Drivers From Other Nations

Drivers From Other Nations

• Steps to Obtain a North Dakota driver's license.
• Apply for a North Dakota commercial driver’s license.
• Do you offer the tests in other languages?
• Can I drive on my out of country license?
• How long do I have before I need to obtain a North Dakota License?
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
• How Much Does It Cost?
• Where is the closest Driver’s License Site?

Steps to Obtain a North Dakota Driver’s License

1. ND Drivers License Site, apply in person at one of the locations.
2. You must be a resident of North Dakota and provide proper proof of identity and lawful presence.
   Out of state permits, licenses, and ID cards will not be accepted as proof of name and date of birth.
   Only original documents and certified copies will be accepted. No photocopies.

   PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED.

3. You must surrender all licenses issued from all other states or countries.
4. Complete an application. All North Dakota applications require you to provide your physical North Dakota address.

5. All applications for permit, license, or identifications card must contain a social security number.
   Social security numbers will be verified with the Social Security Administration.
   Social security numbers, however, will not be used as the driver license or identification card number.
6. Successfully complete a vision screening.
7. Submit the required fee. Note: Anyone under 18 will require a sponsor to sign for financial liability prior to the issuance of a license.
8. We will require a photo. Glasses are not permitted in any photos.
9. Successfully complete the Noncommercial Drivers License knowledge test. For online access to the study guide, click here
10. If you are over 18, schedule a road test appointment. A road test appointment may be made using our online road test scheduler.
11. The Learner’s Permit page contains licensing requirements for those under 18 years of age. Please follow the appropriate licensing requirements for their age group.
12. Upon Successful completion of the road test, you will be issued a North Dakota Driver’s License.

Apply for a North Dakota Commercial Driver’s License

1. Must obtain a North Dakota Driver’s License, or have a Temporary Operator’s Permit.
2. Be 21 years old to cross state lines, 18-20 years old to apply for an intra-state CDL, or at 16 years old, you may test for a CDL restricted to custom harvesting operations only.
3. Read, write and speak English.
4. Must meet all Federal Medical Requirements in 49 CFR 391. Some of the medical conditions which may disqualify an individual are:
   1. Heart condition
   2. Hearing impairment
   3. Worse than 20/40 visual acuity in either eye
   4. Diabetes controlled with insulin
   5. Epilepsy
   6. Loss of or loss of use of a limb
   7. Seizure disorder requiring anti-seizure medication
5. ND Drivers License Site, apply in person at one of the locations, pass the required knowledge test(s) for the CDL Class to be driven, and purchase a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Prior to testing, you will always need to present your current North Dakota Driver License/Operator’s Permit, make application, and pass an eye examination.
   The Commercial Drivers License Guide contains information for passing the test.
6. Demonstrate your ability to operate the vehicle by passing a road test in a representative commercial vehicle. A road test cannot be scheduled without a valid CLP.

Do You Offer the Tests in Other Languages?

Our Non-Commercial Class D knowledge test may be taken in any of the following languages:

• English
• Chinese
• French
• Spanish
• Serb Croatian
• Russian
• Vietnamese
• Arabic
• Somali
• Nepali
• Turkish
• Swahili
• Dari
• Pashto

All road tests will be conducted entirely in English. All commercial tests must, by Federal Regulation, be done in English.

Can I Drive on My Out of Country License?

If you are at least 16 years of age and have in your immediate possession a valid operator’s license from your home country, you may operate a motor vehicle in this state.

How Long Do I Have Before I Need to Obtain a North Dakota License?

Nonresidents age 16 and over are not required to obtain a license until 60 days after residence has been established in North Dakota. A person is deemed a resident of North Dakota when they have lived here for 90 days, unless they are a nonresident student, a tourist, or a member of the armed forces.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit is not a driver’s license. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your driver’s license.

The International Driving Permit page contains additional information.

How Much Does It Cost?

Fees For ID Cards, Licenses, Permits, and Driving Tests.

Item	Cost
Knowledge Test	$5 per attempt (One attempt allowed per day)
Permit	$15
Road Test	$5
Transfer of a Canadian Driver’s License	$15

Where is the closest Driver’s License Site?

ND Drivers License Sites, locations, days/hours of operation and phone numbers.