How to renew your North Dakota driver's license

In North Dakota, you can renew your driver's license in person at a driver's license exam station, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. Most people renew in person because it takes about 15 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal is available only if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your current license is not damaged. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you complete the process from home and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Your choice depends on your situation. If your license is suspended, damaged, or expired, you must renew in person. If your license is current and in good condition with no restrictions, online renewal saves you a trip. Mail renewal works if you prefer not to go online but can wait longer for your new license.

Key Takeaways

  • North Dakota allows in-person, mail, and online renewal, with online being fastest if your license meets the requirements.
  • Your North Dakota driver's license expires on your birthday, and you can renew it up to one year before expiration.
  • In-person renewal requires a current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number; bring originals, not copies.
  • Mail and online renewal are only available if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your current license is valid and undamaged.
  • If your license is suspended or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a driver's license exam station.

When your North Dakota license expires

Your North Dakota driver's license expires on your birthday. The state issues licenses valid for four years for drivers under 65 and six years for drivers 65 and older. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you will need to renew in person at a driver's license exam station. An expired license cannot be renewed by mail or online.

Renewing online or by mail

Online renewal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website is the fastest route if you are may be able to access. You log in, review your information, pay the renewal fee (currently $100 for a four-year license or $150 for a six-year license for drivers under 65), and submit. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and carry until your physical license arrives.

Mail renewal works the same way in terms of may be able to access but takes longer. You complete a renewal form, include payment, and mail it to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Processing takes two to three weeks, and you do not receive a temporary license while you wait.

Both mail and online renewal require that your current license is valid and undamaged, you have no suspension or revocation on your record, and you have no medical restrictions or conditions listed on your license. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a driver's license exam station

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, if you have medical restrictions, or if your current license is damaged or expired. It is also your only option if you need to update your name, address, or other personal information beyond what an online or mail form allows.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of North Dakota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring a separate ID if your current license is valid. The exam station will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Exam stations are located in most North Dakota counties. You can find the one nearest you on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some stations allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait.

What happens if your license is suspended

If your North Dakota driver's license is suspended, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a driver's license exam station in person. The exam station staff will tell you whether your suspension can be lifted at that visit or whether you need to resolve the underlying issue first — for example, paying a traffic fine, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying a child support obligation.

In some cases, you can request a limited license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your suspension is in effect. Whether this is available depends on the reason for your suspension. Ask the exam station staff whether you are may be able to access.

Fees and what to expect

A four-year North Dakota driver's license costs $100. A six-year license costs $150. These fees explore whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, mail renewal requires a check or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on the exam station.

If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. If you renew by mail or online, you will receive a temporary license by email (for online) or will not receive one (for mail). Your permanent license arrives by mail in both cases within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation to check the status.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you are moving within North Dakota or changing your name, you can update this information during renewal. Online and mail renewal forms include fields for address and name changes. If you are renewing in person, tell the exam station staff about the change and bring documentation — a lease or utility bill for an address change, or a marriage certificate or court order for a name change.

If you are moving out of North Dakota, you will need to get a driver's license from your new state. North Dakota will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Dakota driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid a last-minute rush. The new license will have a new expiration date four or six years from the date you renew.

What if I lost my driver's license?

A lost license is not the same as an expired one. You will need to explore for a replacement, not a renewal. Visit a driver's license exam station in person with proof of identity and residency. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $20 to $30) and receive a temporary license on the spot.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?

No. Renewal does not include a written or driving test unless your license was suspended for a medical reason or you are renewing after a long lapse. In those cases, the exam station will tell you what is required when you arrive.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license by email when ready that you can print and carry while you wait for the permanent one.

What if my address changed but I did not update it during renewal?

You can update your address at any time by visiting a driver's license exam station or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). There is no fee for an address change.