Getting Your License Back After a DWI in Minnesota
Losing your license after a DWI changes everything. You still need to get to work, school, and family. The good news is there is a path back. But you have to act fast. The deadline to challenge a license loss is short. Our lawyers answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (612) 767-9643.
Two Cases, Two Clocks
A DWI arrest starts two separate cases. One is the criminal charge. The other is the loss of your license, which the state handles on its own. After the arrest, you usually get a 14-day temporary license before the revocation starts. The deadline to challenge the revocation is short and strict. If you miss it, you lose the chance to fight it. We watch both clocks for you. This is a key part of Minnesota DWI defense.
Your Path Back to Driving
Most people get back on the road in one of two ways. You can wait out the full revocation period. Or you can join the ignition interlock program and drive sooner. An interlock is a device that checks your breath before the car starts. How long you need it depends on your record.
How Long the Interlock Lasts
With one prior in 20 years, the interlock is about 2 years. With two in your lifetime, it is 6 years. With three or more, it is 10 to 15 years. Cases that involve injury or death can be longer. We help you understand your exact timeline.
Related: DWI Vehicle Forfeiture and Plate Impoundment Defense in Minnesota
The Delay Trap
Here is what many people miss. The revocation clock runs while you are in the interlock program. If you wait to join, you do not shorten the wait. You just push it back. Joining sooner means you finish sooner. This one choice can save you months of not driving.
What License Reinstatement Costs
Minnesota charges a $680 reinstatement fee. Under the 2025 law, you can pay it in parts. The interlock device has its own cost, around $2.50 to $3.50 per day, plus monthly fees. You must also finish a treatment program for a full reinstatement.
How We Help
We fight the revocation when there is a reason to. We check the stop, the test, and the paperwork. We also guide you through interlock and license reinstatement so you do not miss a step. Our goal is to get you driving again as soon as the law allows.
Talk to a Minnesota DWI Lawyer
David Lundgren and Adam Johnson have more than 30 years of combined experience. We help drivers across Minnesota, including all 87 counties. Call (612) 767-9643 any time to talk to our attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I can drive after a DWI in Minnesota?
It depends on your record. Many people drive again quickly by joining the ignition interlock program. Others wait out the revocation. The sooner you act, the sooner you can be back on the road. Call us to find your timeline.
What do I need to fully reinstate my license?
You must finish your required interlock or revocation period, complete a substance use treatment program, and pay the $680 reinstatement fee. Under the 2025 law, you can pay that fee in parts. Call us and we will walk you through each step.
Can I get off the interlock early?
In most cases, no. You must finish the required time based on your record. Joining the program right away is the surest way to finish sooner. Waiting does not shorten the clock.
Can I drive to work during my revocation?
Maybe. A limited license lets you drive for set reasons, like work. An interlock license lets you drive more freely with the device. You cannot hold both at once. We help you pick the right one.
Do you answer calls after hours?
Yes. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. License deadlines move fast after an arrest. Call (612) 767-9643 to get started now.