Renew in person at a driver's license station, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website
North Dakota lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: in person at any driver's license examination station, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online if you have a Real ID-compliant license and meet other requirements. Which route works for you depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. North Dakota sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you can renew up to one year early if you want to. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person — mail and online renewal are not available for expired licenses.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website is the fastest option if your license is current and Real ID-compliant, and takes a few minutes from home.
- Mail renewal requires a completed process form, your current license, and payment, but you cannot use this method if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired.
- In-person renewal at a driver's license examination station is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your address or name.
- Bring your current license, proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment when you renew in person.
- Renewal fees are $65 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at examination stations.
Online renewal through the North Dakota Department of Transportation
The fastest way to renew is online at the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about five minutes, and your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, not suspended, and not revoked. You must also have a Real ID-compliant license — these are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. If you need to change your photo, address, or name, you cannot renew online and must go in person instead.
Mail renewal by sending your process and current license
To renew by mail, read the process form from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or request one by phone at 701-328-2725. Fill out the form completely, include your current driver's license, and mail both along with a check or money order for $65 to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the department receives your envelope. You cannot use mail renewal if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If you need to update your photo or change your address or name, you must renew in person instead.
In-person renewal at a driver's license examination station
Visit any North Dakota driver's license examination station with your current license, proof of residency, and $65. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. The station will take a new photo, process your process, and issue your renewed license on the spot or within a few days.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you want a new photo, or if you need to change your address or name. It is also the only option if your license is suspended or revoked. Most examination stations are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours. You can find the station nearest you and its hours on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website.
What to bring and how much it costs
For any renewal method, you will need your current driver's license and $65. The fee covers an eight-year renewal. If you are renewing in person, also bring proof of North Dakota residency — a recent utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address works.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, or card, depending on the examination station.
If your license is expired or suspended
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may need to pass a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 701-328-2725 to find out what is required in your situation.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Call the department to learn the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. North Dakota began issuing Real ID licenses in 2009. If your current license has the gold star, you can renew online or by mail. If it does not have the star, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online.
When you renew in person, you can request a Real ID-compliant license if you do not already have one. You will need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID) and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The fee is the same: $65 for eight years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Dakota license before it expires?
Yes, you can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Online and mail renewal are both available for licenses that are not yet expired.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days by mail. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the department receives your envelope. In-person renewal gives you your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the station.
What if I moved and need to update my address?
You must renew in person if you need to change your address. Bring your current license, proof of your new North Dakota address, and $65 to any driver's license examination station. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your current photo stays on your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license examination station.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?
If you applied online or by mail before your license expired, you are legally allowed to drive while your renewal is being processed. Keep a copy of your process confirmation or receipt with you until your new license arrives.