Where to check your North Dakota license status
North Dakota's Department of Transportation (NDDOT) lets you check your driver's license status online through their official website. You can look up whether your license is valid, suspended, revoked, or expired without needing to visit an office or call.
The quickest way is to use the NDDOT's online license status lookup tool. You'll need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The system shows you the current status when ready — no waiting for a response by mail or email.
If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call the NDDOT Driver's License Division at their main office in Bismarck. They can answer questions about your specific situation and explain what steps to take next if there's a problem with your license.
Key Takeaways
- The NDDOT website has a free online tool where you enter your license number and birth date to see your current license status when ready.
- A suspended license means you cannot drive legally in North Dakota, but the suspension can be lifted once you meet the requirements set by the court or NDDOT.
- A revoked license is permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license through the full testing process after a waiting period.
- If your license is expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license exam station depending on how long it has been expired.
What different license statuses mean
Active means your license is valid and you can drive legally. Your license is current and you have no holds or restrictions preventing you from driving.
Suspended means you cannot drive, but the suspension is temporary. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical reasons. Once you resolve the issue that caused the suspension — paying fines, appearing in court, or clearing a medical hold — you can request that the suspension be lifted.
Revoked means your license has been permanently cancelled. This usually happens after serious violations like multiple DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or repeated suspensions. You cannot drive at all, and you must wait a set period (often one to three years depending on the reason) before you can reapply. When you do reapply, you start over with the written test and road test.
Expired means your license is no longer valid because the expiration date has passed. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, but renewal is usually straightforward — you don't need to retake tests unless your license has been expired for more than a certain period.
How to renew an expired North Dakota license
If your license is expired but not suspended or revoked, you have three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license exam station.
The online renewal option is the fastest. You can renew on the NDDOT website if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical restrictions. You'll pay the renewal fee online and receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.
Renewing by mail takes longer but requires no office visit. You'll need to send in your expired license, a completed renewal form, and payment. Contact the NDDOT to request the form or read it from their website. Processing takes two to three weeks.
Renewing in person at an exam station is when ready for a temporary license, though you'll still receive your official license by mail. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of North Dakota residency. This option works if you need to drive right away.
What to do if your license is suspended
First, find out why your license is suspended. The NDDOT website will show the status, but you may need to call the Driver's License Division to learn the specific reason. Common causes are unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support obligations.
Once you know the reason, take action to resolve it. If it's unpaid fines, contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket and pay what you owe. If it's a failure to appear, contact the court and reschedule. If it's child support, contact the child support enforcement office.
After you've resolved the issue, request that the suspension be lifted. You can usually do this by contacting the NDDOT or the court that imposed the suspension. Some suspensions lift automatically once the issue is resolved, but others require you to formally request reinstatement. Ask which applies to your situation.
What to do if your license is revoked
A revoked license cannot be reinstated. You must wait out the revocation period set by the court or NDDOT — this is typically one to three years depending on why your license was revoked.
During the revocation period, you cannot drive at all. You cannot request early reinstatement or appeal the revocation in most cases. If you were revoked due to DUI convictions, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can reapply.
Once the revocation period ends, you can reapply for a new license. You'll need to pass the written test and the road test again, just as if you were a new driver. You'll also need to pay the license fee. Contact the NDDOT to confirm the revocation period has ended and to schedule your tests.
Checking your license status by phone or in person
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the NDDOT Driver's License Division in Bismarck. They can tell you your license status and explain what it means for your driving privileges.
You can also visit a driver's license exam station in person. Staff there can look up your status and answer questions about what you need to do next. Exam stations are located in most North Dakota cities and towns. Check the NDDOT website for the location nearest you and their hours.
Bring your driver's license or another form of ID when you visit in person. If you're checking on a suspension or revocation, have your license number ready so staff can pull up your record quickly.
Understanding holds and restrictions on your license
Sometimes your license status shows as active, but there are holds or restrictions attached to it. A hold means something is preventing you from renewing or using your license, even though it hasn't been formally suspended. Common holds include unpaid child support, unpaid taxes, or a medical review pending.
A restriction means you can drive, but only under certain conditions. For example, you might be restricted to driving only during daylight hours, or only with corrective lenses, or only in a vehicle with an ignition interlock device. Your license card will show any restrictions, and you must follow them or you're driving illegally.
If you have a hold, resolve the underlying issue — pay what's owed, clear the medical review, or contact the relevant agency. If you have a restriction, make sure you understand it and follow it every time you drive. Violating a restriction can result in additional penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my license is suspended?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in North Dakota and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you're stopped by police, your vehicle can be impounded. You must wait until the suspension is lifted before you drive.
How long does it take to lift a suspension?
It depends on why your license was suspended. If you pay an outstanding fine when ready, the suspension may lift within a few days. If you need to appear in court, it depends on the court's schedule. Contact the NDDOT or the court to find out how long your specific suspension will last.
What's the difference between suspension and revocation?
A suspension is temporary — once you resolve the issue, your license is reinstated. A revocation is permanent — you must wait out the revocation period and then reapply and retake the tests. Revocations are typically for serious violations like multiple DUIs.
Can I renew my license online if it's been expired for more than a year?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses expired within the last year. If your license has been expired longer, you'll need to renew in person at an exam station and may need to retake the written and road tests. Contact the NDDOT to find out what's required for your situation.
What do I need to bring to renew my license in person?
Bring your expired license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government ID), and proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You'll also need to pay the renewal fee. Check the NDDOT website for the current fee amount.