You can renew your North Dakota driver's license online if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements
North Dakota lets you renew your driver's license through its online portal without visiting a driver's license office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $65 for a five-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have certain medical or legal holds on your record.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or medical status since your last renewal.
- You will need your current North Dakota driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the transaction online.
- The renewal fee is $65 for a five-year license, and you pay this amount at the time you submit your process through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online because your license is expired or you need to update personal information, you must visit a driver's license office in person.
Who can renew online and who cannot
You are may be able to access to renew online if your North Dakota driver's license is currently valid (not expired), you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and your name, address, and medical information have not changed since your last renewal. You also cannot have any court orders, child support holds, or other legal flags on your driving record.
You cannot use the online process if your license has already expired, even by one day. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a driver's license office and may need to retake the written test and vision screening. If you need to change your name, address, or medical information, you must also visit an office in person to update these details before renewing.
Steps to renew online through the North Dakota Department of Transportation
Start by visiting the North Dakota Department of Transportation website and locating the online driver's license renewal portal. You will need your current license number and Social Security number to log in. The system will pull up your existing record and show you the information on file.
Review all the details carefully — your name, date of birth, address, and medical information. If anything is incorrect, stop and visit a driver's license office instead; you cannot fix these details online. If everything is correct, confirm that you want to renew for another five years, then proceed to payment. Enter your debit or credit card information and pay the $65 renewal fee. You will receive a confirmation number by email and on screen; save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status.
What to expect after you submit your renewal online
After you complete your online renewal, the North Dakota Department of Transportation will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else — your new license will arrive without any action on your part.
While you wait, you can continue to drive using your current license. If you need to travel out of state or use your license for identification before the new one arrives, your current license remains valid. If more than 10 business days pass and you have not received your new license, you can contact the Department of Transportation to check the status using your confirmation number.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your North Dakota driver's license has expired, you cannot use the online renewal process. Instead, you must visit a driver's license office in person to renew. Bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
If your license expired less than one year ago, the renewal process is straightforward — you will pay the renewal fee, have your photo taken, and receive your new license. If your license expired more than one year ago, you may be required to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision screening before the office will issue a new license. Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or call your local office to confirm what documents and tests you will need.
Fees, payment methods, and what is included in your renewal
The online renewal fee is $65 for a five-year driver's license. This is the standard renewal cost and does not include any additional fees for processing or mailing. You pay this amount at the time you submit your process, using a debit card or credit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Your new license will include an updated photo (using the photo from your previous license on file), your current address, and a new expiration date five years from the date of renewal. If you want a new photo taken, you must renew in person at a driver's license office instead of online.
When to visit a driver's license office instead of renewing online
Visit a North Dakota driver's license office in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you want a new photo, or if you have any medical conditions or legal holds that may affect your license. You should also renew in person if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or if you need a REAL ID-compliant license for federal travel or identification purposes.
To find your nearest driver's license office, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation website and use the office locator tool. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment in advance; check your local office's hours and policies before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I just moved to North Dakota?
No. If you moved to North Dakota and your current license is from another state, you must explore for a new North Dakota license in person at a driver's license office. You will need to provide proof of residency (such as a lease or utility bill) and your out-of-state license. The office will issue you a new North Dakota license at that time.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form before I submitted it?
If you caught the error before submitting your payment, you can go back and correct it. If you already submitted and paid, contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the error can be corrected before your license is printed, or whether you will need to visit an office in person to fix it after your license arrives.
Do I need a REAL ID to renew online?
No. Online renewal does not produce a REAL ID-compliant license. If you need a REAL ID for federal travel or identification at airports, you must renew in person at a driver's license office and request the REAL ID option. You will need to bring additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport to prove your citizenship.
Can I renew my license online if I have a medical condition listed on my record?
If your medical condition has not changed since your last renewal, you can renew online. If your condition has changed or worsened, or if you have been diagnosed with a new condition, you must visit a driver's license office in person so the office can assess whether any restrictions or endorsements need to be added to your license.
How long is my license valid after I renew online?
Your new license is valid for five years from the date you submit your online renewal. The expiration date will be printed on your new license when it arrives. You can continue to drive using your current license until your new license arrives in the mail.