Where to check your North Dakota driver's license status
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) runs the driver's license system. You can check the status of your license through their online portal, by phone, or in person at a driver's license office.
The fastest method is the online system at the NDDOT website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The system shows whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired — and if there is a hold on your record, it will tell you why.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the NDDOT Driver's License Division at their main office in Bismarck. They can look up your status over the phone and explain what any suspension or revocation means for your driving rights.
Key Takeaways
- The NDDOT online portal is the quickest way to check your license status using your license number and date of birth.
- A suspended license means you cannot drive legally, but the suspension can be lifted once you meet the conditions — usually paying a fine or completing a requirement.
- A revoked license is more serious and typically requires you to retest and reapply through the NDDOT after a waiting period.
- If your license is expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been since it expired.
- Holds on your record often come from unpaid traffic fines, child support obligations, or medical suspensions, and the NDDOT website will show the reason.
What different license statuses mean
Active means your license is valid and you can drive. An active license shows an expiration date — you will need to renew before that date passes.
Expired means the date on your license has passed. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, but renewal is usually straightforward. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail without retesting. If it has been more than two years, you will need to visit a driver's license office and pass the written test again.
Suspended means your driving privilege has been temporarily taken away. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the NDDOT, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. A suspension can be lifted once you resolve the underlying issue — paying the fine, clearing the child support debt, or waiting out the suspension period if it was time-based.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled, usually because of serious violations like multiple DUIs or reckless driving convictions. You cannot drive during a revocation, and you will need to wait a set period (often one to five years depending on the reason) before you can reapply. Reapplication requires passing all tests again and paying reinstatement fees.
Why your license might be suspended or revoked
The NDDOT suspends or revokes licenses for several reasons. Traffic-related suspensions happen when you accumulate too many points from violations, fail to pay traffic fines, or are convicted of serious driving offenses. Administrative suspensions occur when you fail to maintain required insurance, do not respond to a traffic citation, or do not appear in court.
Non-driving-related holds can also prevent you from renewing or using your license. The NDDOT works with other state agencies to place holds for unpaid child support, unpaid taxes, or failure to pay court-ordered restitution. These holds do not suspend your license when ready, but they will block renewal and can lead to suspension if not resolved.
Medical suspensions happen when a doctor or the NDDOT determines you have a medical condition that makes driving unsafe. You may be able to lift a medical suspension by providing updated medical documentation or passing a driving evaluation.
How to lift a suspension or revocation
The steps depend on why your license was suspended or revoked. If the reason is an unpaid fine, you must pay it in full. If it is child support, you need to contact the North Dakota Department of Human Services to arrange payment or a payment plan. If it is a medical suspension, you will need to provide medical clearance or pass a driving evaluation.
Once you have resolved the underlying issue, contact the NDDOT to request reinstatement. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension. The NDDOT will tell you the exact fee when you call or visit their website.
For revocations, you must wait out the required period before you can reapply. During that time, you cannot legally drive. After the waiting period ends, you will need to reapply, pass the written test and driving test, and pay all required fees. The NDDOT can tell you the exact date you become may be able to access to reapply.
Renewing an expired North Dakota license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you can renew it. The method depends on how long ago it expired. Licenses expired less than two years can be renewed online through the NDDOT website, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide your current address and pay the renewal fee.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. You will need to pass the written test, pass the vision test, and provide proof of identity and residency. Bring documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or lease.
The renewal fee for a standard driver's license in North Dakota is set by state law and does not vary by location. The NDDOT website lists the current fee amount.
What to bring to a driver's license office
If you need to visit a NDDOT driver's license office in person, bring proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of North Dakota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing after more than two years, bring all three categories of documents.
If you are explore for the first time or after a revocation, bring the same documents plus any medical clearance letters if applicable. Bring your current license if you have one. The NDDOT website lists all offices and their hours — some are open only certain days of the week.
Contacting the NDDOT for help
The NDDOT Driver's License Division is located in Bismarck. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about your status, understand why your license is suspended, or learn what steps you need to take next. They can also tell you which local driver's license office is nearest to you and what hours it keeps.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the NDDOT has a Medical Review Program. You can request a medical evaluation or provide updated medical documentation through this program. The NDDOT website has contact information for the Medical Review Program specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and further suspension. If you are stopped while driving on a suspended license, you can be arrested. You must wait until the suspension is lifted or the suspension period ends before you drive again.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies. Some suspensions are lifted once you pay a fine or resolve the underlying issue. Others are time-based — for example, a suspension for too many traffic points might last 30 days, 90 days, or longer depending on how many points you had. The NDDOT will tell you the exact end date when you check your status.
What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?
You can update your address online through the NDDOT website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. Updating your address does not require a new photo or test. You will receive a new license card in the mail with your updated address. Some offices can print a temporary address change document while you wait for the new card.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The NDDOT online system requires your own license number and date of birth for security reasons. Only you can check your own status. If you need information about someone else's license for legal reasons, you may need to contact the NDDOT directly or work through an attorney.
What happens if I ignore a suspension?
Ignoring a suspension does not make it go away. If you continue to drive, you risk arrest, criminal charges, higher fines, and a longer suspension or revocation. The best step is to contact the NDDOT, find out what you need to do to lift the suspension, and do it. Many suspensions can be resolved quickly once you take action.