Minnesota Ignition Interlock Device

Information & Resources

Information on Minnesota Ignition Interlock and DWI Laws

Minnesota ignition interlock laws require drivers with any first-time alcohol offense with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level under 0.16 to lose their ability to drive for 90 Days. There are three options if this applies t you.


You can install and ignition interlock (in-car breathalyzer) and receive and igintion interlock restricted license with full driving privileges. After 15 days without driving, you can apply for a limited license that will allow you to drive to and from work, school, treatment, abstinence support group meetings, court, and probation. You are limited to driving 60 hours and no more than six days per week with this type of license. You cannot drive for the full 90 days.


If it your 1st alcohol offense but you had a BAC of 0.16 or greater, you cannot drive for one year, but you have two options. You can install an ignition interlock and you will be able to drive just as you did before or go without driving for one year.

If you refused to take an alcohol test at the time of your arrest, you will not be able to drive for one year, but you can install an igintion interlock, wait 15 days, and apply for a limited license with restrictions on where you can drive and how much driving you can do.


If this is a 2nd offense in 10 years or 3rd offense on record (revoked status) with a BAC under 0.16, there is a one-year suspension. The only way to continue driving is to install and ignition interlock device. If your BAC was over 0.16 or if you refused to take a BAC test at the time of you arrest, you will not be able to drive for two years unless you install an ignition interlock.


If your licence is "Canceled and Denied as Inimical to Public Safety," your 3rd offense within 10 years or 4th offense on record results in three years minimum loss of driving privileges. A 4th offense within 10 years results in four years minimum loss of driving privileges. And a 5th or subsequent offense results in six years minimum loss of driving privileges.


In addition to these administrative sanctions, if you are convicted by a court or plead guilty, you face additional penalties. For a 1st conviction, the criminal sanctions are up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of $1,000. A full chart of the administrative and criminal consequences of DWI in Minnesota is available here.


Every situation and state is unique, please consult with your attorney or your state licensing authority to confirm your requirements and obligations.

Application Process for the Ignition Interlock Device Program

Ignition Interlock Device Program Application

To participate in the Ignition Interlock Program, you must: 


  • Be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Own or drive a vehicle with valid insurance. 
  • Must have a Class D type vehicle (no commercial vehicles). 
  • Go to a deputy registrar to purchase special registration plates if your license plates have been impounded. 
  • Have no existing withdrawals in any other state. 
  • Not be subject to Vanessa's Law if your driving privilege was revoked prior to age 18.
  • Sign a Waiver of Rights.


Revoked Status

If you have had your license revoked, you must: 



  1. Pay the $680 reinstatement fee. 
  2. Apply for a new Class D driver’s license and pay the application fee. 
  3. Commercial Driving License (CDL) privileges are not allowed while participating in the program. Appropriate testing and application for CDL privileges can only be renewed upon completion of the program. 
  4. Use the Where’s my license? feature to see when your restricted license has been printed. 
  5. Sign and date the Ignition Interlock Participation Agreement. 
  6. Submit an Insurance Identification Card for the vehicles to be equipped with the device. 
  7. A Certificate of Insurance will be required if your driving record shows a history of an insurance conviction. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the vehicle with the device must match the VIN on the Insurance Identification Card or Certificate of Insurance. 
  8. Sign and notarize the Special Review Awarenessform if required. 
  9. Submit application paperwork to DVS.
  10. Online: Upload ignition interlock forms  
  11. Email: dvs.ii@state.mn.us 
  12. Mail or drop-off:
    Driver and Vehicle Services
    Ignition Interlock Unit
    445 Minnesota St., Suite 177
    St. Paul, MN 55101 
  13. Fax: 651-797-1299 
  14. Select an ignition interlock provider and have the device installed. 
  15. You may have the device installed by the provider at any time but must wait until you receive the notice of conditional reinstatement from DVS before driving the vehicle. 


Review the Revoked Status Checklist.


Canceled Status

If your license has been canceled and denied, you must: 


  1. Pay the $680 reinstatement fee. 
  2. Apply for a new Class D driver’s license and pay the application fee. 
  3. Commercial Driving License (CDL) privileges are not allowed while participating in the program. Appropriate testing and application for CDL privileges can only be renewed upon completion of the program. 
  4. Use the Where’s my license? feature to see when your restricted license has been printed. 
  5. Sign and date the Ignition Interlock Participation Agreement. 
  6. Complete a Chemical Use Assessment and enroll in a treatment or other program if needed. 
  7. The treatment center, the assessor, or the alcohol or drug counselor must fax the assessment and proof of enrollment directly to Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-797-1738. Please include a driver’s license number or date of birth on the assessment or enrollment for verification purposes. 
  8. Sign and date the Last Use Statement. 
  9. Submit an Insurance Identification Card for the vehicles to be equipped with the device. 
  10. A Certificate of Insurance will be required if your driving record shows a history of an insurance conviction. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the vehicle with the device must match the VIN on the Insurance Identification Card or Certificate of Insurance. 
  11. Submit application paperwork to DVS.
  12. Online: Upload ignition interlock forms  
  13. Email: dvs.ii@state.mn.us 
  14. Mail or drop-off:
    Driver and Vehicle Services
    Ignition Interlock Unit
    445 Minnesota St., Suite 177
    St. Paul, MN 55101 
  15. Fax: 651-797-1299 
  16. Select an ignition interlock provider and have the device installed. 
  17. You may have the device installed by the provider at any time but must wait until you receive the notice of conditional reinstatement from DVS before driving the vehicle. 


Review the Canceled Status Checklist.


Minnesota's Ignition Interlock Program FAQs

Using the Device

  • Can a passenger blow into the device for the driver?

    No, the driver should provide all the breath tests. This is true even if they are not the person enrolled in the program.

  • Will the interlock shut off my engine or stop my vehicle if I fail a breath test?

    No. The ignition interlock device will not shut off your engine if you fail a breath test. 


    The device is designed to prevent the car from starting without a passing breath test. If you fail a test while driving, the device records a violation but will not stop your car.

  • In extreme weather, can I start my car and let it run until the car warms up or cools down?

    No. The device will ask for random rolling retests while the vehicle is running. Failure to provide a breath sample will be considered a skipped​ rolling retest.

  • What if I need more training on how to use and blow into the device?

    Contact your interlock manufacturer for additional training.

About the Device

  • Can the interlock unit drain my battery or damage my vehicle?

    No. Problems occur only if your vehicle has an existing electrical problem or the battery has died. 


    The device is connected to the wiring under the dash and under the hood. At the end of the program, this wiring is restored to its original condition.

  • Why does the ignition interlock device have a camera?

    The camera allows Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) to verify who is using the device and prevent the participant from using someone else to provide the breath tests. 


    When prompted to provide a breath test the camera will take a series of pictures. Although the participant is responsible for all breath samples provided, the photos will allow DVS to review photos if necessary.

  • What if the ignition interlock device is destroyed or stolen?

    The participant should contact DVS and the interlock manufacturer as soon as possible.  


    DVS allows the participant seven days to reinstall the device.

  • Who should I contact if I am having problems with my ignition interlock device?

    Contact the interlock manufacturer directly and request to speak to a manager or supervisor in their central office.


    If you are still having issues with your device after contacting the manufacturer, email DVS​. Be sure to include your name, driver’s license number, date of birth, current interlock manufacturer and a brief description of the issue.

  • Can I switch manufacturers?

    Yes, you can change manufacturers at any time.  

About the Program

  • When does my time in Ignition Interlock start?

    Your time in the program will start after:

    • We receive all the necessary enrollment forms.
    • You have completed all outstanding requirements. 
    • The interlock device is installed, and once 
    • We enroll you in the program. 

    You'll receive a Notice of Conditional Reinstatement indicating you are enrolled or can check your status online. 

  • Can I qualify for a limited license instead of enrolling in the program?

    Call 651-296-2948 or 651-296-2025 to determine eligibility.

  • Am I eligible to get off the program early for good behavior?

    No. There is no reduction in the length of your enrollment for good behavior.

  • Can I remove my device before the end of my program?

    Removing the device before completing the program will result in revocation of your driver's license. 


    If you decide to re-enroll in the program, you will get credit for the time you were previously in the program.

  • What if I am in the ignition interlock device program and move to another state?

    ou are still required to complete the ignition interlock requirement for Minnesota. 


    Contact your manufacturer and let them know you are moving to another state.  The device needs to be set according to Minnesota's standards, and all program requirements will remain the same. 

  • What if I am enrolled in the partial day program?

    You will be allowed to participate in the ignition interlock device program after you have complied with the requirements of the partial pay program and paid your first installment. 


    If you fail to make the second payment, you are no longer eligible to participate in the program.

  • How are the 30 days for Cancel and Deny — Inimical to Public Safety (CANC-IPS) participants calculated?

    The 30 breath tests are calculated beginning with the date of a CANC-IPS participant's enrollment. It is based on a continuous 30-day period. It is not based on one specific date since some months more or less than 30 days.   


    The program guidelines state CANC-IPS participants must demonstrate abstinence by regular and consistent use of the device. Providing 30 initial breath tests over two or three days does not demonstrate regular and consistent use.  


    DVS does not require that the vehicle is driven each day. The participant must provide consistent initial tests, which can be performed each day without driving the vehicle. 

Reinstating your License

  • Can I pay my reinstatement fee online via e-services?

    Yes, reinstatement fees can be paid online.

    Access the Payment Portal

  • Where can I pay my reinstatement fee or meet with a driver evaluator?

    Find offices that accept reinstatement fees or have driver evaluators available.

    Search for Office Locations

  • Who do I contact regarding special registration plates?

    Contact Minnesota's Plate Impound Unit at 651-297-5034.

  • How can I check my driver's license status online?

    Log in to your MyDVS account.

    MyDVS Portal

Other Questions

  • If a participant has a program violation, how do I obtain copies of monitoring reports?

    Work directly with the interlock manufacturer to obtain copies of monitoring reports.

  • What are the different ways to lose my driving privilages?

    Minnesota Rules lay out several levels a driver would lose their privileges:  

    • A suspension is a temporary withdrawal of driving privileges.  
    • A revocation is a complete withdrawal of driving privileges.  
    • A cancellation is a DVS withdrawal of driving privileges.  
    • A cancel and deny inimical to public safety is a DVS withdrawal of privileges due to alcohol/drug related actions.  
    • A disqualification is a DVS withdrawal of commercial driving privileges. ​ 

Ignition Interlock Device Program Forms

How do I get my license back in Minnesota after a DUI?