What you need to know about North Dakota driver's licenses
A North Dakota driver's license is issued by the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division. You'll need one to drive legally in the state, and the process differs depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or moving to North Dakota from another state.
The state offers three types of licenses: a standard driver's license for regular driving, a commercial driver's license (CDL) for operating large trucks or buses, and an instruction permit for learners. Most people start with an instruction permit, then move to a full license after meeting age and testing requirements.
North Dakota uses a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18, which means younger drivers face restrictions on night driving and passenger limits until they reach certain ages. If you're an adult moving to North Dakota with a valid license from another state, you can often transfer it without retesting.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a North Dakota Motor Vehicle Division office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get or renew a license.
- First-time drivers under 18 must hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months and pass a written test and road test before receiving a full license.
- Licenses expire every 8 years for adults and every 4 years for drivers under 21, and you can renew by mail or online if you have no violations or address changes.
- If you're moving to North Dakota with a valid out-of-state license, you can transfer it without retesting, but you must do so within 30 days of establishing residency.
Getting your first North Dakota driver's license
If you've never held a driver's license in any state, you'll start with an instruction permit. Visit any Motor Vehicle Division office with your Social Security card or number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), and proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days). You'll pay a fee for the permit and pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs.
Once you have your instruction permit, you must hold it for at least 6 months before you can take the road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. After 6 months, you schedule a road test at a Motor Vehicle Division office. The examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. If you pass, you receive your full driver's license.
Drivers under 18 face additional restrictions for the first year after getting their license: no driving between midnight and 4 a.m., and no more than one passenger under 21 (except family members). These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.
Renewing your North Dakota driver's license
North Dakota sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. Standard licenses expire every 8 years; licenses for drivers under 21 expire every 4 years. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office, but only if you have no address changes, no violations, and your license hasn't been suspended or revoked.
To renew online, visit the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Division website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Renewing by mail works the same way: fill out the form that came with your notice, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form.
If you've moved, had violations, or your license was suspended, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address if you've moved, and payment. The office will update your information and issue a new license on the spot or by mail, depending on the office's equipment.
Transferring an out-of-state license to North Dakota
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you're moving to North Dakota, you can transfer it without taking a written or road test. You have 30 days from the date you establish North Dakota residency to complete the transfer. After 30 days, you'll be required to take the written test.
Visit a Motor Vehicle Division office with your current out-of-state license, proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or number. The office will cancel your old license and issue a North Dakota license with the same expiration date as your previous one. You'll pay a transfer fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you cannot transfer it. You'll need to explore for a new North Dakota license as if you were a first-time driver, which means getting an instruction permit first.
Documents you'll need at the Motor Vehicle Division office
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You'll need one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, tribal ID, military ID, or school ID for minors), one document proving North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. If you're renewing and haven't moved, you can often skip the residency document. If you've changed your name due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document along with your old license.
Bring payment in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. Fees vary slightly by office location but typically range from $40 to $80 for a new license and $20 to $40 for a renewal.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
A North Dakota license can be suspended for unpaid traffic fines, driving under the influence, accumulating too many points from violations, or failure to appear in court. A revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple DUI convictions or serious violations. You cannot legally drive during a suspension or revocation.
If your license is suspended, contact the Motor Vehicle Division to find out why and what steps you need to take to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license or explore for a new one.
If your license is revoked, you'll need to wait the required period (which varies by offense) before you can reapply. You may also be required to pass a written test and road test again, even if you held a valid license before.
Finding a Motor Vehicle Division office near you
North Dakota has Motor Vehicle Division offices in most counties. The main office is in Bismarck, but you can visit any office in the state to get or renew your license. Office hours vary by location, and some smaller offices have limited hours or are open only certain days of the week.
Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website for a list of all offices, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times. If you're in a rural area far from an office, calling ahead to confirm hours and services is a good idea, as some smaller offices may not offer all services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a North Dakota driver's license?
If you're a first-time driver, the process takes at least 6 months because you must hold an instruction permit for that long before taking the road test. If you're transferring from another state, you can get your license the same day you visit the Motor Vehicle Division office. Renewals by mail or online take 7 to 10 business days.
Can I renew my license online if I've moved?
No. Online and mail renewals are only available if your address hasn't changed. If you've moved, you must renew in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office and bring proof of your new address.
What happens if my license expires while I'm out of state?
You can renew by mail or online before it expires. If it expires while you're away, you can still renew by mail or online when you return, as long as you have no violations or address changes. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you're in the process of renewing.
Do I need to take a road test if I'm transferring from another state?
No, as long as your out-of-state license is valid and you transfer it within 30 days of establishing North Dakota residency. If your license has expired or you wait longer than 30 days, you'll need to take the written test and road test.
What's the difference between an instruction permit and a driver's license?
An instruction permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. A driver's license allows you to drive alone, though drivers under 18 face restrictions on night driving and passengers. You must hold a permit for at least 6 months and pass a road test before you can get a full license.