How do I renew my license?
ND Drivers License Sites: There are two options for renewing your drivers license.
One option is to make an application in person at a drivers license site. You will need to bring your current North Dakota License and the proper renewal fee. If you require corrective lenses, make sure to bring them. The drivers license examiners will do a vision screening: Note: Glasses are not allowed on any photos.
A second option is to renew online. Please click online renewal to see if you are eligible to use this option.
The Online Scheduler can be used to schedule an appointment to renew your driver license.
Steps for booking an appointment:
- Click Book an Appointment
- Agree to terms, select the number of people and click ‘Next’
- Click on the calendar to search for available dates and times (Appointments are not available for the same day)
- Choose which time you would like from the green time slots
- Enter your name and choose what type of appointment you require
- Enter your contact information (Confirmation will be emailed to you)
- Bring the confirmation number to your appointment
A ND Drivers License Site will be ready to accept your confirmation number which you will receive once your appointment has been confirmed. Please remember to bring your confirmation number.
How far in advance may I renew my license?
You may choose to renew your driver license up to 10 months prior to the date of expiration. You will not lose any time on the license if you opt to renew it early.
My license is expired. Is there a grace period?
Your driving privileges are no longer valid after midnight of your birthday, so you would not be legal to operate a motor vehicle; however, no retesting will be required unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
If the license has been expired more than one year, you will be required to pass both a knowledge and road test prior to becoming relicensed.
How much does a renewal cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| non-commercial license | $15 |
| commercial license | $15 plus $3 per endorsement |
Where is the closest Driver’s License Site?
ND Drivers License Sites, locations, days/hours of operation and phone numbers.
Do I need proof of address?
Yes, you do need to provide proof of resident address if your address has changed. Here is a list of acceptable documents for proof of address.
I didn’t get a renewal notice. Do I need it?
You do not need to bring in your renewal reminder. The letter is just a courtesy reminder that your license will be coming up for renewal. The reminder is mailed two months in advance, but if you have moved you may not receive the notice as they are third class mail and not forwarded. It remains the drivers’ responsibility to keep track of when to renew the driver license.
Can I renew my license if I’m out of state?
A ND Driver License Site will be able to renew your commercial driver license (Class A, B, or C) if you appear in person.
If you are a North Dakota Resident temporarily out of state and wish to renew a non-commercial license only, we may be able to process a one-time renewal through the mail. Please, call Central Office at 701-328-4353 to inquire if you qualify.
If you are living in another state, you are required to obtain a license in the new state.
How often do I need to renew my hazmat endorsement?
The Hazmat Endorsement is tied to your driver license expiration and must be renewed every four years along with your license.
To apply:
- The Online Application must be filled out.
- Visit Universal Enroll or call to schedule an appointment at a digital fingerprint location (see table below).
- In 30 to 60 days, you should receive notification of the results of your threat assessment.
- A ND Driver License Site must be visited upon receipt of TSA approval, you will need to visit one of the to take and pass a Hazmat Knowledge Test.
- No fee is required to attempt the test.
- One attempt is allowed per day.
- The Commercial Drivers License Guide has study materials that may be found in chapter 9.
- CDL Requirements
| Fingerprint Collection Site | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Bismarck, North Dakota | see federal website for details |
| Dickinson, North Dakota | call 701-483-6559 for an appointment |
| Minot, North Dakota | call 1-855-347-8371 for an appointment |
| Aberdeen, South Dakota | see federal website for details |
| Fargo, North Dakota | see federal website for details |
| Sidney, Montana | see federal website for details |
| St Cloud, Minnesota | see federal website for details |
We’re in the military, how do we renew?
North Dakota has an extended term of license for the Active Duty Military member only. Our extended term of license means that a North Dakota resident who is in active duty military status may operate on an expired license so long as they remain absent from this state, and not to exceed 30 days following their honorable separation from such service or after they return to this state, unless the license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. The license is valid only while in your immediate possession.
If you are an active duty military member and currently stationed outside of North Dakota we may be able to assist you in a renewal by mail. Please call our Central Office at 701.328.4353 to inquire if you qualify for a onetime renewal by mail.
Military spouses may renew through the mail.
The Active Duty Military page has more information concerning Military.