Where and how to change your address on your North Dakota driver's license
You can change your address on a North Dakota driver's license in person at any of the state's Driver's License Examination Stations, or by mail if you are renewing your license at the same time. The in-person route is faster — you walk in with proof of your new address, update it on the spot, and leave with a corrected license the same day. The mail route works only if your license is expiring soon and you are renewing anyway.
North Dakota does not charge a fee to change your address alone. If you change your address at an examination station without renewing your license, you pay nothing and the change appears on your existing license. If you renew by mail and include an address change, you pay the standard renewal fee, which varies by license type and how many years you are renewing for.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any North Dakota Driver's License Examination Station with proof of your new address to change it for free on the same day.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address.
- If you are renewing your license by mail, you can include an address change in the same envelope, but the process takes longer.
- You do not need to change your address on your license when ready, but doing so prevents mail from going to your old address.
What counts as proof of your new address
North Dakota requires one document showing your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or government mail all work. The document must show your full name and the address you are registering, and it should be dated within the last 60 days, though older documents are sometimes accepted if they are the only proof you have.
If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet — for example, if you just moved into a family member's home — ask the examination station what alternatives they accept. Some stations will take a notarized letter from the homeowner confirming you live there, or a recent mail piece addressed to you at the new address. Call ahead to confirm what your local station requires.
Finding your nearest examination station
North Dakota's Driver's License Examination Stations are located in most county seats and larger towns. The state maintains a list on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website, organized by county, with hours and phone numbers for each location. You can also call the main Driver's License Division at 701-328-2725 to find the station nearest you and confirm their current hours.
Examination stations are typically open during business hours on weekdays, though some offer limited Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Calling ahead or visiting early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.
Changing your address by mail during renewal
If your license is expiring within the next few months, you can renew by mail and change your address at the same time. Request a renewal process from the Driver's License Division or read one from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. Fill out the form, include your proof of address, and mail everything to the address on the form along with your renewal fee.
Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the time the division receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail with your updated address printed on it. This route works well if you have time before your expiration date, but it is slower than visiting a station in person.
What happens if you do not update your address
You are not required by law to change your address on your driver's license when ready after moving. However, keeping an outdated address creates practical problems. Mail from the state — including renewal notices, voter registration materials, and vehicle registration documents — will go to your old address. You may miss important important date or not realize your license or vehicle registration is about to expire.
If you are pulled over by law enforcement, an outdated address can raise questions, though it is not a violation on its own. For insurance purposes, your insurance company may require your address to match your license, so updating it prevents coverage disputes later.
Changing your address if you have a commercial or motorcycle endorsement
The process is the same whether your license is a standard Class D license or includes a commercial (Class A, B, or C) or motorcycle endorsement. Bring your proof of address to any examination station, and they will update all endorsements at once. If you are renewing by mail, the address change applies to your entire license regardless of endorsements.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you may have additional address-related requirements for your employer or insurance. Check with your employer or insurance carrier to see whether they need separate notification of your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my current license when I change my address?
Yes. Bring your current driver's license and your proof of address to the examination station. The staff will verify your identity using your license and update the address in the system.
Can I change my address online?
North Dakota does not offer online address changes for driver's licenses. You must visit an examination station in person or renew by mail with an address change included.
How long does it take to change my address at an examination station?
The address change itself takes just a few minutes once you are called. Total time at the station depends on how busy it is, but most people are done within 15 to 30 minutes.
What if I moved out of state but still have a North Dakota license?
You can change your address to an out-of-state address at any examination station. However, if you now live in another state, that state may require you to get a license there instead. Check your new state's requirements.
Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?
No. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. You will need to update your vehicle registration address with the North Dakota Department of Transportation separately if you want your registration documents to reflect your new address.