What happens when your North Dakota license is suspended or revoked
A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, but the suspension is temporary — your license will return on its own once you meet the requirements the state set. A revoked license is permanent until you go through reinstatement, which involves paperwork, fees, and sometimes a new test. North Dakota suspends or revokes licenses for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, accumulating too many points, or failing to pay child support.
The state does not automatically tell you when you can drive again. You have to check your status, pay what you owe, and in some cases request reinstatement yourself. If you drive on a suspended license, you face criminal charges, higher fines, and a longer suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Check your license status through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or by calling their driver services line before attempting to drive.
- Most suspensions end automatically once you pay fines, court costs, or child support arrears, but you may need to request reinstatement in writing.
- Revoked licenses require you to reapply, pay a reinstatement fee, and sometimes pass a written or driving test depending on the reason for revocation.
- The reinstatement fee in North Dakota is typically $20 to $50, but varies based on the reason for suspension or revocation.
- You can reinstate your license by mail, in person at a driver services office, or online if your suspension is due to a specific reason like unpaid fines.
How to find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Call the North Dakota Department of Transportation Driver Services at 701-328-2725 or visit their website at dmv.nd.gov. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the exact reason for the suspension or revocation, what you owe, and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
You can also check your status online through the ND DMV portal if you create an account. This is faster than calling if you just need to confirm your status, but a phone call is better if you have questions about what you owe or what happens next.
Suspensions that end automatically versus those requiring reinstatement
Some suspensions lift on their own once a certain date passes or a condition is met. For example, if your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine, it lifts once you pay that fine and the court notifies the DMV. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks after payment.
Other suspensions require you to request reinstatement. If your license was revoked for a DUI or for accumulating too many points, you cannot straightforward wait — you must submit a reinstatement request to the DMV. The DMV will tell you which category applies to you when you call or check online.
Steps to reinstate a suspended license
First, pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears. Get proof of payment — a receipt or court confirmation — because the DMV may ask for it. Second, contact the DMV to confirm the suspension has been lifted or to request reinstatement if required. Third, if you are reinstating online or by mail, submit the reinstatement request form (available on dmv.nd.gov) along with the fee and proof of payment.
If you are reinstating in person, visit a driver services office in your county with your proof of payment and a valid form of identification. Bring your current driver's license if you still have it. The office will process your reinstatement the same day in most cases, and you can drive when ready once it is complete.
Revoked licenses and what you need to do
A revoked license requires a full reinstatement process, not just payment. You will need to submit a reinstatement process to the DMV, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide documentation showing you have met the conditions for reinstatement. For a DUI revocation, this might include proof of completing an alcohol education program or proof of an ignition interlock device installation.
Depending on the reason for revocation, you may also need to pass a written test, a driving test, or both. The DMV will specify what is required when you request reinstatement. Some revocations have a waiting period — you cannot request reinstatement until a certain amount of time has passed since the revocation date.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
North Dakota charges a reinstatement fee of $20 to $50 depending on the reason for suspension or revocation. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you owe. Some suspensions (like those for unpaid child support) may have additional fees beyond the standard reinstatement charge.
The fee covers the administrative cost of processing your reinstatement and issuing a new license if needed. It does not cover fines, court costs, or other debts — those must be paid separately. Ask the DMV for the exact total you owe before you send payment, because sending too little will delay your reinstatement.
Where to reinstate your license: online, by mail, or in person
Online reinstatement is available for some suspensions through the ND DMV website. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method. Not all suspension types can be handled online — the website will tell you whether yours can.
By mail, send your reinstatement request form, proof of payment, and the reinstatement fee to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver Services, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505. Include a copy of your driver's license. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.
In person, visit any driver services office in North Dakota. Bring your proof of payment, the reinstatement fee, and a valid ID. This is the fastest option — most offices process reinstatement the same day, and you can drive once the transaction is complete.
What to do if you need to drive before reinstatement is complete
You cannot legally drive on a suspended or revoked license, even if you have submitted your reinstatement request. Driving during this period is a criminal offense in North Dakota and will result in additional charges and a longer suspension.
If you need to drive for work or an emergency, ask the DMV whether a temporary driving permit is available for your situation. Some suspensions allow a limited work permit, but this is not automatic — you have to request it and meet specific conditions. Call the DMV to ask whether this option exists for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
Online or in-person reinstatement usually takes the same day or within a few business days. Reinstatement by mail takes two to four weeks. If your suspension lifts automatically after you pay a fine, the DMV may take a few days to a few weeks to update their records after the court notifies them.
Do I have to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
It depends on the reason for suspension or revocation. Most suspensions do not require a new test. Revocations for DUI or multiple traffic violations often do. The DMV will tell you whether a test is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
What if I cannot pay all the fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fine to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, which may allow your license suspension to be lifted sooner. The DMV cannot set up a payment plan — only the court can.
Can I drive in another state on a suspended North Dakota license?
No. Other states recognize North Dakota suspensions and revocations through a national database. Driving in another state on a suspended license is illegal and can result in arrest and additional charges.
What if I lost my driver's license and my license is also suspended?
You will need to handle both issues. First, reinstate your suspended license through the process described above. Then, once your license is active again, you can request a replacement license for the lost one. You may be able to do both at the same time if you visit a driver services office in person.