Where to get a North Dakota driver's license

You obtain a North Dakota driver's license through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), which operates driver licensing offices across the state. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must appear in person at a licensing office with the required documents.

The main office is in Bismarck, but NDDOT runs licensing stations in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the NDDOT website by searching for "driver license office" and your city or county. Some offices are in the courthouse; others are standalone facilities. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.

You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license. The entire process typically takes several weeks from the day you pass your driving test, because the physical card is mailed to you after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a North Dakota Department of Transportation licensing office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to start the process.
  • First-time drivers must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and a road test before the license is issued.
  • Your license arrives by mail after you pass all tests and NDDOT processes your process, which usually takes two to four weeks.
  • You can renew your license online if you are between 18 and 88 years old and your license is not expired by more than two years.
  • North Dakota charges different fees for different license types and ages; check the NDDOT fee schedule for your specific situation.

Documents you need to bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and date of birth. A state ID card counts if you already have one. The document must be unexpired or issued within the last five years if it is expired.

You also need proof that you live in North Dakota. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign consent forms and provide their own identification.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 25 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 given on a computer at the licensing office, and you can take it the same day you bring your documents.

Study materials are free on the NDDOT website. You can read the North Dakota Driver's Manual as a PDF or read it online. The manual covers everything the test covers: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle weather and emergency situations.

You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in one day if you fail. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait one day before you can test again. Many people pass on the first try if they study the manual for a few hours beforehand.

The vision test and driving test

After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the same office. You read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed to the driving test that day.

The driving test happens on a separate day, usually within one to two weeks of passing your written test. You drive a vehicle with a NDDOT examiner in the passenger seat for about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle basic maneuvers: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and merging. You must follow traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle safely.

You can use your own vehicle or a vehicle borrowed from someone else, as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Bring proof of insurance and registration with you.

License types and what they allow

North Dakota issues different classes of driver's licenses depending on what you plan to drive. A Class D license is for regular passenger cars and light trucks. This is what most people get. A Class A license is for tractor-trailers and requires additional testing. A Class B license is for single large vehicles like buses.

You can also add endorsements to your license, which allow you to drive certain vehicles or carry certain cargo. A motorcycle endorsement lets you ride motorcycles. A hazmat endorsement lets you transport hazardous materials. Each endorsement requires a separate written test.

If you are under 18, you get a Class D license with restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 18 in the car for the first year. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.

Renewing your license online or in person

If your license is still valid and you are between 18 and 88 years old, you can renew it online through the NDDOT website without visiting an office. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes. You pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have changed your name, if you need a new photo, or if you are under 18 or over 88. In those cases, you must visit a licensing office in person and follow the same process as a first-time applicant, though you skip the written and driving tests.

Your North Dakota license is valid for eight years if you are 18 or older. NDDOT sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew any time in the 12 months before your license expires.

Fees and how long everything takes

The fee for a first-time Class D license is $80. A renewal costs $80. A duplicate license (if you lose yours) costs $20. Motorcycle endorsements and other add-ons have separate fees ranging from $10 to $30. NDDOT accepts cash, check, and card at offices, and card only for online renewals.

The timeline from start to finish depends on how quickly you pass your tests. The written test can happen the day you explore. The vision test happens the same day. The driving test is scheduled for a later date, usually one to two weeks out. Once you pass the driving test, NDDOT processes your process and mails your license, which takes another two to four weeks. Total time is typically four to six weeks from your first visit to receiving your card.

If you need your license faster, you can request expedited processing at the licensing office, though this costs extra and is not always available. Ask the staff at your local office whether expedited service is an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an out-of-state license while I wait for my North Dakota license?

Yes. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can drive legally in North Dakota on that license while your North Dakota process is being processed. Once your North Dakota license arrives, you should not drive on the out-of-state license anymore.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test after waiting one day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before you test again.

Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?

No. If you renew your license before it expires, you do not take any tests. You only need to renew your photo every 16 years or when you change your name. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.

Can I change my address on my license without renewing it?

Yes. You can update your address at any NDDOT licensing office without renewing your license. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. There is no fee for an address change. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

Visit a NDDOT licensing office and request a duplicate. Bring your identification and proof of residency, the same documents you brought for your original license. A duplicate costs $20 and arrives by mail in about two weeks. You can drive on your old out-of-state license or a state ID while you wait.