Where to explore for a North Dakota driver license

You explore for a North Dakota driver license at your local Driver License Examination Station, not online or by mail. North Dakota has examination stations in most towns and cities. The main office is in Bismarck, but you can visit any station in the state — you do not have to go to the one nearest your home.

To find the station closest to you, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation website and search their office locator. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though some stations accept appointments and a few require them. Call ahead if you are traveling more than 30 minutes to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot.

Bring all required documents with you on your first visit. The station staff will not hold your process or let you come back later with missing paperwork — you will have to start over if anything is incomplete.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Examination Station in person with a valid proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
  • North Dakota requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving skills test before you receive your license.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving; you can study using the official North Dakota Driver Manual available free online or in print at any examination station.
  • Your license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older, and you must renew in person.
  • Fees vary depending on license type and duration, and North Dakota accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most stations.

Documents you need to bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other primary identity document. A driver license from another state counts as primary identity if it is not expired. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count.

You also need proof of North Dakota residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box address — your proof must show a street address.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this in writing on your process. If you do not have either, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign your process in front of the station staff.

The written knowledge test

The written test has 25 multiple-choice 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 offered in English and several other languages; ask the station staff which languages are available at your location.

Study using the North Dakota Driver Manual, which is free and available online at the Department of Transportation website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any examination station. The manual covers everything on the test and takes most people two to four hours to read.

You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Each attempt costs the same fee.

The vision and driving skills tests

After you pass the written test, the station staff will give you a vision screening. You must be able to read a chart at a specific distance and meet minimum vision standards. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can take the test while wearing them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed to the driving test that day.

The driving skills test happens in a vehicle with an examiner. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You can use your own vehicle or a vehicle belonging to someone else, but it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before you start.

You must bring a valid license or permit from another state, or a learner's permit from North Dakota, to take the driving test. If you do not have either, you cannot take the test. Some people get a learner's permit first by passing the written test, then practice driving before returning for the skills test.

License types and fees

North Dakota issues Class D licenses for regular passenger vehicles, Class M licenses for motorcycles, and commercial licenses for trucks and buses. Most people get a Class D license. The fee for a Class D license valid for eight years is set by the state and does not vary by location, though some stations may charge a small additional fee for services like passport photos.

If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years instead of eight, and the fee is lower. Bring proof of your age — your birth certificate or passport works.

You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most stations. A few rural stations may accept only cash or check, so call ahead if you are unsure.

What happens after you pass

If you pass all three tests, the station staff will take your photo and issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address. The permanent card usually arrives within two to three weeks.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue if you are under 65. You must renew in person before it expires — North Dakota does not allow online or mail renewal. If your license expires, you must retake all three tests to get a new one.

If your address changes, you can update it online through the Department of Transportation website or in person at any examination station. You do not need a new photo or to retake any tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without taking the driving test on the same day?

Yes. Many people pass the written test, get a learner's permit, practice driving for a few weeks or months, then return to take the driving skills test. There is no time limit between the written test and the driving test, though your learner's permit is valid for one year.

What if I fail the driving skills test?

You can retake it as many times as you need. Most stations let you schedule another test within a few days or weeks. Each attempt costs a fee. You do not have to retake the written test unless your learner's permit expires.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?

No. If you already have a valid license from another state, you can take the driving test without a North Dakota learner's permit. If you do not have any license, you must get a learner's permit first by passing the written test.

What if I move to North Dakota from another state — do I have to retake all the tests?

If your out-of-state license is still valid, you can exchange it for a North Dakota license without retaking the tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to any examination station. The fee is lower than getting a new license from scratch.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the station?

No. You must be present in person to have your photo taken and to receive your license. North Dakota does not allow anyone to pick up a license on your behalf.