FAQ's NDDOT Smart Restart

Frequently asked Questions - NDDOT’s Smart Restart - COVID-19

Driver License

Can I renew my driver license online?

• Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements identified on the website at https://apps.nd.gov/dot/dlts/dlos/renewal/welcome.htm
• Also just a reminder based on an executive order issued by Governor Burgum all drivers licenses expired on March 1, 2020 or after have been extended until August 31, 2020

Do you know when you will begin testing for learner's permits again?

• Testing for learner’s permits will be conducted by appointment only at all full-time driver license sites. Please make an online appointment with a drivers license office or by calling 1-855-633-6835.

My driver medical exam certificates are about to or recently expired. Is there an extension period for this due to the COVID 19 emergency?

• As long as your medical card was valid as of February 29, 2020, it will be deemed valid until September 30, 2020.

I have a REAL ID appointment coming up. Are these appointments being canceled or postponed because of Covid-19?

• The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is extending the REAL ID enforcement to October 1, 2021, you are able to get a REAL ID if your drivers license is expired or expiring in the near future and you make an appointment to renew at your local office. You will be required to bring all of the required documents to your appointment. Information about what is needed is available at https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/driverslicense/real-id-information.htm.

• Real ID are not available at this time to allow our staff to catch up with a backlog of other license issues.

• If your Driver License expired March 1, 2020, or after, it is valid until August 31, 2020.

My driver license expired and I want to get a REAL ID, how do I make an appointment to accomplish this?

• The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is extending the REAL ID enforcement to October 1, 2021.
• All Real ID and Driver License renewal transactions will be postponed until a later date to allow our staff to catch up with a backlog of other license issues.
• If your Driver License expired March 1, 2020, or after, the Governor’s Emergency Declaration waived expiration dates for driver licenses from March 1, 2020 until further notice.

My driver license expired and I want to get a REAL ID, how do I make an appointment to accomplish this?

• Please make an online appointment with a drivers license office at https://nqa3.nemoqappointment.com/Booking/Booking/Index/5KIDD4bc or by calling 1-855-633-6835. If you wish to get a REAL ID at this time please bring all required documents to your appointment.
• If your Driver License expired March 1, 2020, or after, the Governor’s Emergency Declaration waived expiration dates for driver licenses until August 31, 2020.

My eye exam is about to expire and I need to renew my driver license, what can I do? Can I do it by mail?

• You may be eligible to renew your license online if you meet eligibility requirements which are available at https://apps.nd.gov/dot/dlts/dlos/renewal/welcome.htm If you are over 65 you must renew in person.

If your license expired on or after March 1, 2020, per the Governors Executive order you license is still valid until August 31, 2020.

• If you are 65 or older and your license expired before March 1, 2020, Please make an online appointment with a drivers license office at or by calling 1-855-633-6835.

My son is 15 and has completed the Drivers Education Training and received the waiver. He has had his permit for one year. Can he get his driver license online by sending in his waiver digitally and not coming into the office due to COVID-19?

• We will be conducting this process electronically. You will need to complete this online Road Test Waiver application: https://www.dot.nd.gov/forms/sfn61317.pdf
• Please submit this application along with your Certificate of Course Completion in a PDF form to dlappt@nd.gov
• Your license will be mailed to the address on record.

When can I schedule a driving test for a CDL?

• Commercial Driver License activity is being conducted by appointment ONLY at all full-time driver license sites across the state. This includes all commercial road tests. To make an appointment please call 855-633-6835.

I want to obtain a North Dakota learner's permit. Can I do this online?

• Obtaining a North Dakota learner’s permit will be conducted by appointment only at all full-time driver license sites. Please make an online appointment with a drivers license office at or by calling 1-855-633-6835.
• Currently, North Dakota learner’s permits are not obtainable online.

When I come for my in-person appointment for my road test, will I have to wear a mask?

• We are doing all we can to keep NDDOT customers and staff safe during this pandemic, so we are asking you to please follow these guidelines:
• If scheduled for a service (other than road test): please proceed to the entrance of the Driver License location upon your appointment time while keeping social distancing of others.
• If you have a mask, please wear it.
• You will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the door or the road test vehicle through a medical screening and temperature check. If you are sick you will be required to reschedule.
• If scheduled for a road test appointment, please remain in your car in the parking lot until NDDOT calls you. Please follow these additional steps:
• Have the inside of your car clean
• You are required to wear a mask and gloves during the test (will be provided for you). Refusal to wear the PPE will require the test to be rescheduled.
• There cannot be any additional individuals accompanying the tester besides the required legal guardian, parent, or licensed driver. These individuals will not be allowed to enter the testing/office location to maintain the social distancing guidelines.
• Provide $5 cash or check and your learner’s permit
• Vehicle insurance card ready
• Provide current vehicle registration unless they fall within the March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020 extension.
• Arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. If you are 5 minutes late, you will have to reschedule.

We appreciate your understanding during this time and encourage you to refer to our website for continued updates and additional information.

I need to change my residential address on DL to vote so the ballots are sent to the correct address, can I do this online?

• Yes. Please visit https://apps.nd.gov/dot/dlts/dlos/addressWelcome.htm. As long as your address is updated in the system you do not need an updated card.

Is it legal to sell tobacco & alcohol products with expired ND driver licenses during the Covid 19 crisis?

• Yes. If a driver license expired on or after March 1, 2020, per the Governors Executive order this license is still valid until August 31,2020.

Frequently asked Questions - NDDOT’s Smart Restart - COVID-19

Motor Vehicle

Can I renew my vehicle registration online?

• Yes! Most vehicles can be renewed online at: https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/renewal.htm

We just bought a new vehicle. What do we need to do to register it and get plates now that your offices are closed due to COVID-19?

• If you purchased the vehicle from a North Dakota dealership, they provide temporary registration for 75 days. You also have the option to obtain a 30-Day temporary registration here: https://apps.nd.gov/dot/mv/mvrenewal/thirtyDayRegWelcome.htm
• Here is some additional information you may find helpful:
• https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/mv/docs/faq-buying-a-vehicle.pdf

I am trying to transfer the title of a vehicle. Where can I get more information when the office location is closed due to the COVID-19?

• The Buying and Selling a Vehicle section has a lot of information that describes these processes please go to https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/mv/vehicleinfo.htm

I am trying to obtain a Mobility Impaired placard. Where can it get more information when the office location is closed due to the COVID-19?

• https://www.dot.nd.gov/divisions/mv/docs/faq-placards-and-parking.pdf

Frequently asked Questions - NDDOT’s Smart Restart - COVID-19

Load Restrictions

I see that the ND seasonal load restrictions got lifted temporarily due to the virus. I am wondering if this is also in effect for county roads?

• No, the NDDOT only maintains the state highway system. Each county is different, you will need to contact the county or go to their load restriction map to find out this information.

NDDOT Smart Restart - CONVID 19

• NDDOT Smart Restart