Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your North Dakota driver's license in person at any of the state's Driver License Examination Stations, or online through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
Before you go to an examination station or sit down at your computer, gather your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
North Dakota licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which means you have a full year window to get it done without penalty. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person; the online option closes once expiration passes.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Examination Station takes 30 to 45 minutes and requires your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, giving you a full year to complete the process.
- If your license has expired, you cannot use online renewal and must visit an examination station in person.
- North Dakota licenses are valid for eight years, so your next renewal won't be due until eight years after you complete this one.
Renewing online through the NDDOT website
Go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation website and look for the Driver License Renewal section. You'll create an account or log in if you already have one, then answer questions about your current license, address, and whether anything has changed since your last renewal. The system will ask whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving — if you answer yes to any of these questions, you must stop and renew in person instead.
Once you've answered all questions and the system confirms you're may be able to access, you'll pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $80. You'll receive a temporary digital license on screen when ready, valid for 30 days while your physical license is printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you don't meet the requirements, write down the reason it gives you. That information will help you know what to bring when you go in person to an examination station.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Examination Station
Find the examination station nearest you on the NDDOT website, which lists all locations and their hours. Stations are located in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, and Dickinson, plus several smaller cities. Some stations accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check your local station's policy before you go.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If you've changed your name, bring the certified document showing the change. If you wear corrective lenses, you'll take a vision test at the station. You do not need to take a written test or driving test for a standard renewal — those are only required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
The staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The in-person fee is $80 for an eight-year license. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all purposes.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means you'll need to take a written test and a driving test, not just a vision test. You'll also need to bring additional documents, including proof of residency and proof of legal presence in the United States.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew using the standard process. You must do this in person at an examination station; the online option is not available for expired licenses. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal, and the staff will process it as a standard renewal rather than a reapplication.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you've moved since your last license, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The examination station staff will update your address in the system during your renewal. If you're renewing online, enter your new address when prompted, and the system will update it automatically.
If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the certified document that shows the change along with your other renewal documents. The staff will update your name in the system and your new license will show the updated name. If you're renewing online and your name has changed, you must renew in person instead — the online system cannot process name changes.
Understanding your new license and what comes next
Your new North Dakota driver's license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You do not need to do anything else after renewal — your license is automatically valid once you receive it.
Keep your temporary license (whether digital or paper) until your physical license arrives. Once your new license comes in the mail, destroy the temporary license. If your new license doesn't arrive within 14 business days, contact the NDDOT to report it missing.
Eight years from your renewal date, you'll receive a reminder notice in the mail about two months before your license expires. You can renew again at that time using the same process — online if you're still may be able to access, or in person if anything has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
No. North Dakota does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the NDDOT website if you meet the requirements, or you must visit a Driver License Examination Station in person. There is no third option.
What if I move out of state before my new license arrives?
Your North Dakota license remains valid even if you move. However, if you move to another state and plan to get a license there, you'll need to surrender your North Dakota license when you explore for the new one. Your temporary license is valid for 30 days, so if you move within that window, use it to drive legally until your physical North Dakota license arrives, then surrender both when you explore for your new state's license.
Do I need an appointment at the examination station?
It depends on which station you visit. Some accept walk-ins during business hours; others require appointments. Check the NDDOT website for your local station's policy. If appointments are required and you show up without one, staff may turn you away or ask you to book one for a later date.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew a license you don't have. You'll need to report it lost or stolen to the NDDOT first, then explore for a replacement. Once you have the replacement in hand, you can renew it using the standard renewal process if it hasn't expired yet.
How much does renewal cost?
An eight-year renewal costs $80, whether you renew online or in person. This is the standard fee for a regular driver's license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license, the cost is the same — North Dakota's standard license is already Real ID-compliant.