How to Renew Your North Dakota Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Renew in North Dakota

North Dakota lets you 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, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail, while online renewals are processed the same day.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions on file. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail. North Dakota does not require you to take a new photo or pass a vision test during renewal unless your license has been expired for more than four years.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $40 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, but only works if your current license is still valid and you have not changed your address.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form 4-181, and payment to the North Dakota Department of Transportation, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a driver's license exam station takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need to update your address.
North Dakota charges $40 for a four-year renewal or $60 for an eight-year renewal, with no additional fees for standard renewals.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online Renewal: When It Works and When It Does Not

Online renewal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website is the fastest route if your license is still valid and your information has not changed. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee is $40 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card.

You cannot use online renewal if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to change your address, if you have a medical condition code on your license, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). You also cannot renew online if you are changing your name. If any of these explore to you, skip to the mail or in-person section below.

Once you complete the online form and payment, your renewal is processed the same day. Your new license will be mailed to your current address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: Step-by-Step

To renew by mail, you will need to send your current license, a completed Form 4-181 (process for Driver's License or Identification Card), and a check or money order to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. You can read Form 4-181 from the North Dakota DOT website or request it by phone at 701-328-2725.

Write your check or money order for $40 (four-year license) or $60 (eight-year license) and make it payable to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Include your current license in the envelope — do not fold it. Mail everything to:

North Dakota Department of Transportation Driver's License Division 608 East Boulevard Avenue Bismarck, ND 58505

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need to change your address, write the new address clearly on Form 4-181 before you mail it. Do not rely on a note in the envelope — the form is what the system reads.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Exam Station

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you have a medical condition code, or if you are renewing a CDL. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires you to bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address.

Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Acceptable proof of address includes a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address.

Find your nearest driver's license exam station on the North Dakota DOT website. Most stations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment at most stations, but some locations now require one — call ahead to confirm. The renewal fee is $40 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license, paid by cash, check, or card at the station.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Four Years

If your license expired more than four years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a driver's license exam station. You will be required to pass a vision test and may be required to pass a written test, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age.

Bring your current (expired) license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. The exam station staff will tell you whether you need to take the written test. If you do, you will take it at the station on the same day. The renewal fee remains $40 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew

The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal is processed the same day, and your new license is mailed within 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date received, plus mailing time. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and your new license is mailed within 10 business days.

You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives, even if your current license has expired. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a driver's license exam station. Your new license will have the same number as your old one unless you requested a name change.

If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days of approval, contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 to report it. Have your license number and the date you renewed ready when you call.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not fold your current license when you mail it — the scanner cannot read a folded license, and your renewal will be delayed. Do not send cash in the mail; use a check or money order instead. If you are renewing by mail and need to change your address, write it on Form 4-181 itself, not in a separate note.

Do not attempt online renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you need to change your address — the system will reject it, and you will have to start over with mail or in-person renewal. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, call the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 before you start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Dakota license if I am out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if your license is still valid and your address has not changed. If you need to change your address or your license has expired for more than one year, you must renew by mail or return to North Dakota in person.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail or online without your current license. You must go to a driver's license exam station in person with proof of identity and proof of your current address. The staff will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time.

How long is my new North Dakota license valid?

You can choose a four-year license ($40) or an eight-year license ($60) at renewal. Your new license will be valid for whichever term you select, starting from the date it is issued.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than four years. If you renew by mail or online while your license is still valid or within four years of expiration, your photo will be carried over to your new license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online or by mail if you need to change your name. You must renew in person at a driver's license exam station and bring a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

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.