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Understanding Out-of-State DWI Charges When You’re a Minnesota Resident
Getting charged with Driving While Impaired (DWI) in another state can be stressful and confusing—especially if you live in Minnesota. Many Minnesota drivers assume that an out-of-state DWI is “only a problem” where it happened, but that’s not how things work. In reality, Minnesota will likely be notified of the offense and may impose penalties here at home, even if the charge occurred hundreds of miles away.
Because DWI laws vary by state, the penalties you face may differ based on where the arrest occurred. But thanks to nationwide reporting agreements and license compact rules, a DWI in one state can directly affect your Minnesota driver’s license, criminal record, and insurance rates.
In this article, we’ll explore what happens if you’re charged with a DWI outside Minnesota, how your home state responds, and what consequences you may face when you return. We’ll also explain how interstate DWI enforcement works, and why penalties vary depending on where the offense occurred.
Minnesota Is Part of the Interstate Driver License Compact
The Interstate Driver License Compact (IDLC) is an agreement between most U.S. states to share information about serious traffic violations, including DWIs and DUIs. Minnesota is a participating state. This means that if you are arrested for a DWI in another member state, that state will report the offense to Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Once notified, Minnesota can treat the out-of-state offense as if it occurred in-state, applying its own administrative penalties even if the legal process happens elsewhere.
Here’s what typically happens:
- The out-of-state DWI is reported to Minnesota
- Minnesota DPS reviews the case
- If the violation is considered equivalent to a Minnesota DWI, license revocation or suspension may be imposed
- The offense may count toward your DWI offense history in Minnesota
This means you don’t “escape” DWI consequences by crossing state lines. In most cases, the offense will follow you home and trigger administrative actions here.
License Revocation and Driving Privileges in Minnesota
Even though the arrest didn’t happen in Minnesota, your Minnesota driver’s license can still be affected. If another state reports a DWI offense, Minnesota DPS may:
- Suspend or revoke your license under Minnesota DWI statutes
- Require you to pay reinstatement fees
- Mandate enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Device Program (IIDP)
- Demand proof of insurance (SR-22) for reinstatement
The length of license suspension depends on whether this is your first offense, second, or third (based on Minnesota’s 10-year lookback period). Minnesota treats the out-of-state DWI as if it had occurred locally for the purposes of administrative action.
This means a second DWI in another state could result in gross misdemeanor-level penalties and extended license revocation here in Minnesota.
Will an Out-of-State DWI Count as a Prior Offense in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota law treats equivalent out-of-state offenses as prior DWIs for sentencing and penalty purposes. If you’re later arrested in Minnesota, your record will reflect the out-of-state DWI and it will raise the offense level of the new charge.
For example:
- A first DWI in Wisconsin followed by a second DWI in Minnesota = Second DWI (gross misdemeanor)
- A second DWI in another state plus a third in Minnesota = Felony DWI charges
The law uses a 10-year lookback period, and any conviction or administrative revocation that meets the criteria will count. This system ensures that repeat offenders can’t avoid escalating penalties simply by committing offenses across state lines.
Criminal vs. Administrative Penalties Across State Lines
It’s important to understand the difference between criminal penalties (handled by the state where the arrest happened) and administrative penalties (handled by Minnesota, your home state).
Criminal penalties (out-of-state):
- Handled by the courts in the state where the offense occurred
- May include jail time, fines, probation, court fees
- Must comply with court dates, sentencing, and any legal obligations in that state
Administrative penalties (Minnesota):
- Imposed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
- May include license revocation, interlock requirements, reinstatement fees
- These are separate from the criminal court process in the other state
So, if you’re convicted of a DWI in another state, you may have to serve penalties in two places: criminal penalties where the arrest occurred, and license-related consequences in Minnesota.
How to Reinstate Your License After an Out-of-State DWI
If your Minnesota license is revoked due to an out-of-state DWI, you’ll need to complete a reinstatement process through Minnesota DPS. The steps may vary depending on your prior record and the severity of the offense.
Typical requirements include:
- Paying the reinstatement fee (currently $680)
- Passing a written knowledge test related to DWI laws
- Providing proof of insurance (SR-22)
- Completing any required treatment or assessments
- Enrolling in the Ignition Interlock Program, if applicable
Minnesota will often require you to serve the full license revocation period even if the out-of-state offense resulted in a shorter suspension elsewhere.
If you failed to comply with the out-of-state court’s conditions—such as skipping court dates or not completing probation—your license reinstatement in Minnesota may be delayed or denied until those issues are resolved.
Differences in DWI Laws That Affect Out-of-State Drivers
One of the complexities of getting a DWI outside Minnesota is that laws vary widely from state to state. Some examples of how this affects Minnesota drivers:
- BAC thresholds may differ slightly
- Penalties for refusing chemical tests vary across states
- Some states use different classifications (e.g., “DUI” vs. “DWI” vs. “OWI”)
- Ignition interlock policies and eligibility timelines may not align
Minnesota uses its own standards when deciding how to respond to an out-of-state offense. If the offense is considered substantially similar to a Minnesota DWI, the same consequences typically apply.
That said, there are edge cases—such as DWIs in non-compact states or cases involving plea deals—that may lead to different outcomes. Consulting with legal or administrative professionals may be helpful in those situations.
Insurance and Employment Impacts After an Out-of-State DWI
Even if the DWI happened in another state, the long-term consequences often hit at home. Insurance companies share data across state lines, and many will increase your premiums based on a single out-of-state DWI conviction or license action.
Impacts include:
- Higher premiums or cancellation of coverage
- SR-22 filing requirements
- Reduced eligibility for good driver discounts
- Flagged driving record on employment background checks
If you hold a professional license or commercial driving license (CDL), the consequences can be even more serious. Out-of-state convictions often trigger disciplinary reviews from licensing boards and can result in CDL disqualification, regardless of where the incident occurred.
FAQ: Out-of-State DWI Consequences for Minnesota Residents
Will Minnesota find out if I get a DWI in another state?
Yes. Most states share DWI data through the Driver License Compact, and Minnesota will be notified.
Can I lose my Minnesota license because of a DWI in another state?
Yes. Minnesota DPS can suspend or revoke your license based on an out-of-state offense, even if it occurred elsewhere.
Do I have to complete penalties in the other state too?
Yes. You must fulfill all criminal court obligations in the state where you were charged, in addition to handling Minnesota’s administrative penalties.
Will an out-of-state DWI count as a prior offense here?
Yes. If it’s considered equivalent to a Minnesota DWI, it will count toward your 10-year offense history and affect future penalties.
Can I drive in Minnesota if my license is suspended because of an out-of-state DWI?
No. If your license is revoked by Minnesota DPS due to an out-of-state DWI, you may only drive legally after reinstating or through limited or interlock programs, depending on eligibility.
Conclusion: How Out-of-State DWIs Affect Minnesota Drivers
If you’re a Minnesota resident and receive a DWI in another state, you will still face serious consequences at home. Minnesota recognizes out-of-state DWI convictions and may impose license revocation, interlock requirements, and other administrative actions. These penalties are separate from the criminal process in the arresting state, meaning you must navigate both systems. Even though DWI penalties vary by state, Minnesota holds its residents accountable for violations that occur anywhere in the U.S.
To understand why DWI penalties vary by state, visit our article on why DUI penalties vary by state.
For a full overview of how DWI laws work across the U.S., check out our resource on state-by-state DWI laws.