What is Driver's License Suspension?

An obligor's driver's license may be selected for suspension if there is a past due balance of at least $500 and at least three months' consecutive support has been unpaid and no payment was received during the prior month. Thirty days after a case is selected, a notice is sent to the obligor telling them their license will be suspended in 90 days.

How can the suspension process be stopped?
The obligor can stop the suspension process by doing one of the following after receiving the notice of suspension:
•  Request a hearing within 30 days from the date of the notice.
•  Pay all the past due support. 
•  Enter into a payment agreement. 
•  Seek a limited license from The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services.  The limited license is available one time and the obligor may not extend or renew it.  The Minnesota Department of Public Safety manages the limited licenses and determines whether an individual qualifies for a limited license. 

What happens if the obligor does nothing?
If the obligor does nothing, a suspension request will be sent to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety the month after the 90 days has expired.

How does the obligor get their license reinstated after suspension?
After suspension, the obligor can get the license reinstated by paying all past due support, by obtaining a court order, or by signing a payment agreement. If the obligor defaults on the payment agreement and stops making payments, the child support office can mail a Notice of Non-Compliance. The license may be suspended if the obligor fails to take action following this notice. If this occurs, the obligor will have to bring the payment agreement current before the license will be reinstated or obtain a court order reinstating the license.

Are there any reasons the obligor's license may not be suspended?
There are circumstances that occur where the child support office may not be able to suspend the obligor's driver's license or may have to reinstate the suspended driver's license.
•  The obligor is a recipient of cash public assistance. 
•  The obligor has filed bankruptcy. 
•  The obligor does not have a Minnesota driver's license. 
•  The obligor has been involved in a national disaster or catastrophe .
•  A court order prohibits the suspension.