What You Can and Cannot Do Online in North Dakota
North Dakota allows you to reinstate your driver's license online, but only for certain suspension reasons. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver Services operates an online reinstatement system that handles suspensions tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to pay child support. You cannot reinstate online if your suspension is medical-related, involves a DUI conviction, or stems from a point accumulation that requires a written exam.
Before you start the online process, you need to know your suspension reason. This matters because it determines whether you can proceed without visiting a Driver Services office in person. If you are unsure why your license was suspended, contact the NDDOT Driver Services line at 701-328-2725 or check your suspension notice — it will state the reason clearly.
The online system is available 24 hours a day through the NDDOT website. You will need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) and access to your driver's license number or Social Security number to begin.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota's online reinstatement system works only for traffic fine suspensions, failure-to-appear suspensions, and child support-related suspensions.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, court costs, or child support arrears in full before your license will be reinstated.
- The reinstatement fee in North Dakota is $20, in addition to any fines or costs owed.
- Once you complete payment online, your license is typically reinstated within the same business day, though you should verify by calling Driver Services.
- If your suspension involves a medical hold, DUI, or point accumulation requiring a test, you must visit a Driver Services office in person.
Step-by-Step Online Reinstatement Process
Start by going to the NDDOT website and locating the Driver Services section. Look for the link labeled "Reinstate Your License Online" or "Online Reinstatement." You will be directed to a find payment portal.
Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. The system will display your suspension reason and the total amount owed, including fines, court costs, child support arrears, and the $20 reinstatement fee. Review this amount carefully — it must match what you expect based on your suspension notice.
If the amount is correct, proceed to payment. Enter your debit or credit card information. North Dakota's system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A processing fee of approximately 2.5 percent is added to your payment by the payment processor, so your total will be slightly higher than the reinstatement fee alone.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Save this number. Your license reinstatement is not final until you receive written confirmation from the NDDOT, which typically arrives within one business day. Do not assume your license is active when ready — call Driver Services at 701-328-2725 to confirm before driving.
Documents and Information You Will Need
Gather these items before you start the online process. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number to access your record. Have your date of birth ready as well, as the system uses this to verify your identity.
You will also need a valid payment method — a debit card or credit card issued by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. The card does not have to be in your name, but the cardholder must authorize the payment. If you do not have a card, you will need to visit a Driver Services office in person to pay by check, money order, or cash.
Keep your suspension notice nearby while you complete the reinstatement. This document shows the reason for suspension and the amount owed. If you have lost your notice, the online system will display this information when you enter your license number, but having the notice on hand helps you verify accuracy.
When the Online System Will Not Work for You
If your suspension is tied to a medical condition — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or diabetes — you cannot reinstate online. You must visit a Driver Services office and may need to provide medical documentation or pass a medical evaluation before reinstatement is approved.
A DUI-related suspension also requires in-person handling. Depending on whether this is your first offense and the circumstances, you may need to complete an alcohol education program, install an ignition interlock device, or meet other conditions before reinstatement is possible. The Driver Services office will explain what is required.
Point-accumulation suspensions — where your license was suspended because you reached too many points from traffic violations — require you to pass a written knowledge test before reinstatement. This test must be taken at a Driver Services office and cannot be done online. You will also need to pay a $20 reinstatement fee in addition to any other costs.
If you are unsure whether your suspension qualifies for online reinstatement, call 701-328-2725 before attempting the online process. A staff member can tell you in a few minutes whether you can proceed online or need to visit an office.
Fees and Payment Details
The reinstatement fee in North Dakota is $20. This is separate from any fines, court costs, or child support arrears you owe. Your total payment will include all of these amounts combined.
If you are reinstating because of unpaid traffic fines, you will pay the original fine amount plus any court costs assessed at the time of the violation. These amounts are set by the court that issued the citation, not by the NDDOT, so they vary depending on the violation and the court.
For failure-to-appear suspensions, you typically owe the original fine, court costs, and sometimes an additional failure-to-appear fee set by the court. For child support-related suspensions, you owe the arrears amount determined by the child support enforcement agency.
The online payment system adds a processing fee of approximately 2.5 percent to your total. This fee is charged by the payment processor, not by the state. For example, if you owe $150 in fines and fees, your total payment will be around $154 after the processing fee is added.
What Happens After You Pay Online
Once your payment is processed, the system generates a confirmation number. You will see this number on your screen and receive it in a confirmation email. Write down this number and keep the email for your records.
The NDDOT typically processes online reinstatements within one business day. However, do not assume your license is active when ready. Call Driver Services at 701-328-2725 the next business day to confirm that your reinstatement has been completed and your license is valid.
You do not need to visit an office to pick up a new physical license card after an online reinstatement. Your license record in the system will be updated, and law enforcement can verify your status electronically. If you need a replacement card with an updated expiration date or other changes, you can order one through the NDDOT website or request one at a Driver Services office.
If your reinstatement does not process within two business days, or if you receive an error message, contact Driver Services when ready. Bring your confirmation number with you when you call.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Block Reinstatement
The most common error is attempting to reinstate online when your suspension reason does not may have access to. If you try to reinstate a medical or DUI suspension online, the system will reject your request and you will waste time. Always confirm your suspension reason first by calling Driver Services or checking your suspension notice.
Another frequent mistake is entering incorrect information. If you mistype your driver's license number or date of birth, the system will not find your record. Double-check these details before submitting. If the system says it cannot find your record, try using your Social Security number instead of your license number.
Some people pay online but then assume their license is when ready valid and drive before receiving confirmation from the NDDOT. This can result in a second violation if you are stopped while your license is still technically suspended. Always verify reinstatement with Driver Services before driving.
Paying with the wrong payment method or entering card information incorrectly will cause the transaction to fail. Make sure your card is not expired and that you enter the number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as they appear on the card. If a payment fails, the system will tell you why and allow you to try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reinstate my license online if I owe child support?
Yes, if your suspension is specifically for child support arrears, you can reinstate online. You will owe the full arrears amount plus the $20 reinstatement fee. The online system will show you the exact amount owed. If you have questions about the arrears amount, contact the North Dakota Child Support Enforcement office before paying.
What if I pay online but my license is still showing as suspended?
Wait one business day and call Driver Services at 701-328-2725 to confirm. Processing delays sometimes occur, especially if you pay late in the day. Have your confirmation number ready when you call. If two business days have passed and your license is still suspended, visit a Driver Services office in person with your confirmation number.
Do I need to take a written test to reinstate online?
No. If your suspension requires a written test — such as a point-accumulation suspension — you cannot reinstate online. You must visit a Driver Services office, pass the test, and pay the reinstatement fee in person. The online system will tell you if a test is required when you enter your license number.
Can someone else pay for my reinstatement online?
Yes. The person paying does not have to be the license holder. They will need your driver's license number or Social Security number and your date of birth to access your record. The payment card does not have to be in your name, but the cardholder must authorize the payment.
What if I cannot pay the full amount right now?
The online system requires full payment before reinstatement. If you cannot pay in full, contact Driver Services at 701-328-2725 to ask about payment plans or other options. Some courts allow installment payments for fines, but this must be arranged directly with the court, not through the NDDOT online system.