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Minnesota drivers whose record a court ordered expunged between Jan. 1, 2015, and Feb. 14, 2025, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and its driver and vehicle services division did not seal it or did not seal it in a timely manner may qualify to claim up to $15,000 from a class action settlement.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, including its driver and vehicle services division, agreed to pay $900,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging they failed to comply with court expungement orders and state law requiring the driving record sealing.
Who can file a claim?
Class members must meet all of the following criteria:
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and its driver and vehicle services division held their records, which a court ordered to be sealed under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A.
- The court issued the expungement order between Jan. 1, 2015, and Feb. 14, 2025.
- DVS did not seal the record or did not seal it in a timely manner.
Eligible class members should have received a notice of eligibility by mail from the settlement administrator.
How much can class members receive?
The settlement provides two types of payments:
- Special compensation: Class members who can prove specific financial loss due to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and its driver and vehicle services division's failure to expunge their record may receive up to $15,000.
- Pro rata payment: Class members who do not seek special compensation or do not submit a claim form will receive a pro rata payment from the remaining balance of the settlement fund after other awards and expenses. The settlement reserves at least $100,000 for this group.
How to claim a settlement payment
Class members who wish to claim special compensation must submit a claim form. They can file a claim online, mail the completed claim form they received with the class notice or download, print and fill out the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator. The deadline to submit a claim is Oct. 27, 2025.
Settlement administrator's mailing address: S.A. v. Minnesota Department of Public Safety c/o Analytics Consulting LLC, P.O. Box 2003 Chanhassen, MN 55317-2003.
What proof or documentation is required to submit a claim?
All claimants seeking special compensation must provide documentation and an affidavit supporting their claim of financial harm. This could include:
- Job applications
- Rejection letters
- Emails from potential employers
- Any other documents showing the loss was due to the unsealed driving record
Online claimants must enter their claim number and PIN to log in to the site. This information is located on the postcard claim form they received.
Payout options
- Paper check
$900,000 settlement fund breakdown
The $900,000 settlement fund includes:
- Settlement administration costs: To be determined
- Attorneys’ fees and costs: Up to $400,000
- Payments to eligible class members: The remaining funds
Important dates
- Exclusion deadline: Sept. 26, 2025
- Claim form deadline: Oct. 27, 2025
- Final approval hearing: Nov. 4, 2025
When is the Minnesota Department of Public Safety settlement payout date?
The settlement administrator will issue payments after the court grants final approval and completes any appeals or reviews.
Why did this class action settlement happen?
The class action lawsuit alleged the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and its driver and vehicle services division failed to follow court orders and state law requiring them to seal expunged driving records. The plaintiffs claimed this failure caused harm, including financial loss, to individuals whose records the duo did not properly expunged.
While DPS denies any wrongdoing, it agreed to settle the case to avoid the costs, risks and delays of further litigation. The settlement provides compensation to affected individuals and requires DVS to ensure timely implementation of future expungement orders.
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