How to Get and Renew Your North Dakota Driver's License

What You Need to Know About North Dakota Driver's Licenses

North Dakota issues standard driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and instruction permits through the Department of Transportation. A standard North Dakota driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older. The state does not issue a separate "ND" license type — that abbreviation refers to North Dakota itself — but understanding which license category you need and what documents to bring will determine whether your visit to a driver's license exam station takes 30 minutes or requires a second trip.

North Dakota uses a point-based renewal system: you can renew by mail if you meet specific conditions, but most people renew in person at an exam station. The state has moved toward Real ID compliance, which affects what documents you must present. If you are getting your first license, renewing after it expires, or upgrading to a commercial license, the requirements and fees differ significantly.

Key Takeaways

North Dakota driver's licenses are valid for eight years (four years if you are 65 or older), and you must renew before the expiration date printed on your card.
You will need proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number at any exam station visit.
Mail renewal is available only if you have no violations, no address changes, and meet other specific conditions — most people must renew in person.
Commercial driver's licenses require a separate written test, skills test, and medical certification, and cost more than standard licenses.
North Dakota charges different fees for first-time licenses, renewals, and duplicate cards, and fees vary slightly depending on the validity period you choose.

Documents Required for a First-Time North Dakota License

When you explore for your first North Dakota driver's license, you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and date of birth. A photocopy or a document that has been altered will not be accepted. You also need proof that you live in North Dakota: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address on it. A PO box does not count as proof of residency.

You must provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you cannot provide either, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or the IRS stating that you are ineligible. You will also need to pass a vision test at the exam station and provide proof that you have passed a written knowledge test — or you can take it at the station itself on the day you explore.

If you are under 18, you must also bring a signed Parental Consent form (Form SFN 5654) and proof of enrollment in a North Dakota school or a homeschool program. Minors must also complete a driver's education course before they can take the written test.

How to Renew Your North Dakota Driver's License

You can renew your North Dakota license by mail only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired, you have no traffic violations on your record in the past two years, you have not changed your address, you do not need to update your name, and you are not renewing a commercial license. If you meet all these conditions, you can request a renewal process by calling the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 or visiting their website. Mail in the completed form, your current license, and the renewal fee. Processing takes two to three weeks.

Most people must renew in person at a driver's license exam station. Bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will pass a vision test and may be asked to retake the written knowledge test if the examiner has concerns about your driving record or if you are renewing after a long lapse. The exam station will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the station's workload.

If your license has already expired, you may still renew it in person, but you will be charged a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The longer your license has been expired, the more you may be required to repeat (such as the written test or vision test). Do not wait until your license expires to renew.

Fees and Validity Periods for North Dakota Licenses

North Dakota charges different fees depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license costs less if you choose a four-year validity period than if you choose an eight-year period. Renewal fees are lower than first-time license fees. A duplicate license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs a separate, smaller fee.

The state does not publish exact fees on a single page, and fees can change. Contact your local driver's license exam station or the North Dakota Department of Transportation to confirm the current fee for the license type and validity period you need. Payment methods vary by station — some accept cash, check, and card, while others may accept only certain forms of payment. Call ahead if you are unsure.

If you are renewing a license that expired more than one year ago, you may be charged a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. This is another reason to renew before your expiration date.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Requirements in North Dakota

A North Dakota commercial driver's license is required if you operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or if you transport hazardous materials. The CDL process is longer and more expensive than a standard license renewal. You must first hold a valid standard North Dakota driver's license, then pass a written test specific to the class of CDL you need (Class A, B, or C), pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic control test, and an on-road driving test, and provide a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.

The medical certificate must be obtained before you take the skills test. You can find a certified medical examiner through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. The exam covers your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors. If you have certain medical conditions, you may be disqualified or required to obtain a waiver.

North Dakota requires you to schedule your CDL skills test in advance. The test is administered by a third-party testing service, not by the Department of Transportation directly. You will pay a fee for the skills test in addition to the CDL license fee. The entire process typically takes several weeks from the time you pass the written test to the time you receive your CDL.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

A North Dakota driver's license can be suspended or revoked for reasons including driving under the influence (DUI), accumulating too many points from traffic violations, failing to pay traffic fines, or failing to maintain required insurance. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period.

If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and the length of the suspension. You cannot drive during a suspension. To have your license reinstated after a suspension ends, you must visit a driver's license exam station, pay a reinstatement fee, and provide proof that you have resolved the issue (such as proof of insurance or proof that you have completed a DUI education program). Some suspensions require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle before reinstatement.

If your license is revoked, you must wait the required period (which varies depending on the reason for revocation) before you can reapply. When you reapply, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, as if you were getting your first license. Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation to find out the specific requirements for your situation.

Real ID Compliance and North Dakota Licenses

North Dakota driver's licenses are now issued in compliance with the federal Real ID Act. This means that if you want to use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, it must be a Real ID-compliant license. North Dakota issues Real ID licenses automatically; you do not need to request one separately or pay an extra fee.

To receive a Real ID-compliant license, you must present the same documents as you would for a standard license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The Real ID designation appears on your license itself. If you do not want a Real ID license, you can request a standard (non-Real ID) license, but you will not be able to use it for federal purposes after the federal important date. As of now, all domestic flights and federal building access require Real ID compliance, so most people should accept the Real ID license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Dakota license online?

No. North Dakota does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet specific conditions (no violations, no address change, no name change), or you must renew in person at a driver's license exam station. Call 701-328-2725 to request a mail renewal form if you think you may have access to.

What if I move to North Dakota from another state?

You must obtain a North Dakota driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to an exam station. You will take a vision test and may take a written test, depending on the examiner's judgment. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered.

How do I replace a lost or stolen North Dakota driver's license?

Visit a driver's license exam station with proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay a duplicate license fee, which is lower than a renewal fee. The exam station will take a new photo and issue your duplicate license. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless the examiner suspects fraud.

What is the difference between a Class D and a Class M license in North Dakota?

A Class D license is a standard driver's license for passenger vehicles. A Class M license is required to operate a motorcycle. To obtain a Class M license, you must pass a written test and a skills test on a motorcycle, or show proof that you have completed a motorcycle safety course. You can add a Class M endorsement to an existing Class D license.

Can I get a North Dakota license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you have neither, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or the IRS stating that you are ineligible for a number. You will still be issued a license, but it will be flagged in the system.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.