Where to go for your driver's license in Fargo

In Fargo, you get your driver's license at the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver's License Division office located at 608 East Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102. This is the only place in Fargo where you can take your written test, road test, or renew in person. You cannot get a North Dakota driver's license at a county courthouse or sheriff's office — those handle vehicle registration, not licenses.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but the office does accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key Takeaways

  • The NDDOT Driver's License Division office at 608 East Boulevard is the only place in Fargo to test and issue licenses.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of North Dakota residency before you arrive.
  • A new license costs $80 and is valid for eight years; a renewal costs $80 and extends your current license by eight years.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the free North Dakota Driver's Manual online.
  • If you fail the road test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment, but you pay the test fee again.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to the NDDOT office, gather three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of North Dakota residency. You cannot complete your transaction without all three.

For identity, bring a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form — anything with your full number printed on it. For North Dakota residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A driver's license from another state does not count as residency proof.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with their own ID.

Getting your first North Dakota license or transferring from another state

If you are new to North Dakota or moving to Fargo from out of state, you must pass both a written test and a road test before you receive your license. The written test covers North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You study using the free North Dakota Driver's Manual, which you can read from the NDDOT website or pick up at the office.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place in your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the office. You must demonstrate basic skills: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner will tell you what to do at each step. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day if the office has availability, or schedule another appointment. Each test attempt costs $10.

Your new license will be issued on the spot if you pass both tests. It is valid for eight years and costs $80. If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. without a licensed adult 21 or older in the vehicle, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.

Renewing your current North Dakota license

If your North Dakota license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail, online, or in person at the NDDOT office. Renewing by mail or online is faster and costs $80 for an eight-year renewal. You do not take any tests.

To renew online, go to the NDDOT website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the payment steps. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. To renew by mail, call the NDDOT office at (701) 328-2725 and ask them to send you a renewal form, complete it, and mail it back with payment.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at the office and retake the written test. You do not retake the road test unless the office determines you need to. Bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.

Changing your address or name on your license

If you move within North Dakota or change your name, you can update your license without renewing it. Address changes can be done online through the NDDOT website or by mail. Name changes must be done in person at the office and require a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

An address change is free and takes about two weeks by mail. A name change costs $10 and is processed on the spot. You do not retake any tests for either change.

What to expect on the day of your road test

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your documents, your vehicle, and your written test passing score (if you are taking the road test for the first time). Your vehicle must have valid registration, working brakes, working headlights and taillights, a functioning horn, and a clean windshield. The examiner will check these before you start.

During the test, the examiner sits in the passenger seat and gives you directions. You will drive on city streets and possibly a highway section. The examiner is looking for smooth acceleration and braking, proper signaling, correct mirror checks, and following speed limits and traffic signs. Nervousness is normal — examiners expect it and do not penalize you for being cautious.

If you pass, your license is printed at the office and you leave with it the same day. If you fail, the examiner will tell you which skills need work. You can retake the test when ready if the office has another slot available that day, or schedule a new appointment. You pay the $10 test fee again.

Contact information and hours

The NDDOT Driver's License Division office in Fargo is at 608 East Boulevard, Fargo, ND 58102. Phone: (701) 328-2725. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed state holidays.

You can also visit the NDDOT website at dot.nd.gov to read the driver's manual, check current wait times, or start an online renewal. The website has a link to schedule a road test appointment if the office is accepting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online instead of at the office?

No. The written test must be taken in person at the NDDOT office in Fargo. You cannot take it online or at any other location. You can study the North Dakota Driver's Manual online for free before you go.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day if the office has availability, or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can schedule a road test.

Do I need to make an appointment for the written test?

No. The office accepts walk-ins for the written test on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you can call (701) 328-2725 to ask about current wait times before you go. Road tests may require an appointment depending on availability.

Can I use my passport as proof of identity if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A valid passport counts as proof of identity. You still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of North Dakota residency.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

Your license is printed at the office and you receive it the same day you pass the road test. You can leave with it in hand.