Where to go for your driver's license in Jamestown

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Motor Vehicles Division handles all driver's licenses in Jamestown. You'll visit the Stutsman County Motor Vehicles office, located at 510 2nd Avenue SE in Jamestown. This is the only place in Jamestown where you can take your written test, road test, and pick up your license.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Call ahead at the Stutsman County office to confirm current hours, as they occasionally change for staff training or holidays. You cannot renew or obtain a license online or by mail in North Dakota — you must appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the Stutsman County Motor Vehicles office at 510 2nd Avenue SE in Jamestown with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency.
  • You must pass a written test covering North Dakota traffic laws before you can take the road test, and both tests happen at the same office.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, a birth certificate or passport, and a utility bill or lease showing your Jamestown address.
  • The road test uses your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the office, and you must have proof of insurance before you can drive.
  • Processing times vary, but you typically receive your license on the same day if you pass both tests, or within a few business days if additional verification is needed.

Documents you need to bring

North Dakota requires specific documents before you can take either test. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You also need proof of identity — a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card all work.

For proof of residency in Jamestown, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have one of these, ask the office staff what alternatives they accept — some accept mail from government agencies or insurance companies.

If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the office. Bring that adult with you when you arrive.

The written test and what it covers

Before you can take the road test, you must pass the written knowledge test on North Dakota traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take it on the same day you visit the office, or you can study first and return when you're ready.

The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. The office provides a study guide called the North Dakota Driver's Manual, which you can read at the office or read from the NDDOT website before you go. Most people spend a few hours studying the manual before taking the test.

If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but each attempt may have a small fee.

Taking the road test

Once you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test at the same office. The test usually happens within a few days, though wait times vary depending on how many people are ahead of you. During the test, an examiner will ride with you while you drive through Jamestown streets and demonstrate basic skills like turning, parking, and stopping.

You can use your own vehicle if it's registered and insured, or the office may provide one. Either way, you must have proof of insurance before the test begins — bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, and wipers.

The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. If you pass, you'll receive a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you don't pass, you can retake the test after a waiting period — ask the examiner how long you must wait before your next attempt.

Fees and payment methods

North Dakota charges a fee for your driver's license, and the amount depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. The office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card — ask which methods they take when you call to confirm hours.

There may be separate fees for the written test and the road test if you don't pass on your first try. The office staff will tell you the exact cost when you arrive, and you pay before you take each test.

If you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a North Dakota license without taking the road test. You still must pass the written test on North Dakota traffic laws. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, Social Security documentation, and proof of residency in Jamestown.

The process is faster than getting a license for the first time because you skip the road test. You'll take the written test, pay the fee, and receive your temporary license the same day if you pass.

What to do if you fail the road test

If you don't pass the road test, the examiner will tell you what skills you need to practice. Common reasons for not passing include improper lane changes, failure to check mirrors, or not coming to a complete stop. You can retake the test after waiting a set number of days — the office will tell you when you're allowed to return.

Between attempts, practice the specific skills the examiner noted. Many people find it helpful to take a few lessons with a professional driving instructor in Jamestown before their next test. The office can provide a list of local instructors if you ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. North Dakota requires you to take both the written and road tests in person at the Motor Vehicles office. You cannot take either test remotely or by mail.

How long does it take to get your license after you pass both tests?

You receive a temporary license the same day you pass the road test. Your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If the office needs to verify additional information, it may take longer.

What if I don't have a Social Security card?

Bring any document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. If you don't have your number memorized or documented, contact the Social Security Administration before you visit the office.

Do I need to schedule an appointment or can I just walk in?

Call the Stutsman County Motor Vehicles office to ask whether they take walk-ins or require appointments. Many offices now use appointment systems to manage wait times, especially for road tests.

What happens if I move out of Jamestown after I get my license?

Your North Dakota license remains valid for its full term regardless of where you live. You do not need to update it unless you change your name or address. If you move to another state, you'll need to get a license from that state.