What You Need Before You Start
North Dakota issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must visit a driver's license station in person. The state requires you to bring specific documents, pass a written test, pass a vision screening, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes one visit, though you may need to return for a road test if you are seeking a commercial license or certain endorsements.
The documents you bring must prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your North Dakota residency. North Dakota accepts a passport, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID as proof of identity. For residency, you need a recent utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your name and a North Dakota address. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a North Dakota driver's license station in person with proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official North Dakota Driver's Manual online before you go.
- A standard driver's license costs around $60 and is valid for eight years, though the exact fee depends on the type of license you are seeking.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver's education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the road test.
- You can find the nearest driver's license station and check its hours on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.
Documents You Must Bring to the Station
Proof of identity is your first requirement. North Dakota accepts a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be certified by the vital records office in the state where you were born — a photocopy or an uncertified version will be rejected.
Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.
Proof of North Dakota residency must show your name and a current address in the state. A utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to North Dakota and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date can substitute.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
At the driver's license station, you will take a written test covering 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 for this test using the official North Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Department of Transportation website. Many people study it for a few hours the night before their visit.
You will also undergo a vision screening at the station. The screener will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be issued a license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.
The written test is offered in English and in several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, call the driver's license station ahead of time to confirm they can provide it.
Fees and License Validity
A standard North Dakota driver's license costs approximately $60 for an eight-year license. The exact fee varies slightly depending on whether you are getting a regular license, a commercial license, or adding endorsements. You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the station — most stations do not accept credit cards.
Your license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, though you will need to pass a new vision screening every other renewal cycle. If your license expires while you are out of state, you can still renew it by mail as long as you do so within a reasonable time after returning to North Dakota.
Special Rules for Drivers Under 18
If you are under 18, North Dakota requires you to complete a driver's education course before you can get a learner's permit. This course can be taken online or in person through a certified driving school. After you complete the course, you can take the written test and get a learner's permit.
Once you have a learner's permit, you must hold it for at least six months before you can take the road test for a full license. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free.
When you are ready for the road test, you will schedule it at a driver's license station. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. You must bring the same documents you brought for your learner's permit, plus your learner's permit itself.
Finding a Driver's License Station Near You
North Dakota has driver's license stations in most towns and cities. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. Some stations are open only certain days of the week, so check before you go. Many stations do not require an appointment, but some do during busy times — it is worth calling ahead to ask.
If you live in a rural area far from a station, you may be able to request a mobile unit visit or take your test at a different location. Call the main Department of Transportation office to ask about options in your area.
What Happens If You Fail the Written Test
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is usually a small fee for each retake, typically around $5 to $10. You can study the Driver's Manual again and come back when you feel ready. Most people pass on the second attempt.
If you fail the vision screening, you will need to see an eye doctor and get a form signed confirming that your vision is correctable to the legal standard. Bring this form back to the driver's license station along with your glasses or contacts, and you can complete the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a North Dakota driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. North Dakota issues driver's licenses to non-citizens, including people with work visas, student visas, and temporary protected status. You will need to bring your passport or visa along with the other required documents. Some non-citizens may be issued a license with a shorter validity period.
What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return?
You can request a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. You can order this online through the Social Security website or visit your local Social Security office. It usually takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
No. If you are moving to North Dakota and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a North Dakota license without taking the written test. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security documentation to the driver's license station.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
You will receive a temporary paper license at the station that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the paper license is valid for all purposes.
What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?
Bring your certified birth certificate along with a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The driver's license station will verify the name change and issue your license under your current legal name.