How to Get and Renew a North Dakota Driver License

What you need to get a North Dakota driver license

North Dakota issues driver licenses through the Department of Transportation. To get one, you must visit a driver license station in person with proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot complete this process online or by mail — you must appear at a licensing office.

The state accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return can serve as proof of your number.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 14 days before taking the driving test. The written test and driving test are separate visits.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a North Dakota driver license station in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
The written knowledge test and the driving test happen on different days, and you need a learner's permit for at least 14 days if you are under 18.
North Dakota driver licenses are valid for eight years for adults and four years for drivers under 18.
You can renew by mail if you are over 65, but most drivers must renew in person at a licensing station.
The cost varies by license type and age, and North Dakota accepts both REAL ID-compliant and standard licenses.

Driver license types and what each one allows

North Dakota issues several types of driver licenses depending on what you will be driving. A Class D license is the standard license for operating passenger vehicles. A Class M license is required if you operate a motorcycle. You can hold both at the same time.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders need a separate endorsement and must pass additional tests. If you drive a school bus, you need a school bus endorsement. If you transport hazardous materials, you need a hazmat endorsement. These are not separate licenses but additions to your Class D or Class M license.

North Dakota also issues REAL ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license works for driving but not for federal ID purposes. When you renew, you can choose which type you want, though REAL ID requires additional documentation.

The written test, driving test, and learner's permit rules

The written knowledge test covers North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any driver license station. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail, though some stations may require you to wait a few hours.

After passing the written test, you receive a learner's permit. If you are under 18, you must hold this permit for at least 14 days before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test when ready after passing the written test. The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to handle basic driving tasks, parking, and following traffic laws.

Learner's permit holders under 18 must follow restrictions: they cannot drive alone, must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat, and cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. These restrictions lift once you pass the driving test and receive your full license.

Costs and how long licenses last

The fee for a Class D driver license depends on your age and how long you want it to be valid. North Dakota charges different amounts for licenses valid four years versus eight years. Exact fees change periodically, so check the Department of Transportation website for current pricing before you visit.

A Class D license is valid for eight years if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years. A Class M motorcycle license follows the same validity periods. REAL ID licenses cost slightly more than standard licenses but are valid for the same length of time.

Replacement licenses, duplicate licenses, and name-change licenses each have their own fees, which are typically lower than the cost of a new license. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any driver license station.

How to renew your North Dakota driver license

Most North Dakota drivers must renew in person at a driver license station. You will need to pass a vision test again and may be asked to retake the written knowledge test if your record shows violations or if the examiner has concerns about your knowledge of current laws.

Drivers 65 and older can renew by mail if their license is not suspended or revoked and they have no medical restrictions. To renew by mail, contact your local driver license station or the Department of Transportation to request a renewal form. You will mail in your current license, the completed form, and the renewal fee.

You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which means taking the written test and driving test again.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for you

A REAL ID-compliant North Dakota driver license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard North Dakota driver license will not work for these purposes after that date.

To get a REAL ID license, you must provide additional documentation beyond what is required for a standard license. You need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate satisfies the citizenship requirement.

You can choose to get a REAL ID license when you renew or get a new license. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient for driving. Both types are valid for the same length of time and cost about the same, though REAL ID may have a slightly higher fee.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A North Dakota driver license can be suspended for reasons including unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions that affect driving, or accumulating too many traffic violations. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a new license after a waiting period.

If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. You can contact the Department of Transportation to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to have it reinstated. This might involve paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing a medical clearance from a doctor.

If your license is revoked, you must wait a set period (usually one to five years, depending on the reason) before you can reapply. When you reapply, you will need to take the written test and driving test again, just as if you were getting your first license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a North Dakota driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. North Dakota requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Immigrants with work authorization can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but North Dakota does not currently accept ITINs in place of a Social Security number.

How long does it take to get a North Dakota driver license?

The written test and driving test are separate visits, so the process takes at least two visits to a driver license station. You can take the written test on your first visit and the driving test on the same day if you are 18 or older, but if you are under 18, you must wait at least 14 days between getting your learner's permit and taking the driving test. Total time from start to finish is usually two to four weeks.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though each attempt costs a fee. Your learner's permit remains valid while you are preparing to retake the test.

Can I transfer my driver license from another state?

No. If you move to North Dakota from another state, you must get a new North Dakota driver license. You can use your out-of-state license to drive for a limited time while you are establishing residency, but you must get a North Dakota license within a certain period. Check with your local driver license station for the exact timeline, as it varies by situation.

Do I need an appointment to visit a driver license station?

Some North Dakota driver license stations accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Call ahead or check the Department of Transportation website to find out which stations in your area take appointments and whether you need one. During busy times, wait times can be long at walk-in stations.

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.