How to Reinstate Your North Dakota Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Reinstate in North Dakota

To reinstate your North Dakota driver's license, you must contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Motor Vehicles Division, pay the reinstatement fee, and resolve whatever caused the suspension or revocation in the first place. The reinstatement process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, DUI-related offenses, medical reasons, or failure to maintain insurance. North Dakota does not allow online reinstatement for most suspension types, so you will need to visit a driver's license examination station in person or mail in your request with required documents.

The state charges a reinstatement fee that varies by the reason for suspension. You cannot legally drive until your license status changes from suspended or revoked to valid. If you drive on a suspended license in North Dakota, you face additional criminal charges and fines.

Key Takeaways

North Dakota reinstatement requires you to visit a driver's license examination station in person or submit documents by mail, depending on your suspension reason.
You must pay the reinstatement fee and resolve the underlying cause — such as paying traffic fines, completing a DUI program, or providing proof of insurance — before your license becomes valid again.
The reinstatement fee ranges based on suspension type, and you should contact NDDOT Motor Vehicles Division at (701) 328-2725 to confirm the exact amount for your situation.
Processing time is typically five to ten business days after NDDOT receives your complete request, though medical suspensions may take longer if documentation review is needed.

Suspension Reasons and What You Must Do First

North Dakota suspends licenses for specific reasons, and each one requires a different action before reinstatement is possible. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to maintain liability insurance, DUI or implied consent violations, and medical conditions reported by a physician or the state.

If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. Contact the district court in the county where you received the ticket to confirm the balance. Once paid, the court sends notice to NDDOT, which typically takes three to five business days. You then pay the reinstatement fee to NDDOT.

For insurance-related suspensions, you must obtain a current liability insurance policy and provide proof to NDDOT. Your insurance company can send proof of coverage directly to the state, or you can bring the insurance card and policy documents to an examination station. Medical suspensions require a letter from your physician stating you are safe to drive, submitted to NDDOT's Medical Review Unit.

DUI and Implied Consent Reinstatement Steps

If your license was suspended following a DUI arrest or refusal to take a breath or blood test (implied consent violation), reinstatement involves more steps than other suspension types. North Dakota requires completion of an approved substance abuse assessment and any recommended treatment before the state will consider reinstatement.

You must obtain the assessment from a provider on NDDOT's approved list. The assessment costs between $300 and $600, depending on the provider. After completing the assessment, you submit the results to NDDOT. If treatment is recommended, you must complete that program before reinstatement. Only after treatment completion can you request reinstatement and pay the fee.

For first-time DUI suspensions, the mandatory suspension period is typically six months from the date of arrest. You cannot reinstate before that period ends, even if you complete all other requirements. Check with NDDOT to confirm your specific suspension end date.

How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request

You have two options for submitting your reinstatement request: in person at a North Dakota driver's license examination station or by mail. In-person visits are faster and allow you to resolve issues the same day if all documents are present.

To reinstate in person, visit any examination station with your current identification, proof that you have resolved the suspension cause (paid fines, proof of insurance, completed treatment, or physician letter), and payment for the reinstatement fee. Bring your Social Security number or card. The staff will verify your information, process the fee, and issue a new license on the spot if everything is in order.

To reinstate by mail, send a letter to NDDOT Motor Vehicles Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505, that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have resolved the cause. Include a check or money order for the reinstatement fee made payable to the State of North Dakota. Do not send cash. NDDOT will mail your new license to the address on file once processing is complete, typically within five to ten business days of receipt.

Reinstatement Fees and Payment Methods

North Dakota charges a reinstatement fee that depends on the suspension reason. Standard reinstatement fees range from $20 to $100. DUI-related reinstatements cost more, typically between $100 and $150. Insurance-related suspensions usually cost $50 to $75. Contact NDDOT at (701) 328-2725 to confirm the exact fee for your suspension type before you visit an examination station or mail your request.

At an examination station, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are mailing your request, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to the State of North Dakota. Include your driver's license number on the check so NDDOT can match the payment to your record.

Finding a Driver's License Examination Station

North Dakota operates examination stations in most cities and counties. The main office is in Bismarck, but stations are located in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, and other population centers. You can find the complete list of examination stations and their hours on the NDDOT website or by calling (701) 328-2725.

Bring all required documents on your first visit. If you are missing anything, staff will tell you what is needed, but you will have to return. Examination stations are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. Call ahead to confirm hours before you travel, especially if you are visiting a rural location.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request

Once NDDOT receives your complete reinstatement request — whether in person or by mail — the state processes it within five to ten business days. During this time, NDDOT verifies that you have resolved the suspension cause and that the reinstatement fee has been received. If you submitted your request in person at an examination station, your new license is usually issued when ready if all documents are correct.

If you mailed your request, NDDOT will mail your new license to the address on file. You should receive it within two weeks. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact NDDOT to confirm that your request was processed. Do not drive until you have your new license in hand.

Once your license is reinstated, it is valid for eight years from the date of issuance (or until your next renewal date if you are close to renewal). You do not need to take a written or driving test to reinstate, unless your license has been expired for more than two years, in which case you may be required to pass a written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?

No. Driving on a suspended or revoked license in North Dakota is a criminal offense. You must wait until your license is officially reinstated and you have the new license in hand. If you are stopped by police, you can show documentation that you submitted a reinstatement request, but this does not give you legal permission to drive.

What if I cannot pay the full reinstatement fee right now?

Contact NDDOT Motor Vehicles Division at (701) 328-2725 to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some examination stations may work with you on timing, but the fee must be paid before reinstatement is final. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you may also contact the court to ask about a payment plan for those fines.

Do I need to retake the written or driving test to reinstate my license?

No, unless your license expired more than two years ago. If your license is still valid but suspended, you only need to resolve the suspension cause and pay the reinstatement fee. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to pass a written test and may need to pass a driving test as well.

How long does a suspension last if I do not reinstate?

Suspension periods vary. For unpaid fines, the suspension remains in place until the fines are paid. For DUI suspensions, the mandatory period is typically six months, but you cannot reinstate until you complete required treatment. For medical suspensions, the suspension remains until your physician clears you to drive. Contact NDDOT to confirm your specific suspension end date and any conditions you must meet.

Can I reinstate my license online?

North Dakota does not offer online reinstatement for most suspension types. You must visit an examination station in person or submit your request by mail. Some routine transactions are available online through the NDDOT website, but reinstatement is not one of them. Call (701) 328-2725 to confirm whether your specific situation might be handled differently.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.