Where to go for your Williston driver's license

In Williston, North Dakota, you get your driver's license from the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver's License Division. The main office is located at 608 East Boulevard in Bismarck, which is about 120 miles south of Williston. However, you do not have to drive there — Williston has a Class A driver's license station that handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements.

The Williston station is at 10 Main Street, Suite 200, in downtown Williston. This office can issue a standard driver's license on the same day you visit, provided you bring the correct documents and pass the written and driving tests (if required). You can also renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions, which we cover below.

Before you go, check the current hours on the NDDOT website or call ahead. License offices sometimes close for staff training or have reduced hours during certain seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • The Williston driver's license station is at 10 Main Street, Suite 200, and can issue a new license or renewal the same day if you have all required documents.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of North Dakota residency, and a completed process form (DL-44 for new licenses, DL-43 for renewals).
  • New drivers must pass a written test and a driving test; renewals do not require testing unless your license was suspended or you have certain medical conditions.
  • If you are renewing and meet the mail-in requirements, you can skip the office visit and send your documents and fee by mail to Bismarck.
  • Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, and North Dakota sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration.

Documents you need for a new license

For a new driver's license in North Dakota, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID. You also need proof of Social Security number — an original Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form all work. Do not bring a photocopy; the office needs to see the original.

You must also show proof of North Dakota residency. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A driver's license from another state does not count as residency proof.

Bring a completed process for a Driver's License or Instruction Permit (Form DL-44). You can read this from the NDDOT website and fill it out before you arrive, or you can complete it at the office. You will also need to pay the license fee — currently $80 for an eight-year license, though fees can change. The Williston station accepts cash, check, and card.

What to expect when you take the tests

If you are getting your first North Dakota driver's license or your previous license expired more than two years ago, you must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to North Dakota. You can study using the North Dakota Driver's Manual, available free on the NDDOT website.

The driving test happens at the Williston station or at a location the examiner directs you to. You drive your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have permission to use) with an examiner in the passenger seat. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must have a valid instruction permit before you can take the driving test.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you do have to pay the test fee again. Many people pass on the second or third try, so a failure is not unusual.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your North Dakota driver's license is still valid (not expired) or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting the Williston office. You can renew by mail if you are under 65 years old, have no medical restrictions on your license, and have not had any suspensions or revocations in the past five years.

To renew by mail, complete Form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $80 for eight years), and mail both to the NDDOT Driver's License Division, 608 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. North Dakota sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, and the notice includes the form and instructions.

If you prefer to renew in person or do not meet the mail-in requirements, visit the Williston station with your current license, proof of residency, and the completed DL-43 form. Renewal in person takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you walk out with a temporary license valid until your permanent one arrives by mail.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, go to the Williston station with your Social Security proof, residency proof, and a completed Form DL-44. You do not need to retake the written or driving test — the office will issue a replacement with the same class and restrictions as your original. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police, though it is not required to get a replacement. A police report can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently, but the license office will issue a replacement regardless.

License classes and restrictions in North Dakota

North Dakota issues several license classes depending on what you drive. Class D is the standard passenger vehicle license. Class C is for commercial vehicles over a certain weight, and requires additional testing and a medical certificate. Class M is for motorcycles and requires a separate written test and riding test.

Your license may also have restrictions — for example, corrective lenses required, automatic transmission only, or daylight driving only. These restrictions appear on the back of your card. If your vision or medical condition changes, you may need to update your restrictions or take a new medical exam. The Williston station can explain what restrictions explore to you and whether you need to change them.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

A suspension means you cannot drive for a set period, after which your driving privileges are restored automatically. A revocation means your license is cancelled and you must reapply and pass all tests again. Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons like DUI convictions, accumulating too many traffic violations, or failing to pay child support.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail — you must visit the Williston station in person. The office will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation, how long it lasts, and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. In some cases, you may be able to get a limited license that lets you drive to work or school during a suspension period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a license at the Williston station?

If you are renewing and have all documents, the visit takes 15 to 30 minutes and you get a temporary license on the spot. If you are getting a new license and need to take the written and driving tests, plan for 1 to 2 hours total, spread across one or two visits (you take the written test first, then schedule the driving test for another day).

Can I get a Real ID at the Williston station?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. It costs the same as a regular license and requires the same documents, plus proof of residency. The Williston station issues Real IDs — just ask when you explore.

What if I moved to Williston from another state?

You must get a North Dakota license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, Social Security proof, and Form DL-44. If your out-of-state license is still valid, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests — the office will issue a North Dakota license based on your existing one.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Williston station?

North Dakota does not require appointments for driver's license services, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times. During busy periods (lunch hours, end of month), you may wait 30 to 45 minutes. Early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it when ready or schedule another test for a later date. There is no waiting period. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next attempt.