Renewing Your North Dakota Driver's License

You can renew your North Dakota driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license exam 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 photo. Most people renew by mail or online and never visit an office — but you'll need to appear in person if your license has been expired for more than one year or if you want a new photo.

North Dakota sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you which renewal method you're may be able to access for. Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued, so you'll renew on the same month and day every eight years.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on how recently your license expired and whether you need a new photo.
  • Mail and online renewals cost $80 for an eight-year license and take about two weeks to arrive.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license exam station.
  • North Dakota sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, and you can start the process as soon as you receive it.
  • You'll need your current license, Social Security number, and proof of North Dakota residency for any renewal method.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is the slowest but most convenient option if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You'll fill out the renewal notice that came in the mail, include your current license, and mail everything to the address printed on the notice. The North Dakota Department of Transportation processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you want to change your address, or if you want a new photo. If any of those explore, you'll need to renew in person instead.

Renewing Online

Online renewal is the fastest option and available to most drivers whose licenses are still valid or expired less than one year ago. Visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to pay the $80 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 10 to 14 business days.

Online renewal does not let you change your address or request a new photo. If you need either of those, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than one year ago.

Renewing in Person at an Exam Station

You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you want to change your address, or if you want a new photo. Visit any North Dakota driver's license exam station with your current license (or expired license), proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number. Bring documents that show your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement all work.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The cost is $80 for an eight-year license. You do not need an appointment at most stations, but you can call ahead to check wait times.

What Documents You Need

For any renewal method, you'll need your current or expired driver's license and your Social Security number. If you're renewing in person, you must also bring proof of your current North Dakota address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works.

If you've changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your license was lost or stolen, tell the exam station staff when you arrive, and they'll note it in the system.

Renewal Fees and Payment

A standard eight-year renewal license costs $80. If you renew by mail or online, you pay when you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the exam station by cash, check, or card — policies vary by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

North Dakota does not offer shorter renewal periods or reduced fees for drivers who renew early. You can start the renewal process as soon as you receive your renewal notice, which arrives about 60 days before expiration.

If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit a driver's license exam station in person. Bring your expired license, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, and the cost remains $80 for an eight-year license.

If you've been driving with an expired license, the exam station staff will not penalize you during the renewal process — they're there to help you get current. However, driving with an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as you can.

Finding a Driver's License Exam Station

North Dakota operates exam stations in most towns and cities. The Department of Transportation website lists all locations, hours, and phone numbers. Stations in larger cities like Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some offering extended hours or Saturday appointments. Smaller towns may have limited hours, so check the website or call before you go.

You do not need an appointment at most stations, but wait times vary. If you want to avoid a long wait, call the station ahead of time and ask when it's least busy. Some stations allow you to schedule an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can start the renewal process as soon as you receive your renewal notice, which arrives about 60 days before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the eight-year validity period — your new license will still expire eight years from the date it was issued.

What if I moved out of state but still have a North Dakota license?

You cannot renew a North Dakota license if you no longer live in the state. You'll need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles for information about explore for a license there.

Can I get a REAL ID-compliant license when I renew?

Yes. North Dakota issues REAL ID-compliant licenses by default. When you renew, your new license will meet REAL ID standards, which are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need to request it or pay extra.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Mail and online renewals typically take 10 to 14 business days to arrive, though processing can take up to three weeks during busy periods. If you renew in person, you'll get a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew by mail or online if your license is still valid, but you'll need to include the name-change document with your process. If your license is expired, renew in person and bring the document with you.