How to renew your North Dakota driver's license
North Dakota lets you 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 state's eDMV system. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your North Dakota license is valid for eight years. The state sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota offers online renewal through eDMV for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who do not need to change their address or other personal information.
- Mail renewal is available if your license has not expired and you meet the same restrictions as online renewal — no address changes, no corrections to your name or other data.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license exam station is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or personal information, or if you want to change your photo.
- The renewal fee in North Dakota is $85 for an eight-year license, and you will need to pass a vision test if you renew in person.
- Exam stations are located in most county seats and some larger towns; you can find the nearest one and check hours on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.
Online renewal through North Dakota eDMV
The fastest way to renew is through the state's eDMV portal at dmv.nd.gov. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $85 renewal fee by credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
Online renewal is available only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you do not need to change your address, and you do not need to correct your name or other personal data. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail with a form.
You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready after paying, which you can use while waiting for your physical license to arrive. This temporary license is valid in North Dakota and most other states.
Mail renewal with a form
If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail in Form SFN 14029 (process for Driver's License or Identification Card) along with your $85 fee. read the form from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or request it by phone at 701-328-2725.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must still be valid, you cannot change your address, and you cannot correct your name or other information. If you need to make any of those changes, you must visit an exam station in person.
Processing time for mail renewal is typically 2 to 3 weeks after the state receives your form and payment. Include a check or money order made out to the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Do not send cash.
In-person renewal at an exam station
Visit a driver's license exam station if your license has expired, if you need to change your address, if you need to correct your name or other personal information, or if you want a new photo. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).
You will take a vision test at the exam station. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you. You will also have a new photo taken unless you request to keep your current photo. The exam station will collect your $85 fee and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you, depending on the station's procedures.
Exam stations are located in most county seats and some larger towns. Hours vary by location. Find the nearest station and check its hours on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website, or call 701-328-2725 to ask about locations and wait times.
What happens if your license has expired
If your North Dakota license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit an exam station in person and may be required to retake the written driving test and the road test, depending on how long it has been expired. The state's rules on expired licenses can change, so call 701-328-2725 before you visit to confirm what tests you will need to take.
If your license expired fewer than 12 months ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard process, as long as you do not need to change your address or personal information.
Changing your address during renewal
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must visit an exam station in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days).
Some types of proof of address are not accepted, such as cell phone bills or statements from online retailers. The exam station staff can tell you whether a specific document will work before you hand it over.
Real ID compliance and enhanced licenses
North Dakota driver's licenses are Real ID compliant, meaning they meet federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. Your current license already complies, so you do not need to do anything special during renewal to maintain Real ID status.
North Dakota also offers an enhanced driver's license, which allows you to enter Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. An enhanced license costs $110 for eight years (compared to $85 for a standard license) and requires an in-person visit to an exam station. You will need to bring proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, in addition to the standard documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Dakota license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you live outside North Dakota but still hold a North Dakota license, you can renew by mail or online as long as your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or personal information. If you need to update your address to an out-of-state address, you can do that online or by mail without visiting an exam station.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You cannot renew a lost or stolen license by mail or online. You must visit an exam station in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and Social Security number. The replacement fee is the same as renewal: $85 for an eight-year license.
Do I need an appointment to visit an exam station?
Appointment requirements vary by location. Some exam stations accept walk-ins, while others require you to book ahead. Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website for your nearest station's policy, or call 701-328-2725 to ask.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewal typically take 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at an exam station may issue your license when ready or mail it to you, depending on the station. Ask the staff when you visit.
What if my name has changed since I got my license?
You cannot update your name by mail or online. You must visit an exam station in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The exam station will update your license during the renewal process.