What happens when your North Dakota license is suspended or revoked
Your North Dakota driver's license can be suspended or revoked for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence (DUI), accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failing to maintain insurance, or not paying child support. A suspension is temporary—your license will be restored automatically on a specific date or after you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent until you take action to have it reinstated; the state will not restore it on its own.
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended or revoked. Some cases require you to pay fees and fines. Others require you to complete a driver improvement course, get an SR-22 insurance certificate, or wait out a mandatory period. Understanding which category applies to you is the first step toward getting back on the road legally.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation Driver's License Division to find out the exact reason your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $20 to $100) plus any outstanding fines or court costs related to the suspension.
- DUI-related suspensions usually require an SR-22 insurance certificate and completion of a substance abuse assessment before reinstatement is possible.
- Point-based suspensions may require completion of a defensive driving course or a driver improvement program before you can reinstate your license.
- Once you meet all requirements, you submit your reinstatement request to the Driver's License Division and wait for approval before driving legally.
How to find out why your license was suspended or revoked
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver's License Division maintains the record of your suspension or revocation. You can contact them by phone at 701-328-2725 or visit their office in Bismarck. When you call or visit, have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the specific reason for the action, the date it took effect, and exactly what you need to do to reinstate your license.
You can also check your driving record online through the NDDOT website. This record shows the suspension or revocation status and often includes a brief reason code. However, the phone call or in-person visit is faster if you need detailed instructions about reinstatement steps, because staff can walk you through what applies to your situation.
Reinstatement for suspension due to unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or failure to appear in court, you must pay what you owe before reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine to confirm the exact amount and where to send payment. Once the court confirms payment, they notify the NDDOT automatically, and your suspension is lifted.
After the court reports payment, allow a few business days for the NDDOT system to update. You do not need to submit a separate reinstatement request for this type of suspension—it clears once the debt is satisfied. If you are unsure which court handled your case, the NDDOT Driver's License Division can tell you.
Reinstatement for DUI-related suspension or revocation
A DUI conviction in North Dakota results in a mandatory license revocation, not a suspension. The length of revocation depends on whether it is your first offense, a repeat offense, or whether you refused a breath or blood test. First-time DUI revocations typically last one year; repeat offenses carry longer periods.
Before you can reinstate your license after a DUI revocation, you must complete several steps. First, you need an SR-22 insurance certificate from your insurance company—this proves you carry the minimum required liability coverage. Second, you must complete a substance abuse assessment through an approved North Dakota provider; the assessment determines whether you need treatment or counseling. Third, you must pay the reinstatement fee. Only after all three are done can you request reinstatement from the NDDOT.
The NDDOT maintains a list of approved substance abuse assessment providers on their website. Contact one to schedule your evaluation. Once you have the assessment results, the SR-22 certificate, and proof of payment, submit these documents to the Driver's License Division. Processing typically takes two to four weeks.
Reinstatement for point-based suspension
North Dakota uses a point system: traffic violations add points to your record, and accumulating too many points within a set time period triggers a suspension. The suspension length depends on how many points you accumulated and how many prior suspensions you have had. A first suspension is usually 30 days; subsequent suspensions are longer.
For a point-based suspension, you may be required to complete a driver improvement course before reinstatement. The NDDOT can tell you whether a course is mandatory in your case. If required, you must complete an approved course (offered online or in person by various providers), then submit proof of completion to the Driver's License Division along with the reinstatement fee. If a course is not required, you straightforward pay the reinstatement fee once the suspension period has ended.
Reinstatement for failure to maintain insurance
If your license was suspended because you failed to maintain auto insurance or did not provide proof of insurance when asked, you must show that you now carry valid coverage. Contact your insurance company and request an SR-22 certificate or a standard proof-of-insurance document. Send this to the NDDOT Driver's License Division along with the reinstatement fee.
The insurance company can file the SR-22 directly with the state on your behalf, which speeds up the process. Once the NDDOT receives proof that you are insured, your suspension is lifted. This type of reinstatement is usually the fastest, often taking one to two weeks.
Steps to submit your reinstatement request
Once you have completed all the requirements for your specific suspension or revocation, gather the following: proof of payment for any fines or reinstatement fees, any required certificates (SR-22, proof of insurance, or course completion), and your driver's license number. Mail these documents to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver's License Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505.
Alternatively, you can visit the Driver's License Division office in person to submit your reinstatement request. Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. The staff will review your paperwork on the spot and tell you whether everything is in order. If approved, your license is reinstated when ready or within a few business days. If something is missing, they will tell you what else you need.
Do not drive until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in North Dakota and carries fines, jail time, and further license penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to reinstate my North Dakota license?
The reinstatement fee is typically $20 to $100, depending on the reason for suspension or revocation. DUI revocations carry higher fees than point-based suspensions. You may also owe outstanding fines, court costs, or other fees related to the original violation. Contact the NDDOT Driver's License Division to confirm the total amount you owe.
Can I drive during the reinstatement process?
No. Once your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally until the NDDOT confirms reinstatement in writing. Driving during this period is a criminal offense. If you need to drive for work or emergencies, ask the court about a limited license or hardship permit, which may be available in some cases.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing time varies. Insurance-related suspensions often clear within one to two weeks. Point-based suspensions with a course requirement may take two to four weeks. DUI revocations with multiple requirements can take four to six weeks or longer. The NDDOT will send you written confirmation once your license is reinstated.
What if I moved out of North Dakota—do I still need to reinstate my license?
If you now live in another state, you will need to obtain a license from that state. However, you should still resolve the North Dakota suspension or revocation, because it may affect your ability to obtain a license elsewhere or cause problems if you return to North Dakota. Contact the NDDOT to discuss your options.
Can I get a temporary or hardship license while waiting for reinstatement?
Limited licenses and hardship permits are available in some cases, particularly for suspensions related to unpaid fines or insurance. You must request this through the court that handled your case, not the NDDOT. Ask the court clerk whether you are may be able to access and what documentation you need to provide.