Renewing your North Dakota driver's license in person or by mail

North Dakota lets you renew your driver's license by mail if you meet certain conditions, or you can renew in person at a driver's license exam station. The mail route is faster and requires no appointment — you send in your current license, a completed form, and a fee. In-person renewal takes longer because you need an appointment, but it's the only option if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you need to update your photo, or if you've had a name change.

Your renewal window opens 60 days before your license expires. North Dakota does not send renewal reminders, so check your license expiration date now. If you miss the window and your license expires, you'll have to explore for a new license rather than renew, which costs more and requires an in-person visit with documents like your birth certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your license expired less than a year ago, you don't need a new photo, and your name hasn't changed since you last renewed.
  • To renew by mail, send Form DL-43, your current license, and the renewal fee to the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
  • In-person renewal requires an appointment at a driver's license exam station and takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, whether you renewed by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: what you need and where to send it

To renew by mail, read or request Form DL-43 from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. Fill in all fields, including your current address. Mail the completed form along with your current driver's license and the renewal fee — currently $98 for an eight-year license — to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order; the department does not accept credit cards by mail.

Processing takes about two weeks from the day the department receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail. Do not mail your renewal during the week of a holiday, as mail delays can push your process into the expired zone. If you're cutting it close to your expiration date, consider renewing in person instead.

In-person renewal: scheduling and what to bring

To renew in person, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation website and use their online appointment system to book a time at an exam station near you. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works), and payment. The fee is the same as mail renewal: $98 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the station.

The appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. A staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the station that you can use to drive while you wait for the card to arrive.

When you must renew in person instead of by mail

You cannot use mail renewal if your license expired more than one year ago. You also cannot renew by mail if you want to update your photo — mail renewal keeps your current photo. If your name has changed since your last renewal (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person. The same applies if you need to add or remove endorsements, such as a motorcycle endorsement. In all these cases, book an appointment online and bring the required documents to your exam station visit.

What happens if your license expires before you finish renewing

If your license expires while your mail renewal is being processed, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. To avoid this, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date. If you're already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must explore for a new license in person, which requires more documents and costs more than a renewal.

If you're within a few days of expiration and haven't started the process, book an in-person appointment when ready. The online system usually shows available times within the next few days. Bring all required documents to your appointment, and you'll receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent card is mailed.

Fees and what your renewal covers

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $98. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the fee is $108. Real ID requires additional documents — a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address — so bring those if you're upgrading during your renewal.

Your renewal covers the license card itself and the right to drive in North Dakota for eight years. It does not cover any endorsements you may want to add, such as a motorcycle endorsement, which require separate testing and fees. If you need to add an endorsement, mention it when you book your in-person appointment so staff can schedule extra time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. North Dakota does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person only. Mail renewal is the fastest option if you're not changing your photo or name.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew by mail without your current license. You'll need to explore for a replacement license in person at an exam station. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. A replacement costs $20 to $30 depending on the type.

How long does my temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so you'll have a buffer. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the Department of Transportation to check the status.

Can someone else mail in my renewal for me?

Yes. A family member or friend can mail your renewal on your behalf. Make sure your Form DL-43 is completed and signed, your current license is included, and the fee is enclosed. The department processes it the same way regardless of who mails it.

What if my address changed since my last renewal?

Update your address on Form DL-43 before you mail it, or tell the staff member at your in-person appointment. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide. You do not need a separate address change form for license renewal.