Renewing Your North Dakota Driver's License Online or In Person
You can renew your North Dakota driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license station. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license qualifies for online renewal. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person, but you must have a valid credit or debit card and meet a few requirements.
Your license becomes may be able to access for online renewal 90 days before it expires. If you renew online, your new physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner or do not may have access to for online renewal, you can renew in person at any driver's license station and walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $85 for an eight-year license, but you must renew between 90 days before and 30 days after expiration.
- You cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license station takes about 30 minutes and lets you walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
- You will need your current license, proof of North Dakota residency, and a valid payment method for any renewal method.
- If you renew by mail, include a completed form, your current license, payment, and proof of residency in an envelope — processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Renewing Online Through the North Dakota DMV Website
Go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will verify your information and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information, confirm or update your address, and choose whether to keep or change your name. You cannot change your address to a different state during online renewal — if you have moved out of North Dakota, you must renew in person. After you confirm your details, you will pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The fee is $85 for a standard eight-year license. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no unpaid traffic violations, and you do not have outstanding child support obligations. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail.
Renewing In Person at a Driver's License Station
Visit any North Dakota driver's license station with your current license, proof of residency, and a valid payment method. Bring an original or certified copy of a document that shows your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You can also bring a government-issued ID that shows your current address, such as a passport or military ID.
Tell the clerk you want to renew your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment. The renewal fee is $85 for an eight-year license. You will receive a temporary license printed on paper that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, depending on how busy the station is.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic violations, or if you need to change your address to a different state. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary license if your current one has expired and you need to drive when ready.
Renewing by Mail
read and print the driver's license renewal form from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website, or call 701-328-2725 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely and sign it. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $85 payable to the State of North Dakota, and proof of your current address.
Mail the envelope to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives your materials. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so if your current license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. Mail renewal is useful only if you have plenty of time before your expiration date and prefer not to go in person.
What Happens If Your License Has Already Expired
If your license expired fewer than 30 days ago, you can still renew online. If it expired more than 30 days ago, you must renew in person at a driver's license station. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, so do not delay.
If you need to drive before you can renew in person, you can request a temporary permit at the station. The clerk will issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed. This gives you time to get your renewal processed without breaking the law.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license, valid credit or debit card | $85 | 7–10 business days |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency | $85 | 7–10 business days (temporary issued same day) |
| By Mail | Current license, completed form, proof of residency, check or money order | $85 | 2–3 weeks |
The renewal fee is $85 for a standard eight-year license. If you renew online or in person, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash (in person only). If you renew by mail, you must pay with a check or money order. No other payment methods are accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. If you have unpaid traffic violations, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a driver's license station. The clerk will process your renewal, but you may be required to pay the outstanding ticket before your new license is issued. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed.
What if I moved to a different state since my last renewal?
You cannot renew your North Dakota license online or by mail if you no longer live in the state. You must visit a driver's license station in person and bring proof of your new address. You may be required to surrender your North Dakota license and obtain a license in your new state instead.
How long is my temporary license valid?
A temporary license issued at a driver's license station is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that window, contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended?
No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must renew in person at a driver's license station. The clerk will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension before your new license can be issued.
What if I want to change my name during renewal?
You can change your name during online renewal if you have a court order or marriage certificate. Upload a copy of the document when prompted. If you renew in person, bring the original or certified copy. If you renew by mail, include a copy with your form.