Change Your Address in Person at a North Dakota Driver's License Exam Station

The fastest way to change your address on a North Dakota driver's license is to visit a Driver's License Exam Station in person. You do not need to retake the written or driving test — you are only updating your record. The process takes about 15 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

North Dakota has exam stations in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston. You can also visit any county sheriff's office in the state, which acts as an exam station. Find the location nearest you on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website under "Driver's License Exam Stations."

Bring your current North Dakota driver's license and one document that proves your new address. The state accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and new address is the simplest proof.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any North Dakota Driver's License Exam Station or county sheriff's office with your current license and one proof of address document dated within 60 days.
  • The address change itself is free, but you will pay a $5 fee if you want a replacement license card mailed to you when ready instead of waiting for your updated license.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to retake any tests.
  • If you move out of state or lose your license, you cannot use the address-change-only process and must renew or replace your license instead.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring two things: your current North Dakota driver's license and proof of your new address. The proof document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new street address.

Acceptable proof documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or any government mail with your name and address. A recent piece of mail from your employer also works if it shows your home address.

Do not bring a post office change-of-address form — the state does not accept it as proof. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your move, dated and signed.

The Address Change Process at the Exam Station

Walk in during business hours — no appointment is needed. Tell the staff member you are changing your address on your current license. Hand over your license and your proof-of-address document.

The staff member will enter your new address into the system and show you the updated information on the screen. Verify that the address is spelled correctly and complete. If there is an error, ask them to fix it before you leave.

You will then sign a form confirming the change. The state will mail your updated license to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your old license until the new one arrives.

Fees and Replacement Card Options

Changing your address on an existing North Dakota driver's license costs nothing. The state mails your updated license at no charge.

If you want a replacement card printed and handed to you when ready, you can pay a $5 fee at the exam station. This is optional — most people wait for the mailed license. The when ready replacement card is useful only if you need to show a current address to a bank, landlord, or employer before the mailed license arrives.

Do not confuse an address change with a license renewal. If your license is expiring within the next 90 days, you may want to renew it at the same time you change your address, though you can do them separately. Renewal costs $40 for an eight-year license.

What Happens If You Cannot Visit an Exam Station

North Dakota does not offer online or mail-in address changes. You must appear in person at an exam station or sheriff's office. If you live out of state and cannot return to North Dakota, you have two options: ask a trusted family member or friend to visit on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney, or wait until you return to the state to make the change.

If you are changing your address because you moved out of North Dakota permanently, you do not need to update your North Dakota license. You should instead obtain a driver's license in your new state. Your North Dakota license remains valid for identification purposes even if the address is outdated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a post office change-of-address form as your only proof. The DMV does not recognize it because it does not show your actual street address — it only confirms you filed a change with the post office. Bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement instead.

Do not assume your address change is complete when you leave the exam station. The state mails the updated license, so check your mailbox in 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive, contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation to confirm the address was entered correctly.

Do not wait until your license is about to expire to change your address. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you will need to renew it as well, which costs extra and takes longer. Change your address as soon as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else change my address for me?

No, unless you give them a notarized power of attorney. North Dakota requires the license holder to appear in person or authorize someone in writing before a notary public. A straightforward note or verbal permission is not enough.

What if my proof-of-address document is older than 60 days?

The state will not accept it. You need a document dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a recent bill or statement yet, ask your landlord, utility company, or employer for a signed letter on letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

Do I need to change my address if I move within North Dakota?

You are not required to, but it is a good idea. Your license remains valid even with an outdated address, but updating it keeps your records current with the state and is useful for voting, banking, and other official purposes.

How long does it take to receive my new license in the mail?

North Dakota typically mails updated licenses within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Department of Transportation to check the status. Your old license is still valid until the new one arrives.

What if I move again before my new license arrives?

You will need to visit an exam station again and change your address a second time. The state will mail a new license with the updated address. You cannot change your address by mail or phone, so each move requires an in-person visit.