What You Need to Bring to the DMV

North Dakota's Department of Transportation requires specific documents before you can get a driver's license. You must bring proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be certified by the vital records office in the state where you were born — a photocopy won't work. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current North Dakota address.

If you don't have your Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement instead. You'll also need to complete Form SFN 14029 (the process for a driver's license), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the DMV office itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a certified birth certificate or passport, a recent utility bill or lease showing your North Dakota address, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering North Dakota traffic laws before you receive your license.
  • A road test is required unless you hold a valid license from another state or country.
  • The fee for a North Dakota driver's license is $85 for an eight-year license, and payment is due at the time you complete your process.
  • You can visit any DMV office in the state, but some locations fill up during peak hours, so arriving early or scheduling ahead is wise.

The Vision and Knowledge Tests

Before you can drive legally in North Dakota, you must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test at the DMV. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you'll be tested with them on if that's how you normally drive.

The knowledge test covers North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the North Dakota Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Department of Transportation website or in print at any DMV office. Most people spend a few hours reviewing the manual before taking the test.

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra charge. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, so take your time studying before your first attempt.

The Road Test and Driving Skills

Unless you already hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or a foreign country, you must pass a road test. A DMV examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and evaluate your ability to handle basic driving tasks like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws.

The road test typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes and covers both city streets and rural roads. You'll be tested on your ability to obey traffic signs, maintain safe speed, check mirrors and blind spots, and respond to other vehicles and pedestrians. The examiner is looking for safe, competent driving — not perfection.

If you fail the road test, you can schedule another one, usually within a few days. There is a fee for each road test attempt, so practicing beforehand with a licensed driver is a smart use of your time.

License Classes and Restrictions for New Drivers

North Dakota issues different classes of licenses depending on what you plan to drive. A Class D license is for regular passenger cars and light trucks. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a Class M endorsement added to your license. Commercial vehicles require a Class A or Class B commercial license, which has additional testing and medical requirements.

If you are under 18, you will receive a restricted license with conditions. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you're driving to or from work, school, or a medical emergency. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, and you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat for the first six months.

These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you've held your restricted license for six months without violations, whichever comes first. If you're 18 or older when you get your first license, you receive an unrestricted Class D license when ready after passing your road test.

Where to Go and What It Costs

North Dakota has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Department of Transportation website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in larger cities like Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks often have longer waits, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons.

The cost of a North Dakota driver's license is $85 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee when you complete your process, whether you pass your tests on the first try or need multiple attempts. The license itself is valid for eight years from the date of issue, after which you'll need to renew it.

Some DMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time. If your local office doesn't offer appointments, arriving early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means a shorter wait than midday or Friday.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory, you do not need to take the road test. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a North Dakota license by visiting a DMV office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is still $85, and your new license will be valid for eight years.

You will still take the vision test to make sure your eyesight meets North Dakota standards. You will not take the knowledge test unless your out-of-state license has been suspended or revoked, or if you're explore for a motorcycle endorsement.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you can still exchange it, but if it expired more than one year ago, you may be treated as a first-time applicant and required to take both the knowledge and road tests. Bring your expired license anyway — it helps the DMV verify your driving history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a North Dakota driver's license?

If you pass all tests on your first visit, you'll receive your license the same day. If you need to retake the knowledge or road test, you can usually schedule another attempt within a few days. The entire process from your first visit to holding a valid license typically takes one to three weeks.

Can I drive before my license arrives in the mail?

No. You must have your physical license in hand to drive legally. The DMV issues your license on the spot after you pass your tests, so you leave with it the same day.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it as soon as your local DMV office has an opening, usually within a few days. There is a fee for each attempt. Many people practice with a licensed driver between attempts to build confidence and address the specific areas where they struggled.

Do I need to take a test if I'm moving to North Dakota from another country?

If you hold a valid driver's license from your home country, you can exchange it for a North Dakota license without a road test, though you'll still take the vision test. If your foreign license is expired or you don't have one, you must take the knowledge test and road test like a first-time driver.

What happens if I don't pass the vision test?

If your vision doesn't meet the standard, the DMV will tell you what correction is needed — usually glasses or contacts. You can return to the DMV once you have the correction and retake the vision test at no extra charge.