Where to get your driver's license in Fargo

In Fargo, you obtain your driver's license through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Motor Vehicles Division. The main office for Cass County is located at 608 East Broadway in Fargo. This is where you'll go for your written test, driving test, and to pick up your license after it's issued.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be under 65 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. The NDDOT website has a renewal portal where you can check whether you're may be able to access before you start.

If you need to take your written or driving test, you must visit the Fargo office in person. Tests are offered during regular business hours, and you'll need to bring specific documents with you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fargo NDDOT Motor Vehicles office at 608 East Broadway handles all written tests, driving tests, and initial license issuance for Cass County residents.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of North Dakota residency, and proof of identity to get a license; bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official North Dakota Driver's Manual available free online.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions; otherwise you must visit the office in person.
  • Standard processing takes about two weeks; expedited service is available for an additional fee if you need your license sooner.

Documents you need to bring

North Dakota requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For proof of residency in Fargo or Cass County, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document must match the name on your identity document.

If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person. Bring their ID as well.

The written test: what to study

The written test has 25 questions covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the Fargo office, and results are given when ready.

The official study material is the North Dakota Driver's Manual, available free as a PDF on the NDDOT website. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours before taking the test; there is no waiting period between studying and testing.

You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact the Fargo office ahead of time to arrange it.

The driving test and what happens after you pass

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test at the same office. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current.

If you pass the driving test, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date you pass. If you need your license sooner, you can pay for expedited service at the time of your test.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you move before it arrives, contact the Fargo office to update your address.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license expired less than two years ago, you are under 65, and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail or through the NDDOT online portal. The online option is faster — you upload your documents, pay the fee, and receive your new license by mail within about one week.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the NDDOT website, include a new photo (passport-style, 2x2 inches), and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks.

If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you are 65 or older, you must visit the Fargo office in person and retake the written and driving tests.

License fees and processing times

A standard four-year driver's license costs $40. An eight-year license costs $80. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years at no additional cost. Renewal fees are the same as initial issuance fees.

Standard processing takes about two weeks from the date you pass your driving test or submit your renewal process. Expedited processing is available for an additional $25 and takes about three to five business days. You can request expedited service when you visit the office or when you renew online.

The Fargo office accepts cash, check, and card payments. If you renew by mail, include a check or money order — do not send cash.

Hours and contact information for the Fargo office

The NDDOT Motor Vehicles office in Fargo is located at 608 East Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on state holidays. The office does not take appointments; service is first-come, first-served. Arrive early if you want to avoid a wait, especially on Fridays.

You can call the office at (701) 328-2725 with questions about documents, fees, or processing times. The NDDOT website at dmv.nd.gov has the Driver's Manual, renewal forms, and answers to common questions. You can also check your license status or renew online through the same website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test more than once if I fail?

Yes. You can retake the written test the same day or on another day. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their first or second attempt after studying the Driver's Manual.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the test fee again for each attempt. The examiner will tell you what you need to work on before your next test.

Do I need to take the test again if I move to Fargo from another state?

If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a North Dakota license without retaking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Fargo, and proof of Social Security number to the Fargo office. The exchange fee is the same as a renewal fee.

How long is my temporary license valid?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you pass your driving test. Your permanent license should arrive by mail before the temporary expires. If it does not, contact the Fargo office to check the status.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

North Dakota does not automatically suspend your license for unpaid traffic fines, so you can renew. However, if you have an active suspension for other reasons — such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Fargo office if you are unsure about your status.