You can reinstate your North Dakota license online through the Department of Transportation website if your suspension or revocation meets certain conditions
North Dakota allows you to reinstate your driver's license online for some types of suspensions, but not all. The process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked. If you were suspended for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or certain administrative violations, you may be able to reinstate online. If your suspension is medical, criminal, or drug-related, you will need to contact the Department of Transportation by phone or in person.
The online reinstatement system is available through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The reinstatement fee varies depending on the reason for suspension, but typically ranges from $20 to $100. Processing takes one to three business days after payment is received.
Key Takeaways
- Online reinstatement works only for suspensions related to unpaid fines, child support, or administrative violations — not for medical, criminal, or substance-related suspensions.
- You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to complete the online process.
- The reinstatement fee depends on the reason for suspension and typically costs between $20 and $100.
- Your license becomes active one to three business days after the Department of Transportation processes your payment.
- If you are unsure whether your suspension qualifies for online reinstatement, call the Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 before attempting to reinstate.
Check your suspension reason before you start
Not every suspension can be reinstated online. The North Dakota Department of Transportation suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has different reinstatement rules. Suspensions for unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court can usually be handled online. Suspensions for driving under the influence, medical conditions, or criminal convictions require in-person or phone contact with the department.
If you do not know why your license was suspended, you can look it up on the Department of Transportation website or call 701-328-2725. Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension reason and whether you can reinstate online. This call takes about five minutes and will save you time if your suspension does not may have access to for online processing.
Gather your information and go to the Department of Transportation website
Start by visiting the North Dakota Department of Transportation website at dot.nd.gov. Look for the Driver License section and select the option for reinstatement or license status. You will be directed to the online reinstatement portal.
Before you begin, have these items ready: your driver's license number, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to enter your personal information to verify your identity. This step usually takes two to three minutes. If the system cannot verify your information, you will be directed to call the department instead.
Complete the reinstatement form and pay the fee
Once you have verified your identity, the system will show you the reinstatement fee for your specific suspension. Read the amount carefully — fees vary based on the reason for suspension and how long your license has been suspended. The fee is non-refundable, even if your reinstatement is denied for any reason.
Enter your payment information and submit. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment is processed. Write down or screenshot this number — you may need it if you have questions about your reinstatement status.
What happens after you submit your payment
The Department of Transportation processes reinstatement requests during business hours, Monday through Friday. If you submit your payment before 5 p.m. on a weekday, processing usually begins the same day. If you submit on a weekend or holiday, processing begins the next business day.
Your license will be reinstated one to three business days after payment is received. You do not need to wait for a physical document in the mail — your license is active in the system as soon as the department processes it. You can drive when ready once your reinstatement is complete. If you need proof of reinstatement before your new physical license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Department of Transportation website or request one by phone.
If your reinstatement is denied or you cannot reinstate online
If the online system denies your reinstatement request, you will see a message explaining why. Common reasons include unpaid fines that have not been resolved, an active child support case, or a suspension type that requires in-person review. Do not attempt to reinstate again when ready — the system will give you the same result.
Contact the Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 to find out what needs to be resolved before you can reinstate. For unpaid fines, you may need to pay the court directly before the department can process your reinstatement. For child support issues, you will need to contact the North Dakota Child Support Enforcement office. For other suspension types, the department may require you to visit a driver's license office in person or provide additional documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license online?
Payment processing takes one to three business days. Your license becomes active in the system as soon as the department processes your payment, so you can drive when ready. You do not need to wait for a physical license to arrive in the mail.
Can I reinstate my license if I have an unpaid ticket?
It depends on whether the ticket is the reason for your suspension. If your license was suspended specifically because of an unpaid traffic fine, you must pay that fine before reinstatement. If the ticket is unrelated to your suspension, you can reinstate online, but you should still pay the ticket to avoid future suspension.
What if I do not have a credit card?
The online system requires a credit or debit card for payment. If you do not have one, you can reinstate by phone at 701-328-2725 or in person at a North Dakota driver's license office. Call ahead to confirm which payment methods they accept.
Will my reinstatement show up when ready if I check my license status online?
Yes. Once the Department of Transportation processes your payment, your license status will update in their system within one to three business days. You can check your status on the Department of Transportation website using your driver's license number and Social Security number.
What if I was suspended for driving under the influence?
DUI suspensions cannot be reinstated online. You must contact the Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 or visit a driver's license office in person. You may need to complete additional requirements, such as an alcohol education program or a medical evaluation, before reinstatement is possible.