Where to get your driver's license in Minot

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) issues driver's licenses in North Dakota. In Minot, you go to the Motor Vehicle Division office located at 1600 South Broadway, Minot, ND 58701. This is the only place in Minot where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most driver's license transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by season, so call ahead at (701) 328-2725 to confirm current hours before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long during peak hours, typically mid-morning and early afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • The NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division office at 1600 South Broadway in Minot is the only location where you can obtain or renew a North Dakota driver's license.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore for a new license.
  • A standard driver's license costs a one-time fee; renewal fees and duplicate license fees differ and depend on the type of license you hold.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to receive a new license; renewals do not require retesting unless the state requests it.
  • The office accepts walk-ins but does not take appointments, so arriving early or calling ahead about wait times can save you hours.

Documents you need to bring

For a new driver's license, bring proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a birth certificate plus a school ID or employee badge.

Proof of residency must show your current address in North Dakota. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Bring the original document or a certified copy — photocopies alone are not accepted.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you need only your current license and proof of residency. If your license has expired, you may need to retake the written and vision tests depending on how long it has been expired.

Testing requirements for a new license

First-time applicants must pass three tests: a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a practical driving test. The written test covers North Dakota traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the North Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free on the NDDOT website or available in print at the Minot office.

The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The practical driving test happens in a vehicle at the Minot office. You drive an examiner through local streets for about 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner watches for safe handling, proper signaling, and knowledge of traffic rules.

You can retake any failed test, but you must pay the test fee again. Most people pass the written test on the first attempt if they study the manual. The driving test has a higher failure rate, particularly among younger drivers.

Fees and payment methods

A new driver's license costs a set fee for a four-year license or an eight-year license. The eight-year license costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. Renewal fees are lower than the fee for a new license. A duplicate license (if yours is lost or damaged) costs less than either.

The Minot office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Exact amounts are not required if you pay by card or check. If you pay by cash, bring the exact amount or be prepared to receive change.

Fees change periodically and vary slightly depending on the type of license (standard, commercial, or motorcycle endorsement). Call the office or check the NDDOT website before you go to confirm the current fee for your transaction.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is still valid and you have not had any violations or medical issues, you may renew by mail or online without visiting the Minot office. Online renewal is faster and available through the NDDOT website. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a payment method.

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment to the NDDOT. The form is available on the NDDOT website or by calling the Minot office. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because the office must process it and mail your new license back to you.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have had a medical suspension, or if you need to update your address or name. In those cases, you must visit the Minot office in person.

What to expect on the day you visit

Arrive early if possible. The office does not take appointments, so service is first-come, first-served. During busy times, the wait can be 30 minutes to over an hour. Have all your documents organized and ready before you reach the counter.

The staff will review your documents, take your photo, and collect payment. If you are explore for a new license, you will take the written test at a computer terminal in the office. If you pass, you will schedule a time to return for the driving test, which may be the same day or a few days later depending on examiner availability.

Your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is produced and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two weeks.

Special situations and restrictions

If you are under 16, you must have a parent or guardian present and sign the process. Minors also face restrictions on when and where they can drive, which are outlined in the North Dakota Graduated Driver Licensing system. The Minot office staff can explain these restrictions when you explore.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, the state may require a medical evaluation or impose restrictions on your license. If you are explore after a suspension or revocation, you may need to provide proof that the suspension period has ended and pay a reinstatement fee.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) require additional testing and documentation. If you need a CDL, the Minot office can tell you what extra steps are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. This means renewing too early can actually shorten the total validity of your license.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Report the loss to the Minot office and request a duplicate. Bring proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. A duplicate costs less than a new license and is issued the same day. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police for your records.

Do I need to retake the driving test if I renew?

No, not unless your license has been expired for more than one year or the state has suspended your driving privileges. Standard renewals do not require retesting. However, if you have medical issues or have been convicted of certain traffic violations, the state may require a new test.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the driving test?

You receive a temporary license valid for 30 days on the day you pass the test. Your permanent license is mailed to your address on file and usually arrives within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Minot office to check the status.

What if I moved to Minot from another state?

You must obtain a North Dakota license within a certain timeframe after establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of North Dakota residency, and proof of identity. You will need to pass the written and driving tests. The vision test is required for all new applicants regardless of where you moved from.