What you need to renew your North Dakota driver's license
North Dakota lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license exam station. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can complete a renewal without taking a new written test or vision test, though the state may require these if your license has been expired for more than a year.
You will need to bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will also need your current driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and one form of address proof.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota offers online renewal through its website, mail renewal by sending in your license and fee, and in-person renewal at any driver's license exam station.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days; mail renewal takes two to four weeks.
- You must renew before your license expires, or you will need to take a written test and vision test in person.
- Your North Dakota driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, and four years if you are 65 or older.
- The renewal fee is $80 for an eight-year license and $40 for a four-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
Renewing online through the North Dakota website
Online renewal is the fastest way to renew your driver's license in North Dakota. Go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation website, find the driver's license section, and look for the online renewal portal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — the state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The online system will ask you to confirm your current address or enter a new one. If you need to change your photo, you cannot do it online; you will need to renew in person instead. After you submit your information and pay the $80 fee (or $40 if you are 65 or older), the state will mail your new license to the address on file. Most people receive their new license within 10 business days.
You can only renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions since your last renewal. If either of those applies to you, you must renew in person at an exam station.
Renewing by mail in North Dakota
To renew by mail, print the renewal form from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or request one by calling the main driver's license office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license. Write a check or money order for $80 (or $40 if you are 65 or older) made out to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address listed on the form — this is typically the main driver's license office in Bismarck. Include a copy of your proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail renewal takes two to four weeks, so send your materials well before your license expires.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is only for people whose licenses are not expired and who have no violations or suspensions on record. If your license is expired or you have had violations, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a North Dakota exam station
You can renew in person at any driver's license exam station across North Dakota. Find the station nearest you on the Department of Transportation website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $80 or $40 depending on your age. The state accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card at most stations, though some may accept only certain payment types — call ahead to confirm.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is expired, if you have had violations or suspensions, or if you want to update your photo. You will not need to take a written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year. The exam station will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
Exam stations are open during regular business hours, usually Monday through Friday. Some stations may have limited hours or be closed on certain holidays. Check the Department of Transportation website for the hours of the station you plan to visit.
What happens if your license is expired
If your North Dakota driver's license has been expired for more than 30 days, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to an exam station in person. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, the exam station will require you to take a written test and a vision test before issuing a new license. You may also need to provide a new proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. The exam station staff can tell you exactly what documents you need when you arrive.
If you are unsure whether your license is still valid, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card. You can also call the North Dakota Department of Transportation to confirm the status of your license.
Changing your address or photo during renewal
If you are renewing online or by mail, you can change your address by entering your new address in the renewal form or online portal. The new address will appear on your renewed license. You cannot change your photo online or by mail — if you want a new photo, you must renew in person at an exam station.
When you renew in person, the exam station will take a new photo of you automatically as part of the renewal process. If you prefer to keep your current photo, ask the staff whether the station can waive the new photo requirement; policies vary by location.
Understanding North Dakota license validity periods
North Dakota driver's licenses are valid for eight years if you are under 65 years old, and four years if you are 65 or older. Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
If you turn 65 before your current license expires, you do not need to renew early. Your license remains valid until its printed expiration date. When you do renew, the new license will be valid for four years instead of eight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Dakota driver's license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. If you have unpaid traffic violations or fines, the Department of Transportation will not process your renewal by mail or online. You must resolve the violation first, then renew in person at an exam station. Call the exam station or the main office to confirm your violation status before you attempt to renew.
How much does it cost to renew a North Dakota driver's license?
The renewal fee is $80 for an eight-year license (for people under 65) and $40 for a four-year license (for people 65 and older). This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some exam stations may charge a small additional fee for in-person service, so call ahead to confirm the total cost.
What if I move out of state before my North Dakota license expires?
You do not need to renew your North Dakota license if you move to another state. You should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. Your North Dakota license remains valid until it expires, but you cannot legally drive using it once you become a resident of another state.
Can I renew my license if I have changed my name?
If you changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at an exam station. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your current address. The exam station will issue a new license with your updated name.
How do I know if my North Dakota license is suspended or revoked?
Call the North Dakota Department of Transportation or visit their website to check your driving record. You can also ask at any exam station. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Department of Transportation to find out how to resolve the issue.