How North Dakota restores a suspended or revoked license
North Dakota does not use the word "reinstate" in its official process — the state calls it restoration. To restore your license after suspension or revocation, you must satisfy the reason it was suspended, pay a restoration fee to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, and in some cases pass a written or driving test again. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or driving under the influence (DUI) all have different requirements.
You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period and drive again. North Dakota requires you to take action — filing paperwork, paying fees, and sometimes proving you have addressed the underlying problem. The restoration process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit everything correctly, though it can take longer if the state needs to verify information with courts or other agencies.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota calls the process "restoration," not reinstatement, and you must contact the Department of Transportation to begin — you cannot restore your license by mail alone in most cases.
- The reason for your suspension determines what you must do: pay fines, clear a failure to appear, complete a DUI program, or provide medical clearance.
- You must pay a restoration fee (the amount varies by suspension type) before your license is active again.
- Some suspensions require you to pass a written or driving test before restoration is complete.
- You can check your suspension status and reason on the North Dakota DMV website or by calling the Department of Transportation directly.
Why your license was suspended and what that means for restoration
North Dakota suspends licenses for several reasons, and each one has a different path to restoration. The most common are: unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear for a court date, DUI or refusal to take a breath test, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, and accumulation of too many points on your driving record. Some suspensions are automatic (the court or DMV triggers them without warning), while others follow a notice period.
The reason matters because it determines whether you straightforward pay a fee or whether you must also complete a program, pass a test, or provide documentation. For example, a suspension for unpaid fines requires only payment and the restoration fee. A DUI suspension requires completion of an approved substance abuse program, an evaluation, and often a written test on traffic laws before you can restore. A medical suspension requires a doctor's statement that you are fit to drive.
You can find out why your license was suspended by visiting the North Dakota DMV website (dmv.nd.gov) and using the license status lookup tool, or by calling the Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The state will tell you the suspension reason and, in most cases, what you need to do to restore it.
Steps to restore your license
The general process is: (1) determine the reason for suspension, (2) satisfy that reason, (3) pay the restoration fee, (4) submit required documents, and (5) wait for the state to process your restoration. The order and specific documents depend on your suspension type, so confirm the exact requirements with the Department of Transportation before you begin.
For a suspension due to unpaid fines or court costs, contact the court that issued the fine or the collection agency handling it. Pay the full amount owed, then request a letter or receipt showing the debt is satisfied. Send that letter to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver's License Division, along with the restoration fee (currently $20 for most suspensions, though this can vary). The state will process your restoration once payment clears.
For a DUI suspension, you must complete an approved substance abuse program (the state maintains a list of approved providers), obtain an evaluation from a certified assessor, and pass a written test on traffic laws and DUI consequences. You will also need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if the suspension was for a refusal or a high blood alcohol level. Only after all these steps are complete and you have paid the restoration fee will your license be restored.
For a medical suspension, obtain a statement from your doctor (or the specialist who treated you) confirming that you are medically fit to drive. The state may require the form to be on a specific template — ask the Department of Transportation which form to use. Submit the medical statement along with the restoration fee.
Restoration fees and payment methods
North Dakota charges a restoration fee to reactivate your license. The standard fee is $20 for most suspensions, but some suspension types (such as those related to DUI or medical reasons) may have higher fees. Contact the Department of Transportation to confirm the exact amount for your situation, as fees can change and may vary based on how long your suspension has been in effect.
You can pay the restoration fee by mail, in person, or online through the North Dakota DMV website. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order along with your required documents to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver's License Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505. If you pay in person, visit a driver's license station in your county. Online payment is available through the DMV website for some suspension types — check the site to see if yours qualifies.
Keep a copy of your payment receipt or confirmation number. The state may take one to two weeks to process your payment and restore your license, so do not assume your license is active until you receive written confirmation from the Department of Transportation or can verify it online.
Testing requirements after suspension
Some suspensions require you to pass a written test or driving test before your license is restored. DUI suspensions almost always require a written test covering traffic laws, DUI consequences, and safe driving practices. Medical suspensions may require a driving test if the condition was serious (such as a seizure disorder) or if you have been off the road for a long time.
If a test is required, the Department of Transportation will tell you when you contact them about restoration. You can take the written test at any driver's license station in North Dakota — no appointment is usually needed, though you should call ahead to confirm hours. The driving test must be scheduled in advance and is conducted by a state examiner. You will need to bring your own vehicle (or arrange to use one) and have proof of insurance.
If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it after a waiting period (usually a few days to a week). There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt may have a small fee. Focus on studying the North Dakota Driver's Manual and, for the driving test, practicing the specific maneuvers and rules that are tested.
Checking your restoration status
After you submit your restoration documents and payment, you can check the status of your case online or by phone. The North Dakota DMV website has a license status lookup tool where you can enter your driver's license number or Social Security number to see whether your suspension is still active or has been lifted. This tool updates regularly but may lag by a day or two.
You can also call the Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready. The staff can tell you whether your restoration has been processed and, if not, what documents or payments are still missing.
Do not drive until you have confirmed in writing or online that your license has been restored. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in North Dakota and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
What to do if your restoration is denied or delayed
If the Department of Transportation denies your restoration request, they will send you a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documents, unpaid fines that were not fully satisfied, failure to complete a required program, or a medical condition that has not been resolved. The notice will tell you what you need to do to reapply.
If your restoration is delayed beyond four weeks, contact the Department of Transportation to ask why. Delays often occur because the state is waiting for verification from a court, a medical provider, or a substance abuse program. You can sometimes speed up the process by contacting that third party directly and asking them to send confirmation to the DMV.
If you believe the denial or delay is an error, you have the right to request a hearing before a state administrative law judge. The notice of denial will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so (usually 30 days). You will need to show that you have satisfied all requirements for restoration or that the state made a factual mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive during the restoration process?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Department of Transportation officially restores it. Driving during this time is illegal and can result in additional criminal charges, fines, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation that your restoration is complete before you drive.
How long does restoration take?
Most restorations take two to four weeks after you submit all required documents and payment. DUI restorations may take longer if the state is waiting for program completion certificates or medical evaluations. Call the Department of Transportation if your restoration has not been processed within four weeks.
Do I have to retake the written driving test to restore my license?
Only if your suspension reason requires it. DUI suspensions almost always require a written test. Medical suspensions may require a driving test. Suspensions for unpaid fines or failure to appear do not require testing. The Department of Transportation will tell you whether a test is required when you contact them.
What if I moved out of North Dakota while my license was suspended?
You can still restore your North Dakota license by mail or online if you have moved. Submit your documents and payment to the address listed on the Department of Transportation website. If you now live in another state and want to convert to that state's license, you will typically need to show proof that your North Dakota license is valid (not suspended) before the new state will issue one.
Can I get a temporary license while my restoration is being processed?
North Dakota does not issue temporary licenses during the restoration process. You must wait for your license to be fully restored. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the Department of Transportation whether a hardship license is available in your situation — these are rare and require a formal request, but they exist for genuine emergencies.