North Dakota Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
North Dakota lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet basic requirements, by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at a driver's license station. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but only works if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew in person.
Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires. North Dakota does not send renewal reminders by mail, so you need to track your expiration date yourself. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $80, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 5 to 10 minutes and works only if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical holds or changed restrictions.
- You can renew by mail by printing a form from the North Dakota DMV website, signing it, and mailing it with a check or money order — allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license station requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number, and you walk out with a temporary license the same day.
- The renewal fee is $80 for a five-year license, the same regardless of method.
- Your renewal window opens 60 days before expiration, and North Dakota does not send reminders, so check your license expiration date now.
Online Renewal: What You Need and How It Works
To renew online, go to the North Dakota DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity by asking questions only you should know — typically based on your driving history or previous address records.
Online renewal is available only if your license has not been expired for more than one year, you have no medical suspensions or restrictions, and your address and name have not changed. If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person or by mail. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online system and must visit a driver's license station in person.
Once you complete the online form and pay the $80 fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives, as long as you completed the renewal before expiration.
Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step Process
To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form SFN 14029) from the North Dakota DMV website. Print it, fill in all required fields, and sign it. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to complete the form.
Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $80 to the address listed on the form — this is the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver's License Division. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if possible, though it is not required. Mail renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your form.
Mail renewal works only if your address and name have not changed since your last license was issued. If either has changed, you must renew in person. You can continue to drive on your expired license while your renewal is being processed, as long as you mailed the form before expiration.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Station
Visit any North Dakota driver's license station to renew in person. You will need to bring a valid photo ID (your current driver's license, passport, or military ID), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, answer a few questions to verify your identity, and pay the $80 fee by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have a medical suspension or restriction, if your address or name has changed, or if you prefer to walk out with proof of a valid license the same day. North Dakota has driver's license stations in most towns; you can find the nearest one on the DMV website by entering your city or ZIP code.
Documents You Must Bring: The Complete List
| Renewal Method | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, date of birth, payment method (debit or credit card) |
| By Mail | Completed Form SFN 14029, check or money order for $80, copy of current license (optional) |
| In Person | Valid photo ID, proof of current address (dated within 60 days), Social Security number, $80 payment |
| In Person (Name Changed) | Valid photo ID, proof of current address, Social Security number, certified name-change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), $80 payment |
When You Must Renew In Person Only
You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit a driver's license station in person and bring all required documents. The DMV will not process an online or mail renewal for an expired license, even if it expired only a few months ago.
You must also renew in person if you have a medical suspension, medical restriction, or any hold on your license. These require a review by DMV staff and sometimes a medical report from your doctor. If you have a CDL (commercial driver's license), you must renew in person as well.
If your address or name has changed, online renewal will not work, though mail renewal may be an option if you can provide the required documentation. When in doubt, call your nearest driver's license station before making the trip — staff can tell you whether your specific situation requires an in-person visit.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Timeline
The renewal fee for a standard five-year North Dakota driver's license is $80. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, or debit/credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the DMV does not accept cash by mail. If you renew online, you must use a debit or credit card.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Plan ahead if you need your license for travel — the temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and may not be accepted by airlines or other agencies that require a standard ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Dakota license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your license has not been expired for more than one year and you have no medical holds. If you must renew in person, you will need to visit a North Dakota driver's license station, which means traveling to the state.
What happens if I drive after my license expires?
Driving on an expired license is illegal in North Dakota. If you are stopped by police, you can face a fine. If you have submitted a renewal process before expiration — online, by mail, or in person — you are generally permitted to drive while your new license is being processed, as long as you can show proof of the process.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a test unless you have a medical suspension or restriction, in which case the DMV may ask for a medical report or may require you to pass a vision or road test. For a standard renewal, you only need to verify your identity and pay the fee.
Can I renew my license early?
Yes. You can renew starting 60 days before your license expires. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date — your new license will still expire five years from your current expiration date, not five years from the renewal date.
What if my name or address changed since my last license?
You must renew in person or by mail and provide proof of the change. For a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Online renewal will not process if your information has changed.