North Dakota Driver License

In order to obtain your driver’s license in North Dakota, you must first check the requirements for the type of license you are eligible for based on your age group.

Steps to get a North Dakota learner’s permit

Any North Dakota resident, who is at least 14 years old, may apply for a learner’s (instruction) permit to legally practice driving. A learner’s permit allows the licensee to drive accompanied by 18+ licensed driver in the seat beside you (must have at least three years of driving experience).

Learner’s permit requirements

• To begin the process, you must be at least 14 years old
• Then, you must visit a North Dakota driver license office and request an application form to apply for the permit (there is no need to make an appointment beforehand)
• You must properly complete the application form and provide required documents
• During the visit, you must be with your parents/guardian so that they can sign the application and accept financial responsibilities (liability)
• Then, you must pass the vision screen test and show that your vision is clear enough for safe driving. To put it differently, you must have 20/40 vision in both eyes
• You must also take the written knowledge exam and answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. If you fail the written exam, you will have the opportunity to retake the examination later again
• Not to forget that you will have to pay $5 for the written test and $15 for the learner’s permit

Required documents

• Proof of Identification (for example, US Birth Certificate, unexpired US passport or passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship)
• Social Security Number (Social Security Card, W-2 Form, SSA 1099 Form, non-SSA 1099 Form, pay stub)
• North Dakota place of domicile (two documents)

Steps to get a restricted operator’s license

If you are at least 15 years old and hold your instruction permit, you are required to take some necessary steps to obtain a North Dakota restricted operator’s license. It will give your permission to practice driving with some restrictions, as well as grant the opportunity to improve your drving skills.

Requirements

• If you are younger than 16, then you must hold your instruction permit for 12 months or to the age of 16, whichever comes first (however, no less than six months, prior to completing the road test)
• In case you are between the ages of 16 and 17, you must hold your instruction permit for six months or to the age of 18 (prior to completing the road test)
• If you are younger than 16, then you will need to complete approved driver education program (high school/approved driving program/school)
• You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving in variable conditions (for instance, nighttime driving, rural/urban areas, winter conditions, gravel and so on)
• Then, you must schedule a road test, pay the $5 test fee, arrive with your parent/legal guardian and pass the test. Your parent/legal guardian will confirm that you have completed the requirement of supervised driving
• Once you pass it, you will need to pay the license fee of $15 and receive it

Bring the following documents

• Your current learner’s (instruction) permit
• Certificate of completed driver education
• Identification

Driving restrictions

• Not using electronic devices while driving
• Driving only between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. (except for the purpose of school, work or religious activity)
• Not having your own car and using the vehicle of a family member (if you are under 16)

Steps to get a North Dakota full driver’s license

A full driver’s license, also referred to as unrestricted operator’s license, gives permission to drive legally without supervision and restrictions. There may, nonetheless, be some restrictions placed on the driver’s license connected with some physical/medical conditions.

Requirements for a license

• You must be older than 16
• Hold your instruction permit (if you are 16 or 17)
• Schedule a road test, pay the $5 test fee and pass it
• Pay the license fee of $15 and receive it

Required documents

• Identification (US Birth Certificate, unexpired US passport or passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card, unexpired Employment Authorization Card, Report of Birth Abroad issued by the US Department of State)
• Social Security Number (Social Security Card, W-2 Form, SSA 1099 Form, non-SSA 1099 Form, pay stub)
• Two documents showing North Dakota residence address (for example, government issued property tax form, mortgage/lease/rental document, utility bill, ID Card, credit or debit card statement and so on)

North Dakota driver’s license renewal

In the state of North Dakota, the driver’s license is valid for a certain period of time depending on the date on which you apply. You can renew the license ten months before it is due to expire, thereby, not using any old license remaining time.

Renew in person

To renew the license in person, you must book an appointment in advance and visit a driver license office. Then, you must take the vision screen test and have your photo taken. You may also present a certificate of vision obtained from a licensed physician.

To complete the process, you must present your current driver’s license, the booking confirmation number and residence address. The renewal fee is $15.

Renew online

You can renew the driver’s license online providing that you did not renew it online the last time and you are under 65. You cannot also use the online platform if you are under 21 and this is your first time renewing the license.

To complete renewal, you must go through this link, fill in the required information and pay the renewal fee of $15.

Renew by mail

Individuals are only allowed to renew their licenses by mail if they are currently out of state or members of the US Armed Forces (including their spouses). Others, do not have the right to renew by mail and can instead choose two of the above-mentioned methods of renewal.

North Dakota REAL ID driver’s license

REAL ID is to reduce identity fraud and ensure higher security standards. To clarify, it is a form of identification to complete domestic airline travel and access a federal facility for North Dakota residents.

Required documents

• Evidence of legal presence in the United States
• Citizenship
• Full legal name and date of birth
• Social Security Number
• North Dakota residence address

Fees associated with a North Dakota driver’s license

• Written Knowledge Test Fee: $5
• Road Test Fee: $5
• Duplicate License/Permit Fee: $8
• Regular License Fee: $15
• Commercial License Fee: $15 (plus $3 for endorsement)

Contact Information

North Dakota Department of Transportation
Driver License Division
608 East Boulevard Avenue
Bismarck, North Dakota
Phone: 58505-0750