North Dakota Driver's License Renewal: What You Need to Know
North Dakota lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license examination 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 photograph. Most renewals take 7 to 10 business days by mail; online renewal is faster but has stricter may be able to access rules.
Your North Dakota license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota offers three renewal methods: mail, online through the ND DMV website, and in-person at a driver's license examination station.
- Online renewal is the fastest option but only works if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photograph.
- Mail renewal requires Form SFN 14033, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at an examination station takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address.
- The renewal fee is $100 for an eight-year license; military members and certain seniors pay reduced rates.
Online Renewal: Fastest Option with Limits
Online renewal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website is the quickest method if you meet all the requirements. You can complete the entire process in 10 to 15 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days. The fee is $100, charged to a credit or debit card.
You can only renew online if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not want to update your photograph. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. The online system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access when you start the process.
To renew online, go to the ND DMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay the $100 fee. Print the confirmation page for your records.
Mail Renewal: Standard Timeline and Process
Mail renewal works for most drivers and takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV receives your process. You will need Form SFN 14033 (the renewal process), which you can read from the ND DMV website or request by phone at 701-328-2725.
Complete the form by hand or type it, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $100 to the address shown on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license or a photocopy of both sides if you are renewing by mail for the first time in several years. The DMV will use your existing photograph on your current license unless you request a new one, which requires an in-person visit.
Mail your process to: North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver's License Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505. Allow extra time during the winter months, as mail delivery can be slower. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file with the DMV.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Examination Station
Visit a driver's license examination station if your license is expired, you need a new photograph, you are changing your address, or you prefer to renew in person. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $100 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license as well. Examination stations are located in most county seats and some larger towns; find the nearest one on the ND DMV website.
You will have your photograph taken at the station unless you have a medical reason to use your existing photo. If you have a disability or religious objection to being photographed, bring a letter from a doctor or religious leader explaining the reason, and the DMV will consider your request.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Reduced Rates
The standard renewal fee for an eight-year North Dakota driver's license is $100. You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card, depending on your renewal method. Online and in-person renewals accept all payment types; mail renewals accept checks and money orders only.
Military members on active duty stationed outside North Dakota pay $50 for an eight-year license. Drivers age 65 and older pay $50 for a four-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher; contact the DMV for current CDL renewal rates.
No refunds are issued if you change your mind after paying. If your payment is declined or lost in the mail, the DMV will contact you to request payment again.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired
If your North Dakota driver's license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a driver's license examination station in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $100.
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements (address unchanged, no new photo needed). The DMV does not charge a penalty for renewing a recently expired license; the fee remains $100.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in North Dakota. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may face a fine or citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.
Address Changes and Name Changes
If you have moved within North Dakota, you must update your address when you renew. You cannot change your address online; you must renew by mail or in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) to an examination station, or include a copy with your mail renewal process.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at an examination station. Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The fee remains $100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Dakota 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 the rush near the expiration date. The new license will have a new eight-year expiration date from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I lose my license before it expires?
You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online. Visit a driver's license examination station and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and residency, and pay $100. You will receive a temporary paper license and a permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 5 to 7 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your process. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require a written test or driving test. You only need to provide your current license, pay the fee, and update any information that has changed (address, name, or photograph). If your license was suspended or revoked, you must contact the DMV before renewing.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
The DMV will contact you by mail if your process is incomplete or if there is a problem with your payment. Check your process for errors, make sure your check or money order cleared, and resubmit if needed. If you have questions, call the Driver's License Division at 701-328-2725.