The reintegration driver’s license (RDL) allows you to get a driver’s license or permit once you are released from an adult correctional facility. You will not have to pay the fines or fees you owe right away with an RDL. 

The RDL is good for 24 months and cannot be renewed. Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) will cancel the RDL if you get suspended, revoked or canceled during that time. 

How do I get an RDL?

To get an RDL you have to apply within one year of your release. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have had a Minnesota driver's license or permit
• Have been in an adult correctional facility for at least 180 days (six months) in a row
• Have a driver's license or permit that was suspended or revoked before you went to an adult correctional facility
• Complete a Reintegration license form
• Go to an office to apply

Important to know: 

• DVS will not waive testing or document requirements
  • If your class D license is expired more than one year, a written test is required, if more than five years the written and road tests will be required
  • New proof documents will be required if your driver’s license is expired for more than five years

You cannot get an RDL if:

• You’ve never had a Minnesota driver's license or permit
• You need to give DVS proof of insurance
  • You must maintain insurance, or your license will be canceled
• Your driving privileges are suspended, revoked or canceled
  • You have a child support suspension on your driving privileges
  • Your driving privileges are revoked because you hurt or killed someone while driving a motor vehicle (such as a car, boat, scooter, motorcycle and more).
  • The Commissioner of Public Safety has declared you to be a driver who is dangerous to others
  • You have been judged legally incompetent to have a driver’s license. You owe fines in another state, or your driving privilege is suspended or revoked in another state
  • You have new violations or convictions on your record that revoke, suspend or cancel your driving privilege after your release from an adult correctional facility
• You have an ignition interlock device restriction
• You do not pass the vision check
• You want to get a commercial driver’s license

My RDL is about to expire. What happens now?

An RDL expires 24 months after the date it was issued and cannot be renewed.

When your RDL is at least a year old, as long as it has not been canceled, you can apply for a regular driver's license with a four-year expiration. To apply, you must: 

• Pay or resolve any court fines directly with the relevant counties
• Pay the full fee for the new license and any endorsements
• Resolve any holds on your driver license if there is one in another state

You have up to 90 days after your RDL expires to apply for a regular license. When you apply for a regular license, any remaining DVS reinstatement fees will be forgiven. If you wait more than 90 days after your RDL expires to apply for a regular driver's license, you will have to pay all DVS fees that are on your record. 

Laws

Reintegration license: Minnesota Statute 171.301