Reintegration driver's license
If you have been released from an adult correctional facility, you may be able to get a reintegration driver’s license (RDL) or instruction permit. The RDL and instruction permit are valid for two years.
You can get an RDL even if you owe fines or fees to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) or a court. You must still meet other requirements to be eligible to apply.
You may qualify for an RDL if you:
- Have been in an adult correctional facility for at least 180 consecutive days.
- Are at least 18 years old.
- Held a Minnesota driver's license or permit that was suspended or revoked before entering an adult correctional facility.
- Apply within a year of being released from an adult correctional facility.
You do not qualify for an RDL if:
- Your driving privileges are:
- Suspended because of unpaid child support.
- Suspended or revoked in another state.
- Revoked because you hurt or killed someone while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or controlled substances.
- You have unresolved out-of-state violations.
- You are required to participate in the Ignition Interlock program.
- The commissioner of public safety declared you to be a driver who is dangerous to others.
- A court determined you are legally incompetent to hold a driver’s license.
- You want to apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Requirements
| If your license has been expired for: | You must: |
|---|---|
| One year or more | Pass the knowledge test |
| Five years or more |
Pass the knowledge and road tests Provide identity proof documents |
How to apply
- Complete a Reintegration driver’s license form including signature from an authorized person.
- If Minnesota law requires you to provide proof of insurance to get your license back, you must provide acceptable proof of insurance when you apply.
- Pass a vision test.
Applying for a regular license
If you have had a valid RDL for at least a year, you can apply for a regular license with a four-year expiration. To apply, you must:
- Pay or resolve outstanding court fines directly with the relevant counties.
- Pay for the new license and any endorsements.
- Resolve any out-of-state license suspensions, revocations or other actions that prevent Minnesota from issuing you a regular driver's license.
To qualify for waived driver's license fees, you must hold your reintegration instruction permit for one year. You cannot upgrade from a reintegration instruction permit to an RDL.
If you apply for a regular license within 90 days of your RDL expiration date, any remaining DVS reinstatement fees will be forgiven.
If your RDL expired more than 90 days before you apply for a regular driver's license, you will have to pay all DVS fees on your record.
DVS determines eligibility for a reintegration driver's license based on Minnesota Statutes section 171.301 and other applicable Minnesota laws. This webpage provides a general summary of the program and does not replace the requirements of state law.