How to Get or Renew Your Driver's License in Fargo

Where to go for your Fargo driver's license

In Fargo, you get your driver's license through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), not through a city office. The main place to go is the Fargo Driver's License Examination Station, located at 1707 52nd Avenue South in Fargo. This is where you'll take your written test, vision test, and photo, and where you'll pick up your license once it's ready.

You can also renew your license by mail if you're renewing (not getting one for the first time) and your license hasn't been expired for more than one year. The NDDOT website has a mail-in form you can read, but you'll still need to send in your documents and payment by post, which takes longer than going in person.

Before you go to the station, check the NDDOT website or call ahead. The office has specific hours and sometimes closes for state holidays or staff training. Showing up without checking can mean a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

The Fargo Driver's License Examination Station at 1707 52nd Avenue South is the only place in Fargo where you can take your tests and get your license issued.
You need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of North Dakota residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or card.
The written test covers North Dakota traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free North Dakota Driver's Manual available on the NDDOT website.
A new license costs around $100 and is valid for eight years; a renewal costs less and can sometimes be done by mail if your license expired less than a year ago.
If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it, but you'll pay the test fee again each time.

What documents you need to bring

North Dakota requires you to prove three things: your identity, your age, and your residency in the state. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity only if you're renewing in North Dakota—not if you're getting your first license here.

For residency, bring a recent document with your name and current Fargo address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. The document usually needs to be from the last 30 to 60 days, so don't bring something from six months ago. If you just moved and don't have a document yet, ask the station staff what they'll accept—some will take a signed letter from your landlord or a recent piece of mail.

Bring your Social Security card or know your number by heart. You'll also need to bring any out-of-state license you currently hold, even if it's expired.

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 need to get at least 20 questions right to pass. The test is on a computer at the examination station, and you take it the same day you go in.

The North Dakota Driver's Manual is free and available as a PDF on the NDDOT website. Read through it before you go—it covers everything the test asks about, from speed limits and right-of-way rules to what different road signs mean. Many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. Each retake costs the test fee again, so studying the manual beforehand saves you money.

The driving test and road skills check

After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a driving test. This is not the same day—the station will give you an appointment for a later date. During the test, an examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on local Fargo streets. They're checking that you can start the car, steer, brake, turn, park, and follow traffic laws without being told.

The test usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. You need to bring a vehicle that's registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car's headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all need to work. If something is broken, the examiner will fail you on the spot and you'll have to reschedule.

Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, not checking mirrors, speeding, or hitting the curb while parking. If you fail, you can retake it, but again, you'll pay the test fee each time.

Cost and how long it takes

A new driver's license in North Dakota costs around $100 for an eight-year license. The exact price can vary slightly, so ask when you arrive. If you're renewing an expired license, the cost is lower—usually in the $50 to $70 range depending on how long it's been expired.

The whole process from walking in to getting your photo taken and receiving your temporary license usually takes one to two hours, depending on how busy the station is. Your permanent license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. You can drive on your temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

If you're renewing by mail, the process takes longer—typically two to four weeks total, since your documents have to travel by post and be processed before your new license is mailed back to you.

What happens if you fail or need to retake a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Each attempt costs the test fee. Most people pass on the second try after studying the manual more carefully.

If you fail the driving test, you'll need to schedule a new appointment. The wait for a new driving test appointment varies—sometimes it's a few days, sometimes a few weeks depending on how busy the station is. You'll pay the test fee again for each attempt.

There's no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but each failure costs you time and money. If you're struggling, consider taking a driver's education course—some driving schools in Fargo offer lessons that can help you practice before your test.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your North Dakota license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail without going to the station. read the renewal form from the NDDOT website, fill it out, and mail it with your old license, a check or money order, and a new photo (or request a new photo be taken). Mail it to the address on the form.

Renewing in person at the station is faster if you're in a hurry. You'll get your temporary license the same day and your permanent license in the mail within one to two weeks. In-person renewal also gives you a chance to update your address or other information on the spot.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you'll have to go to the station in person and take the written test again. You may not have to take the driving test, depending on how long it's been—ask the station staff when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. North Dakota requires you to take the written test in person at a Driver's License Examination Station. You can study the manual online, but you must go to the station to take the actual test. This is to make sure the person taking the test is really you.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

A valid U.S. passport works instead. If you don't have either, contact the NDDOT or the Fargo station directly—they can tell you what other documents might work, such as a certified adoption record or a court order. Getting a birth certificate can take time, so call ahead if you're missing it.

Do I need a Social Security card or just the number?

You need to provide your Social Security number, but you don't have to bring the physical card. If you know your number, you can write it down. If you don't know it, bring the card so staff can read it. You can also call the Social Security Administration to get your number if you've lost it.

How long is my license valid?

A new North Dakota driver's license is valid for eight years. A renewed license is also valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license, so you'll know when to renew.

What if I move out of Fargo but stay in North Dakota?

You don't need a new license just because you moved within the state. Your current license is still valid. However, you should update your address with the NDDOT. You can do this by mail or in person at any Driver's License Examination Station in the state, including the one in Fargo.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.