Renew in person at a driver's license office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website
North Dakota offers three paths to renew your driver's license: in-person at a licensing office, by mail for certain renewals, or online through the state's portal. Which route you take depends on whether your license has expired, whether you need to change information, and how quickly you need the new card. Most people renew before their current license expires, which opens up faster options.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. The state sends renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before expiration, though you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. If your license has already expired, you have a grace period — North Dakota allows you to drive on an expired license for up to one year after expiration, but you cannot legally operate a vehicle after that year ends.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address or other information.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if your license has expired, if you need to update your address or other details, or if you want to change your photo.
- Mail renewal is available only for certain renewals and requires you to submit your current license, a completed process, and the renewal fee by postal mail.
- North Dakota driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the written test and vision screening at a licensing office.
Online Renewal Through the North Dakota Portal
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if your license has not expired and you have not moved or changed your legal name. You access the renewal portal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee.
You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you must go to a driver's license office in person. The state will mail your renewed license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office
Visit any North Dakota driver's license office if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, if you want a new photo, or if you prefer to renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you have changed your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The office will take a new photo, process your process, and collect the renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while the state produces your new card. The permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than one year ago, you will also need to pass a vision screening and retake the written knowledge test.
Driver's license offices are located in most county seats and some larger towns. Hours and locations vary by office. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.
Mail Renewal for Certain Renewals
Mail renewal is available only if your license has not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other information. To renew by mail, send your current license, a completed process form (Form SFN 14033), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. You can read the form from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or request one by calling the department.
Processing mail renewals takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the date the state receives your materials. Your renewed license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If you need your license sooner, in-person or online renewal is faster.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a standard eight-year driver's license is set by North Dakota law and does not vary based on your age or how long you have held a license. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or call your local office for the current fee before you renew.
For online renewal, you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. For in-person renewal, most offices accept cash, check, and card. For mail renewal, you can include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash by mail.
What Happens If Your License Expires
North Dakota allows you to drive on an expired license for up to one year after the expiration date. After that one-year grace period ends, you cannot legally operate a vehicle. If you let your license expire for more than one year, you will need to retake the written test and vision screening at a driver's license office before you can renew. You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the standard renewal fee.
If your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason — such as unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or accumulation of points — you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation to find out the status of your license and what steps are needed to restore it.
Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal
If you have moved or changed your legal name, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days) and, if applicable, a certified copy of the document showing your name change. The office will update your information and issue a new license with your current details.
If you have moved but do not need to renew your license yet, you can still update your address at any driver's license office by bringing proof of your new address. This keeps your license valid but ensures the state has your correct mailing address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that have not yet expired. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. You have up to one year after expiration to renew without retaking the written test and vision screening.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, processing takes 3 to 4 weeks. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.
What do I do if my license was expired for more than a year?
You will need to visit a driver's license office in person, retake the written knowledge test and vision screening, and pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.
Can I change my photo during renewal?
Yes, but only if you renew in person at a driver's license office. Online and mail renewal do not include a new photo. If you want a new photo without renewing your license, some offices allow you to request a photo update separately.
What if I move after I renew but before my new license arrives?
Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation with your new address so they can mail your license to the correct location. You can also pick up your license in person at any driver's license office once it is ready, rather than waiting for it to arrive by mail.