What You Need to Know About Renewing 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. Most people can renew without taking a new photo or passing a test — you just need to submit the right documents and pay the renewal fee. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose, and your license type (standard, commercial, or motorcycle) affects what you can do.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online as long as it expired less than two years ago. After two years, you will need to go in person and may need to retake the written test.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota offers three renewal methods: mail, online through the state's website, or in person at a driver's license exam station.
- You can renew up to one year before your current license expires, and the renewal fee varies depending on how long you want your new license to be valid.
- If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online without retaking the written test.
- Renewing by mail takes two to three weeks; online renewal is usually when ready or within a few days.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders cannot renew by mail and must renew in person or online through the state portal.
Renewing by Mail
Mail renewal is the slowest method but requires no trip to an exam station. You will need to send in your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee. The form you need is the process for Driver's License or Identification Card (Form SFN 14001), which you can read from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or request by calling the main office.
Mail your documents to the address listed on the form — typically the Driver's License Division in Bismarck. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time they receive your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address on the form before sending it in.
Mail renewal works only if your license has not been expired for more than two years and you do not hold a commercial driver's license. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must renew in person or use the online method.
Renewing Online
Online renewal through the North Dakota state portal is the fastest option for most people. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer a few questions about changes to your address or medical conditions, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system confirms your renewal when ready, and your new license ships within a few business days.
To use online renewal, you need a current email address on file with the state. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update any information on your license, you can make those changes during the online process. The fee is the same whether you renew online or by mail.
Online renewal is available to standard driver's license holders and motorcycle endorsement holders. If you hold a commercial driver's license, you cannot renew online and must go in person.
Renewing in Person at an Exam Station
In-person renewal at a driver's license exam station is required if you hold a commercial driver's license or if your license expired more than two years ago. You will bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). Bring your payment method — cash, check, or card — because not all stations accept all forms of payment.
Exam stations are located in most North Dakota counties. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some stations operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may have wait times during busy hours. Call ahead to find the station nearest you and ask about their hours and whether they accept walk-ins.
When you arrive, staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Renewal Fees and License Validity Periods
North Dakota renewal fees depend on how long you want your new license to be valid. You can renew for four years or eight years. The eight-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for longer. Exact fees change periodically, so check the Department of Transportation website or call before you send payment.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the state. If you have moved recently, make sure your address is updated before you submit your renewal, or your license will go to the wrong place. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at an exam station.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your North Dakota license expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online using the same process as someone with a current license. You do not need to retake the written test or pass a vision screening. straightforward submit your expired license with your renewal form and fee.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license exam station. You will need to retake the written test and pass a vision screening. Bring the same documents you would bring for a first-time license (proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address). You will not need to take the road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
Renewing a Commercial Driver's License
Commercial driver's license (CDL) holders in North Dakota cannot renew by mail. You must renew in person at a driver's license exam station or through the online portal if you are only renewing your standard license privileges. If you are renewing your CDL itself, you must go in person.
When you renew a CDL in person, bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form) if your CDL requires one. Some CDL holders need to renew their medical certificate at the same time they renew their license. Check with the exam station or the Department of Transportation website to see if yours is due.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Dakota license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew by mail or online no matter where you live. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and online renewal is usually when ready. You do not need to be a North Dakota resident to hold a North Dakota license, so your out-of-state address is fine.
What if I lost my current license and cannot send it in with my renewal?
Call the Driver's License Division and explain that your license is lost. They can issue a replacement license or allow you to renew without sending in the original. You may need to pay a small replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. In-person renewal at an exam station is the fastest way to handle this.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal is usually when ready or within a few business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew by mail or online, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person at an exam station, they will take a new photo. You cannot request a new photo during mail or online renewal.
What if my name or address changed since my last license?
You can update your name or address during online renewal or on the mail renewal form. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) and, if you changed your name, a court order or marriage certificate showing the change. The exam station staff will update your information and issue a new license with the correct details.