How to Get a North Dakota Driver's License

What You Need to Do First

To get a North Dakota driver's license, you will visit a North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) driver's license office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The entire process takes multiple visits — you cannot walk in and leave with a license the same day.

North Dakota issues licenses to people who are at least 14 years old (for an instruction permit) or 16 years old (for a full license). If you are moving to North Dakota from another state, you can transfer your existing license, but you still need to visit an office and pass the written test.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a NDDOT driver's license office in person with a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of North Dakota residency such as a utility bill or lease.
The written test covers North Dakota traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free manual available on the NDDOT website before you go.
After passing the written test, you receive an instruction permit that lets you drive with a licensed adult, then you schedule a separate driving test appointment.
The driving test is conducted by a NDDOT examiner at the same office; you bring your own vehicle and the examiner watches you drive a set route.
A standard North Dakota driver's license costs between $80 and $100 depending on how long you want it to last, and you can renew it by mail or online once you have one.

Documents You Must Bring to the Office

Bring one document that proves your identity and citizenship. A U.S. passport works. A certified birth certificate works. A state ID from another state works. A military ID works. You cannot use a school ID, a work badge, or a photocopy — the document must be original.

Bring one document that proves you live in North Dakota. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works. A lease or rental agreement works. A mortgage statement works. A bank statement works. A government letter addressed to you at your North Dakota address works. A school enrollment letter works. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the lease, plus their ID, plus a utility bill showing their name and address.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Taking the Written Test at the Office

When you arrive at the NDDOT office, tell the staff member you want to take the written test. They will give you a form to fill out with your name, address, and date of birth. You will pay the test fee (usually $10 to $15) at this time. The staff member will then direct you to a computer or give you a paper test.

The written test has 25 questions about North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different colored signs mean, and what to do at a red light. You can study the official North Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free on the NDDOT website, before you take the test.

If you fail the test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again.

Getting Your Instruction Permit and Scheduling the Driving Test

Once you pass the written test, the office will issue you an instruction permit on the spot. This permit lets you drive on North Dakota roads with a licensed adult in the car who is at least 18 years old. The adult must sit in the front seat next to you.

With your instruction permit, you can practice driving before you take the driving test. There is no minimum number of hours you must practice, but the NDDOT recommends at least 50 hours, with at least 10 hours at night. You can take the driving test as soon as you have the permit, but most people practice for a few weeks first.

To schedule the driving test, call the NDDOT office where you took the written test or visit the NDDOT website. You will choose a date and time. The office will tell you how far in advance you need to book — this varies by location and how busy the office is.

Taking the Driving Test

On the day of your driving test, bring your instruction permit, your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and proof of vehicle insurance. Bring the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins.

The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and direct you through a set route in the city or town where the office is located. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, speed control, and how you respond to traffic signals and other drivers. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — speeding, running a red light, or hitting a curb will result in failure.

If you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will return to the office, pay the license fee (usually $80 to $100), and receive your North Dakota driver's license. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's availability.

License Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

A North Dakota driver's license costs between $80 and $100. The exact price depends on how long you want the license to be valid. You can get a license that lasts 4 years, 8 years, or until you turn 65 (if you are under 65 when you explore). Longer licenses cost more upfront but cost less per year.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. Some offices also accept online payment if you renew by mail or online, but you cannot renew a new license online — your first license must be done in person.

Transferring a License from Another State

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the driving test again. You still must visit a NDDOT office in person, bring your out-of-state license plus the identity and residency documents listed above, and pass the written test about North Dakota traffic laws. Once you pass the written test, the office will issue your North Dakota license on the spot.

Your out-of-state license will be taken and kept by the NDDOT office. If your out-of-state license has not expired, you do not pay the full license fee — you pay a smaller transfer fee, usually $20 to $30. If your out-of-state license has expired, you pay the full license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a NDDOT driver's license office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You can study the manual online before you go, but the test itself must be done at the office.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment. There is no waiting period, but you will need to pay the test fee again (usually $10 to $15). You keep your instruction permit and can continue practicing. Most offices can schedule a second test within a few days to a few weeks.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test. You cannot use the examiner's vehicle or a rental car provided by the office.

How long does an instruction permit last?

An instruction permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you do not pass the driving test within that year, you must retake the written test and get a new permit. You do not need to pay the test fee again if you renew the permit before it expires.

Can I renew my North Dakota license online?

Yes, but only if you already have a North Dakota license. You can renew online through the NDDOT website if your license has not been expired for more than five years and you have not changed your name or address. If you are getting your first license, you must do it in person at an office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.