North Dakota License Renewal

Drivers License
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The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) oversees the license renewal process.

The state sends a renewal notice about 2 months in advance, before the expiration date at midnight on your birthday. You can renew a license up to 10 months before its expiration. Failing to renew your license on time may result in penalties.

How to Renew Your ND Driver’s License

A valid ND driver’s license is required if you drive on state roads and highways. North Dakota auto insurance is a requirement, too, if you plan to operate your vehicle. The renewal process doesn’t take long if you have documents ready and follow the steps below.

You may set an appointment when renewing in person using the state’s online scheduler. You will receive a confirmation number you’ll bring to the location.

In-Person Renewals

Here is what all you need to renew your North Dakota driver’s license in person:

  1. Find an NDDOT office
  2. Show your current driver’s license
  3. Pass your vision test, or:
    1. Show a vision test certificate from a physician (within 6 months of renewal)
  4. Pay the $15 license renewal fee

Congratulations! You’ve successfully renewed your North Dakota driver’s license. You’ll receive your new license and be on your way.

Online Renewals

Online renewals are available to those:

  • Between 21 and 65 with a valid license
  • Renewing a Class D or Class M license
  • A prior renewal was done in-person
  • Don’t need to change any personal information
  • Having renewed at least once after 21 years old
  • Meet the medical and vision requirements

You will do the following to renew your license online:

  1. Visit the North Dakota renewal portal
  2. Input your information:
    1. Name
    2. License #
    3. Date of Birth
    4. Last 4-digits of SSN
    5. Residential address
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts
  4. Pay the $15 renewal fee

You should receive your new license in a few weeks at the address you have on file.

Mail-In Renewals

Military members and out-of-state residents can call 701-328-2600 to request a mail-in renewal packet – then provide the following information:

  • Name and DoB
  • License # or SSN
  • Reason for the request
  • Mailing address

Complete the packet, including a $15 renewal payment, and send the info to:

Driver License Division

608 E. Boulevard Ave

Bismarck, ND 58505

Active military members can continue driving on an expired license given they have a military ID until they’re ready to renew. The individual or their spouse/dependent can renew on their by mail if their license hasn’t expired beyond the 1-year mark. Returning members, no longer on duty, will need to do a renewal in-person within 30 days of returning.

You can renew your license up to 1 year after its expiration. Waiting past the 1-year mark may require you to retake the knowledge and road tests before it’s awarded.

Valid North Dakota license renewals are available:

  • In-person
  • Online

You can check your license validity and expiration date by requesting driving records. Otherwise, take note of its expiration on the card or if you’ve marked it on the calendar.

The following sections share the step-by-step process to renew your ND driver’s license.

Become a Better North Dakota Driver

Looking for more information and guides to become a better North Dakota driver? Check out our ND DMV topics, browse our DMV directory, or get active in the community! We offer a wide range of helpful guides and tips to improve your driving experience.

Conclusion

It’s clear that North Dakota makes the process of license renewal quite straightforward for residents. With online tools to help simplify the process and ample resources available from the DMV, both in-person and online, there is no reason why citizens should be at a loss when their license needs to be renewed.