You can renew your North Dakota driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that changed

North Dakota's online renewal system lets you renew through the state's website without visiting a driver's license office. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $85 for a five-year license, and you'll receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Not everyone can use the online system. If your license expired more than a year ago, if you have medical suspensions on your record, or if your address, name, or restrictions have changed, you must renew in person at a North Dakota driver's license office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical holds or changed restrictions.
  • The process happens on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website and takes about 10 minutes.
  • You pay $85 for a five-year renewal and receive your new card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a driver's license office in person with your current license and proof of residency.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation website to begin renewal. You'll need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity using this information.

You also need a payment method. North Dakota accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee is $85 for a five-year license. Some people may have access to for a reduced fee — military members on active duty pay $40 — so check the fee schedule on the NDDOT website before you pay.

The step-by-step renewal process

Go to the North Dakota Department of Transportation's online renewal portal at the NDDOT website. Look for the link labeled "Renew Your Driver's License Online" on the main page. Click it to start.

Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your current license information. Review it carefully — your name, address, and any restrictions or endorsements should all be correct. If anything is wrong, stop here and renew in person instead, because you cannot change this information online.

Confirm that your address is still correct. If you moved recently, you cannot complete the online renewal. You must visit a driver's license office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Review the vision and medical questions. The system will ask whether your vision has changed and whether you have any new medical conditions that might affect your driving. Answer honestly. If you answer yes to any medical question, your renewal will be flagged for review and you may be asked to visit an office or provide a medical report.

Enter your payment information and submit. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you'll need it if you have questions about your renewal later.

What happens after you submit your renewal

You'll receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of submitting your renewal. This email contains your confirmation number and a summary of what you submitted. Keep this email until your new license arrives.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would have needed to renew in person at an office and request a temporary license on the spot.

Your current license remains valid while you wait for your new one to arrive. You can continue to drive and use it for identification. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a driver's license office if you prefer.

When you must renew in person instead

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online system. You must visit a North Dakota driver's license office with your expired license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease).

If your address changed, you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license.

If you have any medical suspensions or restrictions on your license, or if you answered yes to a medical question during online renewal, you may be required to visit an office. The NDDOT will contact you if this applies to you.

Finding a driver's license office if you need one

North Dakota has driver's license offices in most cities. You can find the office nearest you on the NDDOT website by entering your city or zip code. The site shows office hours, which vary by location — some offices are open only certain days of the week.

Call ahead before you visit. Office wait times change throughout the day, and some offices accept walk-ins while others use appointment systems. The phone number for each office is listed on the NDDOT website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew online if my license is expired by more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of residency.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

You cannot update your address through online renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days. Your new license will show your updated address.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your current license stays valid while you wait. If you need your license sooner, you would have needed to renew in person at an office.

What if I have a medical suspension on my license?

You cannot renew online if you have a medical suspension. You must visit a driver's license office. The office staff can tell you what steps you need to take to clear the suspension before you can renew.

Can I pay with something other than a credit or debit card?

No. The online renewal system accepts only Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If you cannot pay by card, you must renew in person at a driver's license office, which may accept other payment methods.