How to Renew Your North Dakota Driver's License

What you need to renew in North Dakota

North Dakota requires you to renew your driver's license every eight years if you are under 65, or every four years if you are 65 or older. You can renew in person at a North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) driver's license office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The state does not currently offer online renewal for standard driver's licenses, though you can renew a commercial driver's license (CDL) online if you have not had any violations or suspensions.

The renewal process itself is straightforward: you submit proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license, then pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks of approval. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, even if you renew by mail.

Key Takeaways

North Dakota driver's licenses expire every eight years for those under 65 and every four years for those 65 and older.
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, has not been suspended or revoked, and you have no outstanding violations.
In-person renewal at an NDDOT office takes about 30 minutes and requires a current ID, proof of residency, and your current license.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must retake the written and vision tests regardless of renewal method.
The renewal fee varies depending on the type of license and how many years you are renewing for; check the NDDOT website for current rates.

Renewing by mail in North Dakota

Mail renewal is available only if your current license is still valid (not expired), you have no suspensions or revocations on your record, and you have no outstanding violations. You will need to send your current license, a completed process form (Form SFN 14001), proof of residency, and the renewal fee to the NDDOT address listed on their website.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or other document showing your current North Dakota address. The NDDOT will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process typically takes three to four weeks from the time they receive your materials. If you do not receive your new license within that timeframe, contact the NDDOT to confirm they received your process.

Renewing in person at an NDDOT office

In-person renewal is faster than mail renewal and is required if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You will need to visit a driver's license office in your county or a nearby county. Bring your current license, a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or tribal ID), and proof of residency. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

You will pay the renewal fee at the time of your visit, and your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. Most NDDOT offices do not require an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits. You can find the address and hours of your local office on the NDDOT website.

What documents to bring and what they cost

For any renewal method, you will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license. Acceptable forms of identity include a U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or another state's driver's license. Proof of residency must be a recent document (usually within 90 days) showing your name and current North Dakota address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement.

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and the number of years you are renewing for. Standard driver's licenses cost less than commercial licenses, and the total fee increases with the length of the renewal period. The NDDOT website lists current fees by license type. If you need a replacement license due to damage or loss, there is an additional replacement fee on top of the renewal cost.

If your license has been expired for more than two years

Once your license has been expired for more than two years, North Dakota treats the renewal as a new issuance rather than a straightforward renewal. This means you must retake both the written knowledge test and the vision test, even if you renew by mail. You will also need to provide the same documents as a standard renewal: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your expired license.

If you choose to renew by mail in this situation, you will need to take the written and vision tests at an NDDOT office before or after submitting your mail renewal process. Some offices allow you to take the tests first and then submit your process by mail with proof that you passed. Contact your local NDDOT office to confirm their process for handling expired licenses that have been lapsed for more than two years.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) online

If you hold a commercial driver's license and have not had any violations, suspensions, or revocations, you may be able to renew online through the NDDOT website. Online CDL renewal is faster than in-person or mail renewal and does not require you to visit an office or mail documents. You will need your current CDL, a valid form of identification, and a payment method to complete the online process.

Not all CDL holders are may be able to access for online renewal. If you have had any traffic violations, your CDL has been suspended or revoked, or you need to update your medical certification, you must renew in person at an NDDOT office. The NDDOT website will tell you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal before you start the process.

What happens after you submit your renewal

After you submit your renewal process—whether by mail or in person—the NDDOT will process it and mail your new license to the address on file. Processing typically takes two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until your new license arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during this time.

If you do not receive your new license within three to four weeks, or if you need to drive out of state before it arrives, contact the NDDOT to request a temporary license or to confirm the status of your process. You can also request a duplicate license if you need a second copy for work or other purposes, though this incurs an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Dakota license if I live out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no violations or suspensions. You will need to mail your process, current license, proof of residency (which can be a utility bill or lease from your current address), and the renewal fee to the NDDOT. If your license is expired or you have violations, you will need to renew in person at an NDDOT office during a visit to North Dakota.

What if I lost my current license?

You will need to renew in person at an NDDOT office and bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal at the same time. You may pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring documentation of the loss if you have it, though it is not always required.

Do I need an appointment to renew at an NDDOT office?

Most NDDOT offices do not require appointments for license renewal, but policies vary by location. Check the NDDOT website or call your local office to confirm whether appointments are needed. Walk-ins are generally accepted, though wait times can be longer during busy hours or seasons.

How long is my license valid after I renew?

Your new license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. The expiration date will be printed on your new license. You will receive a renewal notice from the NDDOT about 60 days before your license expires, reminding you to renew.

Can I change my address when I renew?

Yes, you can update your address during renewal. If you renew in person, the office will update your address on the spot. If you renew by mail, include your new address on the process form, and it will be updated on your new license. Make sure your proof of residency document matches the address you want on your license.

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.