What You Need to Get a North Dakota Driver's License
North Dakota issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation. To get one, you need to visit a driver's license exam station in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from process to receiving your card in the mail.
You cannot complete a North Dakota driver's license process online or by mail. Every applicant must appear in person at an exam station to have their photo taken and to take the written knowledge test. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a North Dakota driver's license exam station in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current address.
- The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving; you can study using the North Dakota Driver's Manual available free online or at exam stations.
- After passing the written test, you schedule a road test with an examiner, which tests basic vehicle control and traffic law knowledge.
- North Dakota charges different fees depending on your age and license type; a standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license.
- Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you receive a temporary paper permit to drive while you wait.
Documents You Must Bring to the Exam Station
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or passport card. A photocopy or digital image will not be accepted. You also need a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency.
You must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one; North Dakota will not issue a new license until the old one is surrendered or reported as lost.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign your process in person at the exam station. If both parents have custody, both should attend; if only one has custody, bring a certified copy of the custody order.
The Written Test and What It Covers
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask at the exam station about language options when you arrive.
Study material is free. The North Dakota Driver's Manual is available as a PDF on the Department of Transportation website and in printed form at exam stations. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, impaired driving laws, and what different road signs mean. Most people spend two to four weeks studying before taking the test.
You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day. Each attempt costs the same fee, so there is no penalty for retesting beyond the cost of the exam station visit.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
After you pass the written test, the exam station staff will help you schedule your road test. Testing availability varies by location; some stations have openings within a few days, while others may have a wait of two to four weeks. You can choose the date and time that works for you when slots are available.
For your road test, bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and be in safe condition. An examiner will ride with you for about 15 to 20 minutes, asking you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. They are testing whether you can control the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting a set period — usually a few days to a week. There is no limit to how many times you can test, though each attempt costs a fee.
License Types and Fees in North Dakota
North Dakota offers a standard driver's license for operating passenger vehicles and a commercial driver's license (CDL) for trucks and buses. Most people get the standard license. You can also add endorsements for motorcycle operation or school bus driving if you pass additional tests.
A standard five-year driver's license costs one amount; a ten-year license costs more. Fees change periodically, so check the Department of Transportation website or call your local exam station for current pricing. If you are under 18, your first license is usually valid until age 21 and costs less than an adult license.
If you renew before your current license expires, you may be able to renew by mail or online. However, your first license must be obtained in person at an exam station.
Real ID Compliance and North Dakota Licenses
Real ID is a federal security standard that affects which licenses can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. North Dakota driver's licenses issued after May 2017 are Real ID compliant if you provided the required documents at the exam station.
To get a Real ID-compliant license, bring the same documents listed above — birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The exam station staff will verify these documents against federal databases. There is no separate Real ID fee; it is included in your standard license fee.
If your current North Dakota license is not Real ID compliant, you can renew it in person to upgrade. Starting in 2025, a Real ID or passport will be required to board domestic flights; a non-compliant driver's license will not work for air travel, though it remains valid for driving.
What Happens After You Pass Your Tests
After passing both the written and road tests, the exam station will take your photo and issue a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days. This permit allows you to drive while your physical license is being printed and mailed. Keep it with you whenever you drive.
Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. It is valid for five or ten years depending on which you purchased. Check the expiration date on the back of the card when it arrives.
If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Department of Transportation. If you move before it arrives, update your address with the department so mail reaches you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a North Dakota driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can if you bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this letter along with your other documents to the exam station. If you are in the country on a visa or work permit, ask the exam station staff about what documents you need instead.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can take it as many times as needed. Each attempt costs the exam station fee. Most people pass on their second or third try after studying the manual more.
Do I need to take the road test in the same vehicle I will be driving?
No, but the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Many people borrow a friend's or family member's car for the test. The examiner is testing your ability to control any vehicle safely, not your familiarity with one specific car.
Can I renew my North Dakota license online?
You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expiring soon and you have no changes to your information. However, your first license must be obtained in person at an exam station. Check the Department of Transportation website to see if your situation allows online renewal.
What if I move out of North Dakota before my license arrives?
Contact the Department of Transportation with your new address so your license is forwarded to you. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state once you establish residency there. Your North Dakota license remains valid for driving until it expires, even if you no longer live in the state.