What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your License in North Dakota
To reinstate a suspended or revoked North Dakota driver's license, you must contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver's License Division, pay any outstanding fines or fees, and meet the specific reinstatement requirements tied to why your license was suspended or revoked in the first place. The process differs depending on whether your suspension was for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI-related offenses, medical reasons, or failure to maintain insurance.
North Dakota does not have an online reinstatement system for most suspension types. You will need to visit a driver's license office in person, call the Driver's License Division, or submit documents by mail. The NDDOT office is located in Bismarck, and you can also work through any of the 49 county driver's license offices across the state.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the NDDOT Driver's License Division in Bismarck or your county office to find out the exact reason for your suspension and what reinstatement steps explore to you.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, court costs, and reinstatement fees before your license can be restored.
- DUI-related suspensions require completion of an alcohol education program and proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) before reinstatement is possible.
- Medical suspensions require a signed statement from a physician confirming you are fit to drive before the NDDOT will consider reinstatement.
- Reinstatement timelines vary from when ready (once fees are paid) to several weeks (if documents must be verified or programs completed).
Suspension Types and What Each One Requires
North Dakota suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common are administrative suspensions for unpaid traffic fines or court costs, DUI-related suspensions, medical suspensions, and suspensions for failure to maintain liability insurance.
For unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the ticket. Once payment is confirmed, the court notifies the NDDOT and your suspension is lifted. This can happen within days if you pay in person at the court; by mail it may take one to two weeks for the notification to reach the NDDOT.
DUI-related suspensions are more complex. North Dakota requires completion of an alcohol education program (usually a 12-hour course) and proof of financial responsibility before reinstatement. Financial responsibility means you must carry SR-22 insurance for a set period (typically three years for a first offense). You cannot reinstate until both the education certificate and the SR-22 form are submitted to the NDDOT.
Medical suspensions occur when the NDDOT believes a medical condition affects your ability to drive safely. To reinstate, you must obtain a statement from your physician on a form provided by the NDDOT confirming you are medically fit to operate a vehicle. The NDDOT may also require a vision test or road test before reinstatement.
Step-by-Step Reinstatement Process
Start by contacting the NDDOT Driver's License Division to confirm the reason for your suspension and what documents or payments you need. You can reach them by phone at (701) 328-2725 or visit the main office at 608 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
Once you know what is required, gather the necessary documents. For unpaid fines, contact the court listed on your suspension notice. For DUI reinstatement, enroll in an approved alcohol education program and obtain an SR-22 form from an insurance agent. For medical reinstatement, schedule an appointment with your doctor and request the NDDOT medical form.
Submit your documents and payment to the NDDOT. You can do this in person at any county driver's license office, by mail to the Bismarck office, or by phone if you are paying fines by credit card. If submitting by mail, include a cover letter stating your name, driver's license number, and what you are submitting.
After submission, the NDDOT will review your documents. If everything is in order, your license is reinstated and you will receive written confirmation. If documents are missing or incomplete, the NDDOT will contact you with a list of what else is needed.
Fees and Costs Associated with Reinstatement
North Dakota charges a reinstatement fee of $20 for most suspensions. This is separate from any fines, court costs, or program fees you may owe. If your suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the original fine plus any court costs before the reinstatement fee is due.
DUI-related reinstatement carries additional costs. The alcohol education program typically costs between $300 and $500 depending on the provider. SR-22 insurance adds to your monthly insurance premium; the amount varies by insurer but is usually $15 to $25 per month above your normal rate. These costs are not paid to the NDDOT but to the program provider and insurance company.
Medical reinstatement has no additional fee beyond the standard $20 reinstatement fee, though you will pay for the physician's visit and any testing the NDDOT requires.
How Long Reinstatement Takes
The timeline depends on the type of suspension and how quickly you submit required documents. If you are reinstating for unpaid fines and pay in person at a county driver's license office, reinstatement can happen the same day. If you pay by mail, allow one to two weeks for the payment to be processed and the NDDOT to update your record.
DUI-related reinstatement typically takes four to eight weeks. You must complete the alcohol education program first (which can take two to four weeks to enroll and finish), then submit the certificate and SR-22 form to the NDDOT. The NDDOT then verifies both documents before reinstating your license.
Medical reinstatement depends on how quickly your physician can provide the required statement and whether the NDDOT requests additional testing. In most cases, this takes two to four weeks from the time you submit the physician's statement.
Where to Submit Documents and Payment
You have three options for submitting reinstatement documents and payment in North Dakota:
- In person at a county driver's license office. All 49 counties have a driver's license office. Visit the NDDOT website to find the office nearest you and its hours. Bring your identification, the required documents, and payment. Processing is fastest in person.
- By mail to the NDDOT Driver's License Division, 608 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a list of what you are enclosing. Allow one to two weeks for processing.
- By phone at (701) 328-2725 if you are paying fines by credit card. You will need to provide your driver's license number and payment information. The NDDOT will then mail you a reinstatement confirmation.
If you are submitting documents by mail, make copies of everything for your records. Do not send original documents unless the NDDOT specifically requests them.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common mistake is paying fines to the wrong entity. If your suspension is for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the court that issued the ticket, not the NDDOT. The court then notifies the NDDOT. Paying the NDDOT directly will not clear the suspension.
For DUI reinstatement, many people enroll in an alcohol education program before confirming with the NDDOT that the program is approved. North Dakota only recognizes certain programs. Contact the NDDOT before enrolling to confirm the program meets state requirements.
Another frequent error is submitting an SR-22 form without also submitting proof that you have completed the alcohol education program. The NDDOT requires both before reinstatement. If you submit one without the other, your reinstatement will be delayed.
For medical reinstatement, using an outdated or incomplete physician's statement causes delays. The NDDOT provides a specific form; ask your doctor to use that form rather than writing a letter. A generic letter from your doctor may not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the NDDOT officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in North Dakota and can result in additional fines and jail time. Wait for written confirmation of reinstatement before driving.
What if I cannot afford the alcohol education program required for DUI reinstatement?
Contact the NDDOT Driver's License Division to ask about payment plans or reduced-cost programs. Some providers offer sliding-scale fees based on income. You may also check with your county social services office to see if they have resources to help with program costs. However, the program must be completed before reinstatement is possible.
Do I need to retake the written or road test to reinstate my license?
Not for most suspensions. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or DUI, you do not need to retake a test. If your suspension was medical, the NDDOT may require a road test or vision test as part of the reinstatement process. The NDDOT will tell you if testing is required when you contact them.
What if I moved out of North Dakota while my license was suspended?
You can still reinstate your North Dakota license by mail or phone. Contact the NDDOT Driver's License Division, submit the required documents and payment by mail, and your license will be reinstated. You do not need to be a North Dakota resident to hold a North Dakota license.
How long does my license stay reinstated, or can it be suspended again?
Once reinstated, your license remains valid until its expiration date (typically four years from issue). However, if you commit another violation that triggers suspension (such as another DUI or unpaid fines), your license can be suspended again. Reinstatement does not prevent future suspensions.