Where to get your Minot driver's license

In Minot, you get your driver's license at the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver's License Division office located at 1600 East Central Avenue. This is the only place in Minot where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by season — call ahead at (701) 328-2725 to confirm current hours before you go.

You cannot get a North Dakota driver's license online or by mail for an initial process. You must appear in person at the Minot office with the required documents. If you already hold a valid North Dakota license and meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew by mail, but that option is limited and depends on your license type and how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minot NDDOT Driver's License office at 1600 East Central Avenue is where you explore for a new license or renew in person.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
  • A standard Class D license costs $85 and is valid for eight years; you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • The office processes most applications the same day, but bring all required documents to avoid a second trip.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Documents you need to bring

North Dakota requires three categories of documents before you can get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. A photocopy or a picture on your phone will not work — the document must be the original or an official certified copy.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and a Minot address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from a property owner or landlord confirming you live at that address. You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN — bring your Social Security card or a tax document that shows it.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than two years, you can sometimes skip the identity and residency documents and bring only your current license. Ask at the office whether your situation qualifies, because the rules depend on your license type and how recently it was issued.

Costs and payment methods

A standard Class D driver's license in North Dakota costs $85 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $70 and expires when you turn 21. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing and documentation. The Minot office accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards — ask which cards they take when you call to confirm hours.

If you are renewing by mail (which is only an option for certain license types and conditions), you will pay the renewal fee by check or money order sent with your process. The office does not refund fees if you change your mind after paying, so make sure you have all your documents in order before you hand over payment.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the Minot office, you will check in at the front desk and submit your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to fix before you can proceed — this is why bringing all documents on your first visit matters.

Next, you will take a vision screening test. This is a straightforward check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. You will also have your photograph taken for the license itself. After that, you will take the written knowledge test if you are explore for a new license or if your previous license has been expired for more than two years. The test covers North Dakota traffic laws and road signs and is given on a computer at the office. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent.

If you pass the written test and your vision screening is acceptable, the office will print your license on the spot in most cases. You will walk out with your new license the same day. If you fail the written test, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few minutes or schedule another appointment depending on how busy the office is.

Renewing your license by mail

You may be able to renew your North Dakota driver's license by mail if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations. To renew by mail, contact the Minot office or the NDDOT Driver's License Division in Bismarck to request a renewal process form. You will fill it out, include your renewal fee by check or money order, and mail it to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to three weeks from the time the office receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. If you need your license sooner, you must go to the Minot office in person.

If your license has been expired more than two years

If your North Dakota driver's license expired more than two years ago, you are treated as a new applicant. You must bring all three categories of documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number), take the vision screening, and pass the written knowledge test. You cannot renew by mail in this situation — you must appear in person at the Minot office.

You will also need to pass a driving skills test (the road test) before you can get your license back. The Minot office can schedule you for the road test, which is conducted by an examiner at a location in or near Minot. The road test checks whether you can safely operate a vehicle and follow traffic laws. If you have not driven in a long time, consider taking a few practice drives or a refresher course before you take the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Real ID driver's license in Minot?

Yes. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. It costs the same as a standard license ($85) and requires the same documents plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Bring a passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or green card. The Minot office can issue Real ID licenses.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Go to the Minot office and report it. You will need to show proof of identity and residency just as if you were explore for a new license. There is a replacement fee (usually lower than the cost of a new license) and you will get a new license with a new number on the spot. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report as well, though it is not required to get a replacement.

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

The Minot office accepts walk-ins, but call ahead at (701) 328-2725 to check wait times. During busy seasons or times of day, you may wait an hour or more. Some offices in North Dakota now use appointment systems — ask when you call whether Minot is taking appointments to reduce your wait time.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test at the Minot office. There is usually a small fee for each retake. You have a limited number of attempts before you have to wait a certain period before trying again — ask the office staff what the current policy is. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the North Dakota Driver's Manual beforehand.

Can I change my name on my license at the Minot office?

Yes, but you need to bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your license with your new name. If your license is not expired, you may be able to get a corrected license without paying the full renewal fee — ask about this when you visit.