Where to check your North Dakota driver's license status

North Dakota's Department of Transportation (NDDOT) operates the online license status tool through its official website. You can check the current status of your license without creating an account or paying a fee — you need only your driver's license number and date of birth.

The NDDOT website at dmv.nd.gov is the only official source for this information. The tool tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired, and it shows the reason if your license is not currently valid. This same system is what law enforcement officers access during traffic stops.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call the NDDOT at 701-328-2725 during business hours. Staff can look up your status over the phone, though you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and license number.

Key Takeaways

  • North Dakota's official driver's license status tool is free and available on the NDDOT website at dmv.nd.gov without requiring you to create an account.
  • You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to search your status online.
  • A suspension in North Dakota typically results from unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court, and the reason will appear in your status results.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the NDDOT website also shows what steps you must take to restore it.
  • You can call the NDDOT directly at 701-328-2725 if you cannot access the online tool or need clarification about your status.

Common reasons for suspension or revocation in North Dakota

North Dakota suspends licenses most often for unpaid traffic fines or court costs. If you received a ticket and did not pay the fine or appear in court, the court notifies NDDOT, which then suspends your driving privileges. The suspension remains in place until you pay the fine and any associated court costs.

Child support arrears also trigger suspension. If you owe child support and fall behind on payments, the state's child support enforcement agency can request that NDDOT suspend your license. This suspension lifts once you bring your account current or establish a payment plan with the child support office.

Revocation — a more serious action than suspension — occurs after multiple violations or serious offenses. A revocation for driving under the influence (DUI) typically lasts at least one year and requires you to complete a substance abuse evaluation and treatment program before you can restore your license. Revocation for other reasons may require a hearing or specific conditions to be met.

What to do if your license is suspended

The first step is to determine the exact reason for the suspension by checking your status online or calling NDDOT. The status report will tell you which agency caused the suspension — the court system, child support enforcement, or NDDOT itself — and what action you must take.

If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the ticket. You can pay the fine directly to the court, and once the court notifies NDDOT that payment is received, your suspension is lifted. This process typically takes one to three business days.

If the suspension is due to child support arrears, contact the North Dakota Child Support Enforcement office at 701-328-3582. You can arrange a payment plan or bring your account current. Once the child support office confirms the change to NDDOT, your suspension is removed.

Restoration requirements after revocation

Revocation is not automatic removal after a set time — you must take specific steps to restore your license. The requirements depend on the reason for revocation. For a DUI revocation, North Dakota requires you to complete a substance abuse evaluation, pay a restoration fee (currently $100), and provide proof of insurance before you can reapply.

You must also complete any court-ordered treatment or counseling programs. Once you have met all requirements, you submit documentation to NDDOT along with your restoration fee. NDDOT then issues a new license, though some revocations include a waiting period before you can reapply.

If you are unsure what steps explore to your revocation, the NDDOT website lists the requirements by revocation type, or you can call 701-328-2725 to speak with a staff member who can walk you through the process.

How long suspension and revocation last

A suspension typically lasts only as long as the underlying issue remains unresolved. Once you pay a fine, the suspension ends within a few business days. If the suspension is due to child support, it ends when you bring your account current or establish a payment plan.

Revocation lasts much longer. A first DUI revocation in North Dakota lasts a minimum of one year. A second DUI within ten years results in a minimum two-year revocation. Revocation for other reasons — such as multiple serious violations — may last longer or be permanent until you meet specific restoration conditions.

The status tool online will show you the expected end date of your suspension or the conditions you must meet to restore a revoked license. If that information is unclear, NDDOT staff can explain the timeline when you call.

Restricted licenses and hardship permits in North Dakota

If your license is suspended or revoked, you may be able to obtain a restricted license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. North Dakota calls this a hardship permit. You must petition the court that suspended your license or NDDOT (depending on the reason for suspension) to request one.

To may have access to for a hardship permit, you must show that driving is essential for your employment, education, or medical care, and that no reasonable alternative transportation exists. You will also need to pay a fee and provide proof of insurance. The court or NDDOT then decides whether to grant the permit.

A hardship permit is not a full license — it restricts where and when you can drive. Violating the restrictions can result in additional penalties. If you believe you need a hardship permit, contact the court that issued your suspension or call NDDOT at 701-328-2725 to learn about the petition process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for NDDOT to update my status after I pay a fine?

Once the court receives your payment, it typically notifies NDDOT within one to three business days. You should see the suspension lifted in the online status tool within that timeframe. If more than three business days have passed and your status has not changed, contact the court directly to confirm the payment was recorded.

Can I drive if my license is suspended but I have not received official notice?

No. The suspension takes effect as soon as the court or child support office notifies NDDOT, regardless of whether you have received a notice in the mail. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in North Dakota. Always check your status online or by phone if you are unsure.

What happens if I get pulled over while my license is suspended?

You can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor. The officer will verify your status through the same system NDDOT uses. You should not drive if your status shows a suspension or revocation.

Can I restore my license online or by mail?

Restoration requirements vary by reason. Some suspensions end automatically once the underlying issue is resolved. Revocations require you to submit documentation and fees, which you can do by mail or in person at an NDDOT office. Check your status report or call 701-328-2725 to learn which method applies to your situation.

Is there a fee to check my license status?

No. Checking your status online or by phone is free. You only pay fees if you need to restore a revoked license or obtain a hardship permit.