What you need to do to get a North Dakota driver's license
To get a North Dakota driver's license, you visit your local driver's license station with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, and you can drive with a learner's permit while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.
North Dakota issues licenses through the Department of Transportation. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — you must appear in person at a driver's license station in your county. The state has stations in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on the North Dakota DOT website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a driver's license station in person with a valid ID, proof you live in North Dakota, and proof of your Social Security number.
- The written test covers North Dakota traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official North Dakota Driver's Manual, available free online.
- You take a vision screening at the station and a separate driving test with an examiner, usually scheduled for a later date.
- Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you can drive with your learner's permit during this time.
- The total cost is around $100 for a standard license, though fees vary slightly by county.
Documents you need to bring to the station
Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring a passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID. A school ID alone is not enough.
For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your current North Dakota address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have just moved and do not have a recent document in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your address.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. If you do not have your card and cannot find another document, call your local driver's license station — they can sometimes verify your number through the Social Security Administration directly, though this takes longer.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 25 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 on a computer at the station, and you take it the same day you bring your documents.
Study using the official North Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free on the North Dakota DOT website. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, what different road signs mean, and how to handle weather and road hazards. Most of the test comes directly from this manual, so reading it thoroughly is the best way to prepare.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same station, though some stations may ask you to wait a few hours. You pay the test fee each time you take it.
The vision screening and driving test
After you pass the written test, the station staff give you a vision screening. They check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed that day, but you can return once you have corrected your vision.
The driving test is scheduled separately, usually within one to four weeks of your written test. The examiner will contact you to set a date and time. During the test, you drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some stations have test vehicles) on local roads for about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic and pedestrians.
You must bring your learner's permit and proof of insurance to the driving test. If you do not have insurance, ask the station whether you can use a test vehicle instead. You can take the driving test as many times as you need — there is no limit on retakes, though you pay the test fee each time.
Getting your learner's permit first
You do not have to get a learner's permit before you take the written test, but most people do. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice for the driving test. It costs less than a full license and is valid for one year.
To get a learner's permit, bring the same documents you would bring for a license, pass the written test, and pass the vision screening. You do not take a driving test for a permit. You receive your permit when ready on paper, and you can start driving that day as long as a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat with you.
Once you pass the driving test, you exchange your learner's permit for your full license. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening.
How long the process takes and what it costs
From the day you walk into the station to the day your license arrives in the mail, expect two to three weeks. The written test and vision screening happen the same day. The driving test is scheduled later, usually within a month. After you pass the driving test, your license is printed and mailed to your address — this takes another week or two.
A standard North Dakota driver's license costs around $100 for an eight-year license. A learner's permit costs less, usually $20 to $30. Fees vary slightly by county. Each time you retake the written or driving test, you pay the test fee again, which is typically $10 to $15 per test.
You can drive with your learner's permit while you wait for your full license to arrive, so you do not have to stop driving during the two to three week wait.
What to do if you already have a license from another state
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to North Dakota, you can exchange it for a North Dakota license without retaking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of North Dakota residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a driver's license station.
You still pay the license fee and get a new photo taken. The process is faster than getting a license from scratch — you usually walk out with a temporary paper license and receive your permanent license in the mail within two weeks. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. North Dakota requires you to take the written test in person at a driver's license station. You cannot study and test from home. You must visit the station, bring your documents, and take the test on their computer.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts. You pay the test fee each time you retake it. Most people pass on the second or third try. Between attempts, practice with your learner's permit and ask the examiner what you need to work on.
Do I need to own a car to take the driving test?
No. Some driver's license stations have test vehicles you can use. Call your local station to ask whether they provide a car. If they do not, you can use your own vehicle or borrow one from a friend or family member. You must have proof of insurance for whichever vehicle you use.
How long is a North Dakota driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for eight years. You renew it by mail or online before it expires. A learner's permit is valid for one year and cannot be renewed — you must pass the driving test and get a full license.
What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?
Contact your local driver's license station and ask for a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee, usually around $20. They can issue a temporary paper license while your replacement is being printed and mailed.