are also very costly. On the other hand, minor moving and non-moving violations are not very expensive and often will not result in points against your MN drivers license.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

What is the cost to get a driver record?
The cost to obtain a driving record in Minnesota varies based on the method you use. When applying in person or by mail for a certified record, one must pay $10. If applying for someone else s certified record, the price is $10.50. On the other hand, a driver can choose to apply for a non-certified record online. Depending on the service you use, these driver records can be slightly more expensive but will be delivered quicker than by DVS standard delivery.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

What is the DUI penalty for a CDL driver?
Commercial drivers should never operate a commercial motor vehicle while driving under the influence. If they are caught doing so, they will immediately incur a one-year Minnesota drivers license suspension. If transporting hazardous materials, the suspension is for three years. Subsequent offenses are treated even more strictly. Any CDL driver who is caught and convicted of a second DUI will have their Minnesota commercial drivers license privileges disqualified for life.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

What is the DUI penalty for a minor?
Drivers under the age of 21 who are convicted of driving under the influence in Minnesota will face serious consequences. A first offense results in an immediate 30-day drivers license suspension. Subsequent offenses are even more serious, with the consequences being a suspension that lasts 180 days. Additionally, every DUI charge comes with a significant fine. The more times a driver is convicted, the more he or she will have to pay.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

What must I do to reinstate my driver’s license as a result of a DUI/DWI?
The process to reinstate a drivers license varies based on the offense that was committed, in the case of driving under the influence in Minnesota, a driver is required to complete the following steps:
  1. Wait for the suspension period to end.
  2. Serve all jail/community service time, if applicable.
  3. Obtain an ignition interlock device for your vehicle, if applicable.
  4. Pass the DWI knowledge exam.
  5. Complete a chemical health assessment program.
  6. File reinstatement application and fees.
  7. Pay the $680 DUI reinstatement fee.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

Where can I find more information about an ignition interlock device?
There are certain instances in which a driver charged with driving under the influence in Minnesota can apply for an ignition interlock device. The installation of one of these devices will allow the driver to operate a vehicle with a limited driving license. There are restrictions associated with this program. In addition, interestedoperators must file the necessary application and fees. If you would like to learn more about the DPS ignition interlock program, click here.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota

Where can I find my traffic or parking ticket information online?
In order to find out information about your traffic ticket, there are a few different websites you can visit. The specific site you need to go to depends on the county in which you were ticketed. If you received traffic fines in Ramsey county, then you would visit the Fourth District ticket website. However, if you were ticketed in a county that does not feature its own website for citations, visit the Minnesota Court Web Payment site. This portal allows drivers to search by case or citation.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

Why doesn’t a recent traffic ticket I received appear on my driving record?
One reason why vehicle owners purchase driving records in Minnesota is to see if a violation has shown up on their profile. In addition to suspensions, revocations and cancellations of drivers licenses, these records also show citations and driving violations. However, there will be instances in which a violation does not show up immediately. This does not mean that the offense will not be noted. The DPS may simply take longer to update the documentation.

For more information: Your Minnesota Driving Record

Will I get any points on my record if I received a traffic ticket from another state?
Minnesota does not have a point system to track traffic violations and corresponding fines. However, the lack of a point system does not mean that that the state doesn t issue traffic citations and record traffic offenses. Moreover, certain traffic violations are automatically reported to the Minnesota Department of Driver and Vehicle Services, and Minnesota in turn, routinely provides information regarding traffic citations and convictions to other states.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

Will I have points against my driver’s license if I get a ticket?
No, you will not. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety does not use the typical DMV point system. Thus, drivers will not receive points against their drivers licenses for incurring traffic fines in Minnesota. However, while points are not used, penalties are enforced. Under certain circumstances, the DPS may choose to suspend your license. One violation that typically results in this penalty is driving while intoxicated.

For more information: Traffic Tickets and Violations in Minnesota

Will I have to take an alcohol awareness class to reinstate my driver’s license?
If you have been caught driving while intoxicated in Minnesota, you will face a number of serious penalties. The court that determines these penalties may decide to give you an alcohol awareness course requirement. However, this is not common for first offenders. First offenders most often incur fines and short jail time. It is third and fourth offenses that often result in a judge s decision to require the driver s enrollment in an alcohol education program.

For more information: DUI/DWI Information for Minnesota