Minnesota Hardship License Guide: Requirements & Costs

Minnesota calls it a Limited License, available after DUI, unpaid fines, points violations, and some uninsured suspensions. Requires proof of hardship (employment, medical, education), DMV application with $30 fee, and SR-22 filing for most causes. Processing takes 10-15 business days.

Compare Minnesota Auto Insurance

Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

Two cars on dark road at night with bright headlights and red taillights illuminating the pavement
Quotes from state-licensed insurance professionals
Licensed Agents Only
Free to request, no commitment required
No Obligation
No cost to you
Free to Use
Your contact information is protected
TCPA-Compliant
Updated May 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Minnesota

Minnesota issues Limited Licenses through the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, not through the courts. You apply directly at DVS with documented proof of hardship — employment, medical appointments, education, or dependent care. The state requires SR-22 insurance filing for most suspension causes before the Limited License is granted, and the filing duration depends on the original violation.

Minnesota cityscape and street view
30/60/10 minimum liability
SR-22 Insurance
Minnesota requires SR-22 filing for DUI, uninsured driving, points suspensions, and unpaid fines. The filing proves continuous insurance to DVS. Your carrier files electronically; DVS receives confirmation within 24 hours. If your policy lapses, DVS is notified immediately and your Limited License is revoked. SR-22 duration is 1 year for uninsured violations, 3 years for DUI.
30/60/10 minimum liability
Non-Owner SR-22
If you don't own a vehicle but need a Limited License, Minnesota accepts non-owner SR-22 policies. These cover you when driving borrowed or rented vehicles and satisfy the SR-22 requirement. Non-owner policies typically cost 30-40% less than standard SR-22 policies. The filing must remain active for the full required term or your Limited License is suspended again.
30/60/10 state minimum
Liability Insurance
Minnesota's minimum liability requirement is $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. This is the floor for Limited License holders with SR-22 filing. One serious accident exceeds these limits easily — median hospital admission in Minnesota costs $18,000, and property damage for a totaled vehicle averages $12,000. Limited License holders cannot drop below state minimums without triggering revocation.
30/60/10 minimum liability
Ignition Interlock Insurance
Minnesota requires ignition interlock devices for DUI-related Limited Licenses. You must use a state-certified vendor and maintain insurance that covers vehicles with IID installed. Carrier notification is required — some insurers charge an additional $10-20 monthly surcharge for IID coverage. The IID requirement typically runs the full term of your Limited License, often 1-3 years depending on BAC level and prior offenses.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · Minnesota

Minnesota Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$30,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$60,000
Property Damage$10,000

License Reinstatement Fee$30

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Minnesota quote.

Get your Minnesota quote

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Minnesota?

Minnesota Limited License holders pay elevated premiums due to the suspension cause. SR-22 filing adds $25-50 annually as a carrier processing fee. The bigger impact comes from the violation rating — DUI-related Limited License policies average $180-280 monthly, unpaid fines or uninsured suspensions average $120-190 monthly, points-related suspensions average $140-220 monthly.

What Affects Your Rate

  • DUI violations in Minnesota carry 3-year SR-22 requirements and rate multipliers of 1.8x-2.5x base premium depending on BAC level.
  • Uninsured driving suspensions require 1-year SR-22 filing and typically increase premiums 40-70% over standard rates.
  • Points-related suspensions add 50-90% to base premium, with SR-22 filing required for 2 years after reinstatement.
  • Minneapolis and St. Paul metro drivers pay 15-25% more than outstate Minnesota due to higher claim frequency and theft rates.
  • Ignition interlock device requirements add $70-120 monthly for device rental plus $10-20 monthly insurance surcharge.
  • Credit-based insurance scores still apply in Minnesota — Limited License holders with good credit save 20-30% over those with poor credit even after suspension.
Minimum Coverage
$120-$190/mo
State minimum 30/60/10 liability with SR-22 filing. Covers basic legal compliance for Limited License reinstatement. Typical for unpaid fines or first uninsured suspensions.
Standard Coverage
$180-$280/mo
50/100/50 liability with SR-22 filing and IID coverage if required. Covers DUI-related Limited License holders with moderate exposure. Most carriers price standard limits 15-20% higher than minimums for suspended drivers.
Full Coverage
$240-$380/mo
100/300/100 liability plus collision and comprehensive with SR-22. Protects financed vehicles and higher net worth Limited License holders. Full coverage adds 30-40% over liability-only for suspended drivers in Minnesota.

Compare car insurance rates in your state

Get quotes from licensed carriers — no obligation, no spam, results in minutes.

Get Your Free Quote
No Obligation Required Licensed Carriers Only Available Nationwide Free to Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Free Quote in Minnesota