By PBI Intern Anthony Simsecu
Access to a driver’s license is a fundamental need for individuals reentering society after incarceration. In our car-dependent communities, reliable transportation is essential for securing and maintaining employment—a key factor in successful reintegration. A valid driver’s license also allows individuals to meet probation requirements, attend medical appointments, engage in civic life, and reconnect with their families and communities. However, many returning citizens face significant obstacles in restoring their licenses due to outstanding court fines, reinstatement fees, and bureaucratic barriers. These challenges can contribute to recidivism, as individuals struggle to fulfill their legal obligations and secure stable employment without reliable transportation.
The Minnesota Collaborative Justice Project: A Pro Bono Institute Initiative
The Minnesota Collaborative Justice Project (MNCJP), an initiative of Pro Bono Institute (PBI), brings together diverse stakeholders to address the needs of some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. MNCJP implements a structured and measurable approach to solving a persistent societal issue—the successful reentry of individuals released from federal and state correctional facilities. The initiative focuses on three key areas:
- Reentry Planning: Offering programming to incarcerated individuals before their release to promote post-release success.
- Access to Services: Enhancing access to employment, housing, and legal services to support returning citizens in building fuller, healthier lives.
- Policy and Advocacy: Advocating for changes in policies, rules, and legislation that create system-wide barriers to successful reentry.
One of MNCJP’s recent successes is its advocacy for the Reintegration Driver’s License (RDL), a critical tool for supporting successful reentry. In a webinar hosted by the Minnesota Justice Research Center (MNJRC), Eve Runyon, President and CEO of PBI, underscored the importance of this issue, stating, “Not having a driver’s license is keeping people from finding and keeping jobs, securing housing, and being able to see and support their children.” Her words paint a clear picture the pervasive impact of driver’s license barriers on the lives of returning individuals.
National Efforts to Improve Access to Driver’s Licenses
Across the United States, several states have taken steps to make it easier for individuals returning from incarceration to obtain a driver’s license. States like Louisiana and Mississippi have introduced provisional licenses for individuals recently released from prison. Louisiana’s model provides a one-year unrestricted license for those with prior revocations, while Mississippi’s license is more restrictive, allowing driving only for essential purposes like work and school.
In addition to these specialized licenses, broader reforms have been enacted to eliminate license suspensions for non-driving-related offenses. Several states, including Michigan and Illinois, have ended the practice of suspending licenses due to unpaid fines or fees, recognizing that such penalties disproportionately affect low-income individuals and hinder their ability to reintegrate into society.
Other reforms focus on reducing or eliminating reinstatement fees, which can present an insurmountable financial burden for returning individuals. The Fines and Fees Justice Center has been a leading advocate for these policies, arguing that fines should be scaled to an individual’s ability to pay, rather than being used as a punitive revenue source.
Minnesota has also taken important steps, ending driver’s license suspensions for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear for minor violations, and convictions for driving after suspension or revocation. These reforms prevent individuals from becoming trapped in a cycle where they are forced to drive illegally, incurring further penalties.
Minnesota’s Reintegration Driver’s License: A Step Forward
On April 1, 2024, Minnesota introduced the Reintegration Driver’s License (RDL) under Minnesota Statute 171.301. This initiative, signed into law by Governor Walz a year prior, offers a temporary, no-cost driver’s license to individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria:
- The individual must have been incarcerated for at least 180 consecutive days.
- The individual must apply within one year of release (or by April 1, 2025, if released before April 1, 2024).
- The individual must have previously held a Minnesota driver’s license or permit.
The RDL is valid for 15 months, during which the individual can transition to a standard driver’s license without paying reinstatement fees if they maintain a clean driving record for 12 months. However, the RDL cannot be renewed, and if it expires before transitioning to a standard license, the individual will be required to pay reinstatement fees.
The ability to support oneself and one’s family through a valid driver’s license is pivotal in restoring a sense of self-worth. Access to a driver’s license is not merely a matter of transportation, but also one of restoring dignity and independence for individuals reintegrating into society, ultimately ensuring a more successful reentry.
A Crucial Deadline Approaches
For individuals released before April 1, 2024, the deadline to apply for the Reintegration Driver’s License is April 1, 2025. After this date, they will no longer be eligible for the program and will need to follow the traditional reinstatement process. Advocates and legal service providers are working diligently with organizations like PBI to raise awareness of this deadline and assist eligible individuals with the application process.
Looking Ahead
Minnesota’s efforts, along with national reforms, reflect a growing recognition of the importance of mobility and economic opportunity in reducing recidivism. Ensuring that returning citizens have access to a driver’s license is a critical step in supporting their reintegration and fostering a more just and equitable society. Moving forward, policymakers and other interested organizations will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the RDL and push for further reforms, including additional financial relief for reinstatement fees and improved accessibility to licensing services for underserved communities.
By prioritizing initiatives like the Reintegration Driver’s License, Minnesota is not only removing unnecessary barriers for individuals returning from incarceration, but also investing in safer, more stable communities for all.