Where to go for your Williston driver's license
In Williston, you get your driver's license through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Motor Vehicle Division. The office that serves Williston is located in the city, and you'll visit in person to explore, test, or renew. You cannot handle a driver's license transaction online or by mail — you must appear at the office yourself.
The Williston Motor Vehicle office is at 212 2nd Avenue West, Williston, ND 58801. Hours vary by season and by day of the week, so call ahead at (701) 577-4730 before you go. The office gets busy in late afternoon and on Fridays, so arriving in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the Motor Vehicle office in person at 212 2nd Avenue West in Williston; no online or mail renewals are available.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or card — the exact documents depend on whether you are explore for the first time or renewing.
- A new license costs around $100 and lasts eight years; a renewal costs less and takes about five minutes if you have all documents ready.
- If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or return later; there is no waiting period between attempts.
- The office accepts cash, check, and card payments, but call first to confirm current payment methods.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are getting your first North Dakota license or renewing an existing one. For a first-time process, bring your current out-of-state driver's license or ID, proof of your North Dakota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need to bring proof of your legal name if it differs from your current ID — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order.
For a renewal, bring your current North Dakota driver's license and proof of residency. If your address has changed, the residency document is required; if your address is the same, some renewals do not require it, but calling ahead to confirm saves a trip. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves the change.
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from Social Security instead.
The written test and what it covers
If you are explore for your first North Dakota license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a written test. The test has 25 questions about North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the Motor Vehicle office.
North Dakota provides a free study guide called the North Dakota Driver's Manual, available on the NDDOT website or in print at the Motor Vehicle office. The manual covers everything on the test. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking it. If you fail, you can retake the test when ready — there is no waiting period, though you may have to wait for the next available computer terminal.
The driving test and scheduling
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle you have permission to use. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route in Williston.
Scheduling the driving test happens at the Motor Vehicle office after your written test passes. Depending on how busy the office is, you may be able to test the same day or you may need to return on another day. Call (701) 577-4730 to ask about current wait times for driving tests. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but there is usually a short wait — ask the examiner when you can return.
Costs and how long it takes
A new North Dakota driver's license costs around $100 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs less — typically around $50 to $60 — and is also valid for eight years. Exact fees can change, so confirm the current cost when you call. The office accepts cash, check, and card payments.
A renewal with no test takes about five minutes if you have all your documents. A first-time process with both written and driving tests usually takes one to two hours total, spread across one or two visits depending on test scheduling. The Motor Vehicle office issues your license on the spot after you pass the driving test, so you leave with it in hand.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — you pay the same fee and your new license is valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may have to retake the written test depending on how long it has been expired. If your license expired less than two years ago, you usually do not need to test again. If it expired more than two years ago, you will need to pass the written test and the driving test. Call the office to confirm what you need before you go.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and replacements
If your name has changed since your last license, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your current name. If you have only changed your address and your license is not expiring soon, you can update your address without getting a new license, though the office may issue a new one with the updated address.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Motor Vehicle office. Bring your proof of residency and any ID you have. A replacement costs less than a new license and is usually processed the same day. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I live outside Williston?
Yes. You can renew at any North Dakota Motor Vehicle office, not just the one in Williston. If you live in another city, you can visit the office nearest you. However, if you are explore for your first North Dakota license or need a driving test, you may need to test in the county where you live. Call the Williston office or your local office to confirm.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, usually within a few days. There is no waiting period between attempts. Ask the examiner when the next available test slot is before you leave the office. You do not pay the test fee again — you only pay once when you first explore.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted, but the office gets busy and wait times vary. Calling ahead at (701) 577-4730 lets you know how long the wait is and whether the office is open that day. Some transactions, like scheduling a driving test, may require you to come back on a different day.
What if I moved to Williston from another state?
You need to get a North Dakota license within a reasonable time after moving. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security card or number. You will take the written test and the driving test. Your out-of-state license is valid until you get your North Dakota one, so there is no rush, but do not wait too long.
Can I get a REAL ID license in Williston?
Yes. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. It costs a bit more than a standard license and requires extra documents — usually a passport or birth certificate plus proof of residency. Ask at the Motor Vehicle office whether you want a REAL ID or a standard license when you explore.