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) Driver License 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 violations, DUI-related offenses, medical reasons, or other causes. Most people can complete the reinstatement by mail, phone, or in person at a local driver license office.
The first step is determining the reason your license was suspended or revoked, because each reason has different requirements. You can contact the NDDOT Driver License Division at 701-328-2725 to find out the exact status of your license and what you need to do to reinstate it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the NDDOT Driver License Division at 701-328-2725 to learn why your license was suspended and what reinstatement requires.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs before your license can be reinstated.
- DUI-related suspensions require completion of an alcohol education program and may require an ignition interlock device before reinstatement.
- Medical suspensions require a doctor's clearance form before the state will restore your driving privileges.
- Most reinstatements can be completed by mail or phone once you have met all requirements.
Find out why your license was suspended or revoked
Your license suspension or revocation has a specific cause, and you need to know it before you can move forward. Call the NDDOT Driver License Division 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 when you call.
The staff member will tell you the exact reason for the suspension—for example, unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI conviction, medical disqualification, or failure to maintain insurance. They will also tell you what documents or payments you need before reinstatement is possible. Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers, amounts owed, or program names.
Pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs
Nearly all reinstatements require you to pay money owed to the state or to the court. This includes the original traffic fine, late fees, court costs, and any reinstatement fee charged by the NDDOT. The amount varies depending on the violation and how long your license has been suspended.
When you call the Driver License Division, ask for the exact total amount owed and the payment methods accepted. North Dakota accepts payment by mail, phone, or in person at a driver license office. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, ask whether a payment plan is available—some suspensions allow this, though it depends on the reason for suspension.
Keep a record of any payment you make, including a receipt or confirmation number. Do not send cash by mail; use a check, money order, or credit card instead.
Complete alcohol education if your suspension is DUI-related
If your license was suspended because of a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction or refusal to take a breath test, you must complete an alcohol education program before reinstatement. North Dakota requires this program for all DUI-related suspensions, regardless of whether it was your first offense.
The NDDOT will provide you with a list of approved programs when you call. These programs are offered by private providers throughout the state and typically cost between $300 and $500. The program usually takes 8 to 12 hours to complete and covers topics like the effects of alcohol on driving, legal consequences, and risk reduction.
After you finish the program, the provider will send a completion certificate directly to the NDDOT. Keep a copy for your records. You cannot reinstate your license until the NDDOT receives proof of completion.
Install an ignition interlock device if required
For certain DUI convictions—particularly second or subsequent offenses, or first offenses with a high blood alcohol content—North Dakota requires an ignition interlock device before you can reinstate your license. This device prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
If the court ordered an interlock device as part of your sentence, you must have it installed by a certified provider before you can reinstate your license. The device costs money to install and maintain (typically $60 to $100 per month), and you are responsible for all costs. The NDDOT will provide a list of certified installers.
Once installed, you must keep the device in your vehicle for the length of time ordered by the court—usually 6 months to 2 years. The installer will monitor your compliance and report to the state. Only after the required period ends and you have the device removed can you request permanent reinstatement.
Obtain medical clearance if your suspension is health-related
If your license was suspended for medical reasons—such as a seizure disorder, loss of consciousness, vision problems, or other health conditions—you must obtain written clearance from a doctor before reinstatement. The NDDOT will not reinstate your license without this documentation.
Contact your primary care physician or the specialist who treats your condition and explain that you need medical clearance to reinstate your driver's license. The doctor will complete a form provided by the NDDOT (or their own form stating that you are medically safe to drive) and send it directly to the Driver License Division. Some doctors charge a fee for this evaluation; ask when you schedule the appointment.
Submit your reinstatement request
Once you have met all the requirements—paid all fines, completed any required programs, installed any required device, and obtained any required medical clearance—you can request reinstatement. You have three options: by mail, by phone, or in person.
By mail: Send a letter to the NDDOT Driver License Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505. Include your name, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have met all reinstatement requirements (receipts, completion certificates, medical forms). Keep a copy for yourself.
By phone: Call 701-328-2725 and tell the staff member you are ready to reinstate your license. They will confirm that all requirements have been met and process your reinstatement over the phone. Your license will be reinstated when ready, and you will receive a new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In person: Visit any North Dakota driver license office with proof of payment and completion of all requirements. The office will verify your information and reinstate your license on the spot. You can find the office nearest you on the NDDOT website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
If you reinstate by phone or in person and have already met all requirements, your license is reinstated when ready. If you reinstate by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing after the NDDOT receives your request. If you still have outstanding requirements (unpaid fines, incomplete programs), reinstatement cannot happen until those are finished.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally drive until your license is officially reinstated by the NDDOT. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a separate criminal offense and will result in additional fines and possible jail time. Wait for written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?
Call the NDDOT Driver License Division and ask whether a payment plan is available for your specific suspension reason. Some suspensions allow installment payments, but others require full payment before reinstatement. The staff member can tell you what options exist for your situation.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?
For most suspensions, no—you do not need to retake any test. However, if your license was suspended for medical reasons, the NDDOT may require you to pass a driving test after you receive medical clearance. The Driver License Division will tell you if this applies to you.
What if I moved out of state while my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your North Dakota license by mail or phone, even if you no longer live in the state. Contact the NDDOT Driver License Division to confirm all requirements and submit your reinstatement request by mail. Your new license will be mailed to your current address.