How to Reinstate Your North Dakota Driver's License
To reinstate your North Dakota driver's license, you must contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Motor Vehicles Division, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and meet the specific requirements for why your license was suspended or revoked. The process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI-related offenses, medical reasons, or other violations. Most people can complete the reinstatement through the mail or in person at a local office, though some cases require a hearing or medical clearance first.
Your first step is to find out exactly why your license was suspended or revoked. NDDOT will not reinstate it until you have addressed the underlying reason. The reinstatement fee itself is $20, but you may also owe traffic fines, court costs, or other penalties depending on your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the NDDOT Motor Vehicles Division at 701-328-2725 or visit a local office to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked.
- You must pay the $20 reinstatement fee plus any outstanding fines, court costs, or other penalties before your license can be restored.
- DUI-related suspensions require proof of substance abuse treatment completion and an ignition interlock device installation before reinstatement is possible.
- Medical suspensions require a doctor's statement confirming you are safe to drive before NDDOT will consider reinstatement.
- Once you meet all requirements and pay all fees, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks if processed by mail.
Contact NDDOT to Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Call the NDDOT Motor Vehicles Division at 701-328-2725 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and have your driver's license number ready. The staff will tell you the exact reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to reinstate it. Write down the reason, any fees owed, and the name of the person who helped you so you have a record.
If you prefer to visit in person, NDDOT has offices in Bismarck and Minot, plus satellite offices in several other cities. You can find the full list of locations and hours on the NDDOT website. Visiting in person can be faster if you have questions about your specific situation, since staff can walk you through the next steps when ready.
Reinstatement for Traffic Violations and Unpaid Fines
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic tickets or court-ordered fines, you must pay those amounts in full before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine to confirm the exact amount owed and where to send payment. Once the court confirms payment, they will notify NDDOT automatically, and your license will be reinstated within one to two weeks.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court about a payment plan. Some courts will work with you on installments, though your license will remain suspended until the entire balance is paid. Do not ignore the debt — it will grow with interest and court costs, and NDDOT will not reinstate your license until it is resolved.
Reinstatement After a DUI or Implied Consent Suspension
DUI-related suspensions in North Dakota are more complex than other violations. You must complete a substance abuse assessment and treatment program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and pay the reinstatement fee. NDDOT will not even consider your request until you have proof of treatment completion and the interlock device is installed and functioning.
The substance abuse assessment is usually ordered by the court or NDDOT and must be completed by a licensed provider. Treatment length varies based on the assessment results — it may be as short as a few weeks or as long as several months. Once treatment is complete, you will receive a certificate of completion. You must then have an ignition interlock device installed by a certified vendor. NDDOT maintains a list of approved vendors on its website. The device costs between $100 and $300 to install, plus monthly monitoring fees of $50 to $100.
After treatment completion and interlock installation, submit your proof of completion, the interlock installation receipt, and the $20 reinstatement fee to NDDOT. Processing takes one to two weeks. Your license will be reinstated with restrictions — you will be required to use the interlock device for a set period (usually six months to one year, depending on your offense).
Reinstatement for Medical Suspensions
If NDDOT suspended your license for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or other condition affecting your ability to drive safely — you must obtain a statement from your doctor confirming that the condition has been treated or managed and that you are safe to drive. The statement should be specific: it should say that your condition no longer poses a safety risk and that you meet the medical standards for driving in North Dakota.
Submit the doctor's statement along with the $20 reinstatement fee to NDDOT. NDDOT may request additional medical documentation or require you to pass a vision or road test before reinstatement. If NDDOT asks for more information, comply promptly — delays in responding can extend the process by weeks.
Submit Your Reinstatement Request and Pay Fees
Once you have met all the requirements for your specific suspension reason, you can submit your reinstatement request. You have three options: mail, in-person visit, or online through the NDDOT website if your situation qualifies.
To reinstate by mail, send a letter to the NDDOT Motor Vehicles Division, 608 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505. Include your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the reason your license was suspended (as NDDOT told you), proof that you have met all requirements (such as payment receipts or treatment certificates), and a check or money order for $20 made payable to the State of North Dakota. Keep a copy of everything you send. Processing takes one to two weeks after NDDOT receives your request.
To reinstate in person, visit any NDDOT office with the same documents and payment. You will receive confirmation on the spot, and your license will be reinstated within one to two weeks. Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait — offices can be busy, especially early in the week.
What Happens After You Submit Your Reinstatement Request
After NDDOT receives your request and payment, staff will verify that you have met all requirements for your suspension type. If everything is in order, they will process your reinstatement and mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit within one to two weeks. If something is missing or incomplete, NDDOT will contact you by phone or mail to ask for additional information.
If NDDOT denies your reinstatement request, they will explain why in writing. You have the right to request a hearing before the NDDOT director to appeal the decision. The hearing request must be made in writing within 30 days of the denial letter. Contact NDDOT for the hearing request form and procedures.
Once your license is reinstated, check it carefully when it arrives. Make sure your name, address, and license number are correct. If there are errors, contact NDDOT when ready to have them corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take in North Dakota?
If you submit by mail or in person with all required documents and payment, reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks. If NDDOT needs additional information from you, the process will take longer. DUI-related reinstatements take longer because you must complete treatment and install an interlock device before NDDOT will even begin processing.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until NDDOT officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in North Dakota and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for your new license to arrive before driving.
What if I cannot afford to pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Some courts will allow installments, but your license will not be reinstated until the full amount is paid. NDDOT cannot reinstate your license while any balance remains outstanding.
Do I need to take a new driving test to reinstate my license?
Not usually. Most reinstatements do not require a new written or road test. However, if your license was suspended for medical reasons, NDDOT may require a vision test or road test to confirm you are safe to drive. DUI-related reinstatements do not require a new test, but you must complete substance abuse treatment.
What if I moved out of North Dakota while my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your North Dakota license by mail. Send your request and payment to the NDDOT address listed above. If you now live in another state and want to transfer to that state's license, you will need to reinstate your North Dakota license first, then contact your new state's motor vehicle department about transferring.