The Devils Lake Driver License Office location and hours
The North Dakota Department of Transportation operates a driver license office in Devils Lake at 118 4th Street Northeast, Devils Lake, ND 58301. This is the office that serves residents of the Devils Lake area for driver license renewals, replacements, and new licenses.
Hours vary by season and staffing. Before you visit, call ahead at the office directly or check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website for current hours, as they may change. Some offices reduce hours during winter months or close for staff training days without advance notice.
The office handles standard transactions: renewing an expiring license, replacing a lost or damaged license, upgrading to a Real ID compliant license, and obtaining your first North Dakota driver license if you are new to the state. Not all transactions require an in-person visit — some renewals can be completed by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been since your last renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The Devils Lake driver license office is located at 118 4th Street Northeast and handles renewals, replacements, and new licenses for the area.
- You should call or check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website before visiting to confirm current hours, as they change seasonally.
- Some license transactions can be completed by mail or online rather than in person, depending on your license type and renewal history.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation of your number to any in-person visit.
- Real ID compliant licenses require additional documentation beyond a standard renewal and take longer to process.
What documents to bring for a new or renewed license
North Dakota requires specific documents for any in-person transaction at the driver license office. You will need a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or another state's driver license all work. You must also bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may be able to skip the in-person visit entirely — check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website to see whether your renewal type qualifies for mail or online renewal.
If you are obtaining a Real ID compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after the federal important date), you will need additional proof of citizenship or legal residency, such as a birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. Real ID processing takes longer than standard renewals.
Real ID versus standard North Dakota licenses
A Real ID compliant license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. A standard North Dakota driver license does not meet these requirements. The Real ID marking appears as a gold star in the upper right corner of the license.
If you already have a Real ID compliant license, you do not need to renew it early just to keep the designation — it carries forward when you renew. If your current license is not Real ID compliant and you need one, you must request it at renewal or replacement and provide the additional citizenship or residency documentation.
The cost difference between a standard renewal and a Real ID renewal varies. Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation fee schedule before your visit so you bring the correct payment method.
Renewing by mail or online instead of visiting in person
North Dakota allows mail renewal for some driver licenses, and online renewal for others. You are generally may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is still valid, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued. The online renewal option has similar restrictions and is faster than mail.
To find out whether your specific license qualifies for mail or online renewal, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or call the Devils Lake office. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, calling ahead saves you a trip — staff can tell you in one conversation whether you must visit in person.
Mail renewal typically takes two to four weeks from the time the office receives your process. Online renewal is usually faster. If your license expires soon, factor in processing time before choosing mail renewal.
What to expect during your visit
Arrive with all required documents and plan to spend 15 to 45 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is. Staff will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and process your transaction. You will pay the renewal or replacement fee at the time of your visit — bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card, depending on what the office accepts.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. Standard processing takes one to two weeks. If you need your license urgently, ask whether the office offers expedited processing or temporary documentation you can use while you wait.
If you are renewing a license that expired more than a year ago, you may be required to retake the written test or vision test. Call ahead to ask whether your specific situation requires testing, so you can prepare.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit the Devils Lake office in person. Bring your identification and proof of residency as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is typically lower than a full renewal fee, but varies — check the North Dakota Department of Transportation fee schedule.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local law enforcement or file a report with the North Dakota Attorney General's office, depending on your situation. This step is not required to replace the license itself, but creates a record in case the stolen license is used fraudulently.
Your replacement license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary permit or document you can carry.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit the Devils Lake office in person and bring legal documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated name at the standard renewal or replacement fee.
If you have only changed your address, you may be able to update it by mail or online without renewing your license, depending on how long your current license is valid. Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or call the Devils Lake office to see whether you can update your address without a full renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Licenses expired more than one year are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal. You must visit the Devils Lake office in person, and you may be required to retake the written or vision test. Call the office before you visit to confirm what testing you will need.
How long does it take to get a Real ID license?
Real ID processing takes longer than standard renewals because the office must verify additional citizenship or residency documents. Standard processing is one to two weeks, but Real ID can take two to four weeks. If you need it urgently, ask about expedited options when you visit.
What if I moved to Devils Lake from another state?
You must obtain a North Dakota driver license within a reasonable time after establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new North Dakota address, and your Social Security documentation. The office will issue a new North Dakota license and you will surrender your old one.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one to arrive?
Some offices issue temporary permits or documents valid for a limited time while you wait for your license to be mailed. Ask the staff at the Devils Lake office whether this option is available and what it covers.
What payment methods does the Devils Lake office accept?
Most North Dakota driver license offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Call the Devils Lake office directly to confirm which payment methods they accept, as this can vary by location.