Renewing your North Dakota driver's license or ID card in person or by mail
North Dakota lets you renew your driver's license or ID card either in person at a driver's license exam station or by mail, depending on your situation and how much time you have. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with your new card the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no trip — you send documents and your old card to the state, and they mail back your new one.
You can renew by mail only if your license or ID is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your name and address haven't changed since your last renewal. If any of those conditions don't explore, you must renew in person. Either way, you'll need to bring or send specific documents, and the process is straightforward once you know which route fits your situation.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a North Dakota driver's license exam station takes about 30 minutes and you receive your new card when ready.
- Mail renewal is an option only if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your information hasn't changed.
- You will need your current license or ID card, proof of North Dakota residency, and a valid Social Security number to renew either way.
- The renewal fee varies depending on the type of card and how long you want it valid for — typically between $40 and $80.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must take the written test and vision test again, even if you renew in person.
In-person renewal at a driver's license exam station
Find your nearest North Dakota driver's license exam station by visiting the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or calling 701-328-2725. Exam stations are located in most county seats and some larger towns. Walk in during business hours — no appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of North Dakota residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll fill out form SFN 14001 at the station, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Your new card is printed on site and you leave with it the same day.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person, but you will also need to pass the written test and vision test again. This takes longer — usually 45 minutes to an hour — but the process is the same otherwise.
Mail renewal when you're may be able to access
Mail renewal is available only if all three of these are true: your license or ID expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions or special conditions on your license, and your name and address are the same as they were on your last renewal. If you're unsure whether you have medical restrictions, check your current card — if there's a notation about vision correction or other conditions, you must renew in person.
Send your current license or ID card, a completed form SFN 14001 (read it from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website), a copy of proof of residency, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a note with your phone number so the state can contact you if there's a problem. Mail it to the Department of Transportation, Driver's License Division, 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505.
Your new card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, renew in person instead. If the state finds an issue with your process — a missing document, for example — they will call you and ask you to fix it or come in person.
What documents you need for either renewal method
| Document Type | In-Person Renewal | Mail Renewal | What Counts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current license or ID | Bring original | Send original | Your current North Dakota driver's license or ID card |
| Proof of residency | Bring original | Send copy | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or insurance bill dated within 60 days |
| Name change document | Bring certified copy if applicable | Send certified copy if applicable | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (only if name changed) |
| Form SFN 14001 | Fill out at station | Complete and send | Available on the Department of Transportation website |
Renewal fees and how long your new card lasts
North Dakota renewal fees depend on the type of card and how long you want it valid for. A standard driver's license renewal typically costs between $40 and $80. An ID card renewal costs less — usually around $30 to $50. You can renew for four years, six years, or eight years; longer validity periods cost more upfront but mean you renew less often.
If you're over 65, you may be able to renew for a shorter period at a lower cost — ask at the exam station or check the Department of Transportation website for current rates. Pay by cash, check, or money order at an exam station. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only; do not send cash through the mail.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than one year
If your North Dakota driver's license or ID has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to a driver's license exam station in person. You will need to pass both the written test and the vision test again, even if you have been driving the whole time.
Bring the same documents as for in-person renewal — your expired card, proof of residency, and proof of any name changes. The exam station staff will give you the written test on a computer or paper, depending on the location. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you pass both tests, you pay the renewal fee and receive your new card the same day. If you fail either test, you can retake it after a waiting period — ask the exam station staff how long you must wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to North Dakota from another state?
No. If you moved from out of state, you must get a new North Dakota license, not renew an old one. You'll need to visit an exam station with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in North Dakota, and your Social Security number. You may need to pass the written and vision tests depending on your age and the state you moved from.
What happens if I mail in my renewal and the state finds a problem?
The Department of Transportation will call you at the phone number you included. They'll tell you what's missing or wrong and ask you to either fix it and mail it back or come in person. If they can't reach you, your process will be delayed. Always include a phone number on your mail renewal.
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Department of Transportation to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Only after your status is cleared can you renew.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
No. North Dakota driver's license exam stations accept walk-ins during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. If you want to check the current wait time before you go, some stations post it on the Department of Transportation website.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For mail renewal, send a certified copy. For in-person renewal, bring the original certified copy. The state will update your name on your new card.