How to renew your North Dakota driver's license
In North Dakota, you can renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license exam station. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in your hands. Most people renew online or by mail because it takes less time than a visit to an exam station.
Your North Dakota driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires the renewal notice, a check or money order, and takes about two to three weeks from the time the state receives your materials.
- In-person renewal at an exam station is necessary if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address.
- The renewal fee in North Dakota is $98 for an eight-year license (under 65) or $49 for a four-year license (65 and older).
- You will need a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number to renew, whether you choose online, mail, or in-person renewal.
Renewing online through the North Dakota website
Online renewal is the quickest and most convenient option if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation website, create or log into your account, and complete the renewal form. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The state charges $98 for an eight-year renewal if you are under 65, or $49 for a four-year renewal if you are 65 or older. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file, and delivery typically takes one to two weeks after the state processes your order.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
If you received a renewal notice in the mail from the North Dakota Department of Transportation, you can renew by mail without visiting an exam station. The notice includes a form you fill out, sign, and return with payment. You do not need to include a new photo unless you are requesting one.
Mail your completed form, the renewal notice, and a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. The fee is $98 for an eight-year license (under 65) or $49 for a four-year license (65 and older). The state typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your materials, though processing time can be longer during busy periods.
If you did not receive a renewal notice or have lost it, you can still renew by mail by contacting the North Dakota Department of Transportation to request a renewal form. You will need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth.
Renewing in person at an exam station
You must renew in person at a North Dakota driver's license exam station if your license has expired more than one year ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address, or if you are turning 65 and moving to a four-year license. Exam stations are located in most counties; you can find the one nearest you on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.
Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it has been less than one year), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will have your photo taken at the station. The fee is $98 for an eight-year license (under 65) or $49 for a four-year license (65 and older), and you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Your renewed license is typically issued on the spot or mailed to you within one to two weeks, depending on the exam station's procedures. Call ahead to confirm hours and any current wait times.
What to do if your license has expired
If your North Dakota driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a driver's license exam station in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
If your license expired more than one year ago, you may also be required to pass a vision test or written knowledge test at the exam station, depending on how long it has been expired and your age. The exam station staff will let you know what is required when you arrive. It is a good idea to call ahead to confirm what documents and tests you will need.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you are changing your name or address, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a North Dakota driver's license exam station. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and documentation of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if applicable).
The exam station will update your information and issue a new license with your new name or address. You will have a new photo taken. The renewal fee remains $98 for an eight-year license (under 65) or $49 for a four-year license (65 and older).
Documents and fees you will need
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, date of birth, payment method | $98 (under 65) or $49 (65+) | 1–2 weeks by mail |
| By Mail | Renewal notice, completed form, check or money order | $98 (under 65) or $49 (65+) | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of SSN, proof of address, payment method | $98 (under 65) or $49 (65+) | Same day or 1–2 weeks by mail |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Dakota driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. If you are planning to travel or know you will be busy, renewing early is a good option. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years (or four years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
If your license is lost and still valid, you can renew online or by mail using your license number and date of birth. If your license has expired, you must visit an exam station in person with proof of your Social Security number and current address. You may also need to report the loss to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
After the North Dakota Department of Transportation receives and processes your renewal, your new license is typically mailed within one to two weeks. Mail renewal by the state takes two to three weeks total from the time they receive your materials. Online renewals also take one to two weeks after processing.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my North Dakota driver's license?
No, a new photo is not required for online or mail renewal if your current license is still valid. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an exam station. If your license has expired more than one year, you must renew in person and will have a new photo taken.
What payment methods does North Dakota accept for license renewal?
Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal at an exam station accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.