Frequently Asked Questions

We Are Here to Help - Search Our FAQs

Navigate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?

Your lost or stolen drivers license will need to be replaced at a North Dakota Department of Transportation Driver s License office location. Drivers are not required to report a stolen or lost drivers license, however, it is highly recommended to do so in order to prevent the risk of identity theft. Having a record of the theft may help protect you from any fraudulent use of your drivers license. Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 701-328-4353 for more information on reporting a lost or stolen driver s license.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?

The North Dakota Noncommercial Driver s License Manual contains all the knowledge needed to pass the written drivers test and road tests. You can obtain a copy of the manual on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or you may pick up a physical copy at a DMV location. A Spanish translation of the Class D noncommercial driver manual is available. There is also an audio version of the manual.

How can I renew my drivers license?

To renew drivers license, you must apply in person at a North Dakota Department of Transportation Driver License site. You may book an appoint in advance via the online scheduling system.

Upon arrival, you will need to provide your booking confirmation number, if applicable, and your current driver s license when applying for a drivers license renewal. The North Dakota drivers license renewal fee is $15. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

How do I apply for a drivers license?

To apply for drivers license in the state of North Dakota, you will need to take the following steps:

Visit a ND DMV
Provide proof of identity
Provide proof North Dakota residency
Make an appointment for a road test
Take the written driver test
Pay the fees

Currently, the total cost of fees to apply for a new drivers license is $20. The road test is $5, the written test fee is $5, and it costs $15 for the actual driver s license. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in North Dakota

How do I get a hardship license?

If you have a suspended drivers license, you may be able to get a hardship license in order to be able to drive to places of necessity such as work. To get a hardship license in the state of North Dakota, you must fill out a Temporary Restricted License Request. The following are the general requirements to get a North Dakota work permit:

Must be age 18 or older
For Class D and Class M license holders only
Must pay reinstatement fee

You may mail the completed form to the North Dakota Department of Transportation Drivers License Division.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

Military members who are stationed out-of-state and need to replace their drivers license have options in the state of North Dakota. North Dakota residents temporarily out of state may apply for a duplicate license by mail. Whether you are out of state because you are an active duty military member, spouse of a military member, or you are away on vacation, you may be eligible for this service.

For instructions on how to apply for a drivers license replacement by mail, you must contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Central Office at 701-328-4353 for more information.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I know if my license was mailed after it has been restored?

After the ND DMV receives your reinstatement fee and required documentation, it usually needs a few days to process the payment and documentation. If you have not received your restored drivers license within that time, contact the North Dakota DMV. You can call their toll-free number or make an in-person at one of their offices.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

How do I obtain a duplicate license?

If your driver s license has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, then you may apply for a duplicate drivers license. To apply, follow these steps:

Visit a North Dakota DMV location
Present proof of identity:
1. US birth certificate
2. US passport

Pay the $8drivers license replacement fee

Fees are subject to change. Only North Dakota residents may apply for a duplicate license.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate after a revocation as a Habitual Traffic Offender?

The state of North Dakota does not have a Habitual Traffic Offender law, however, too many points accumulated on your driving record can lead to a suspended driving license. If you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record then you drivers license will be suspended. Your drivers license will be suspended for seven days for each point over 11 points. Drivers must pay the driver license reinstatement fees assessed according to their violation(s).

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

How do I reinstate my suspended license?

To reinstate a suspended drivers license in the state of North Dakota, you must first pay your required reinstatement fee(s). Your suspension length will vary depending on the type of violation and the points assessed to your record. The North Dakota Department of Transportation offers three ways to pay including:

By mail
By phone
Online

Contact the ND DOT at 701-328-4355 for information on how to reinstate your drivers license if it was suspended due to a medical condition.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?

If you are an active duty member of the military stationed out of state then you have a few options when it comes to renewing drivers license. You may either renew by mail or use your extended term drivers license.

An extended term drivers license allows for active duty members of the military to still use their expired drivers license if they are located out of the state. Once you return to North Dakota, you have a 30-day grace period to renew your expired drivers license. You cannot qualify for the extended term drivers license if your license has been suspended, cancelled, or revoked.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?

All North Dakota drivers license holders must present one acceptable form of identification when applying to replace drivers license. For non-US citizens, some acceptable forms of ID include:

Foreign passport with I-551 stamp or I-95 card
Employment authorization card, I-766
Certificate of Naturalization, N550

You must apply in person for a duplicate license at a ND DOT Driver s License office.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?

If youlost your drivers license out of state, then you may be able to replace your North Dakota drivers license while you are away. Drivers may be eligible to get a drivers license replacementif they are temporarily out of state for reasons, such as:

Part-time residency
Full-time college student
Traveling/on vacation

Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation Central Office at 701-328-4353 for more information on how to arrange for a driver s license replacement while you are out of state.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?

The North Dakota DMV checks your vision by screening to see if you are fit to drive on public roads. You must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes. The minimum visual acuity acceptable is at least 20/80 in the ‘good’ eye if 20/100 in other eye. Your vision is also tested upon renewal of your drivers license.

In lieu of a vison test, you may submit at certificate of vision from a physician or optometrist. The exam must have been taken at least six months prior to applying for drivers license.

To find out more information on exactly how the North Dakota DMV tests your vision, you may contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 1-855-633-6835.

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?

The state of North Dakota has some strict consequences for drivers pulled over for a DUI who refuse to submit to a chemical test. Your drivers license will be revoked if you defy the implied consent law. For the first offence, you drivers license will be revoked for one year. You must also pay a $100 reinstatement fee and re-apply to reinstate revoked drivers license. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?

You can renew your North Dakota drivers license up to 10 months prior to its expiration date. Drivers will not lose anytime on their driver license by choosing to renew early. Renewal notices are mailed out two months prior to the expiration of your drivers license. You do not need to bring the renewal notice with you to renew drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?

If your driver s license was lost or stolen, you may choose to file a police report. If you file a police report, it is up to the North Dakota Department of Transportation to decide if your drivers license replacement fee will be waived. Contact them at 701-328-4353 for more information. Filing a police report may also help protect you from fraudulent use of your driver s license and personal information.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

If my drivers license has been lost or stolen, how can I get it flagged with the DMV?

In North Dakota, the DMV may flag your license number if another driver presents your driving license as their own when being pulled over by law enforcement. Also, a DMV clerk might suggest that you should apply for a duplicate license. However, to be on the safe side, immediately report your drivers license as lost or stolen at your nearest North Dakota DMV.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?

There are no age-based requirements for drivers license renewal in North Dakota.All drivers license renewal applicants must take a vison test. All drivers license renewal applicants must take a vison test.The minimum visual acuity acceptable is at least 20/80 in the ‘good’ eye if 20/100 in other eye. Though residents of any age are eligible to apply for drivers license renewal, the North Dakota DMV encourages families to talk to their senior family member about their ability to drive in their advanced age.

For more information: Renew License in North Dakota

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?

If your drivers license has been lost or stolen while you are away, then you may apply to get a duplicate driverslicense by mail. You must contact the North Dakota Department of TransportationCentral Office at 701-328-4353 for more information on this process is handled.

It is likely that a representative from the ND DOT will ask for the mailing address that you want your replacement license sent to. Also, you may have to provide some verifying information such as proof of identity in order to have a duplicate license mailed to you at an out-of-state address.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?

There are no age-based requirements for drivers license renewal in North Dakota. All drivers license renewal applicants must take a vison test.

In lieu of a vison test, you may submit at certificate of vision from a physician or optometrist. The exam must have taken place within the six months prior to your renewal application. The minimum visual acuity acceptable is at least 20/80 in the ‘good’ eye if 20/100 in other eye. The North Dakota DMV encourages families to talk to their senior family member about their ability to drive in their advanced age.

For more information: How to Renew a Drivers License in North Dakota

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?

In the state of North Dakota, some of the violations that may result in a suspended drivers license include:

Failure to maintain liability insurance.
Failure to pay child support.
An accumulation of 12 or more points on your driving record.
A DUI conviction.

Suspension lengths vary depending on the violation and/or how many points you have accumulated on your driving record.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?

If you drive with a suspended drivers license, you may face consequences, such as:

Having your drivers license revoked.
Having to pay extra reinstatement fees.

If you are caught driving with a suspended license, your drivers license will be once again suspended for the same period of time as your original suspension.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?

The North Dakota drivers license replacement fee is $8. Along with your fee, you need to bring an acceptable form of identification with you to the ND DOT driver license office to get your duplicate drivers license. Examples of acceptable forms of identification are:

US birth certificate
Foreign passport with I-551 stamp or I-95 card
North Dakota permit, driver s license, or ID card

You must apply for a duplicate license in person at a ND DMV location.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?

Suspended drivers license reinstatement fees are assessed by the type of violation that occurred. Some examples of North Dakota drivers license reinstatement fees are as follows:

Failure to show proof of insurance: $50
Accumulation of 12 or more points: $50
Refusal to submit to chemical testing: $100

These are just a sample of fees you can expect to pay to reinstate your drivers license in the state of North Dakota. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?

You may be eligible to apply for a temporary restricted license, also known as a work permit, if your North Dakota drivers license was suspended. A work permit allows you to drive with a suspended drivers license for life necessities only, such as going to and from work, school, grocery store, etc.Drivers may not be eligible for a work permit if they have too many violations and/or convictions accumulated on their driving record. If you drivers license was revoked, you will not be eligible to apply for a work permit.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?

If you fail your driving test, you may schedule a test for another day. You cannot retake the test on the same day.To ensure that you pass your North Dakota driving test on your next try, you must follow the instructions of the test examiner. Also, be sure to follow the rules of the road by using your signals properly and obeying all road signs and traffic laws. It is also a good idea to maintain proper posture for the duration of your driving test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in North Dakota

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?

To get drivers license in North Dakota, you will need proof of your identity and of your North Dakota residence. The following are the documents you need to get a driver s license and some examples of them:

One proof of name, date of birth, and legal presence in the United States:
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization

One proof of Social Security Number:
- Social Security Card
- W-2 form

Two proofs of North Dakota residence:
- Government issued tax form
- Bank statement
- Utility bill

P.O. boxes are not acceptable forms of residence addresses in North Dakota.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in North Dakota

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?

In the state of North Dakota, you will need to renew drivers license in person at a DMV location. The documents you will be required to provide include:

Current North Dakota driver s license
Payment for the $15 renewal fee

Fees are subject to change. If you choose to schedule an appointment to renew your drivers license, you will also need to bring with you the booking confirmation number you received online.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?

To apply for a ND duplicate drivers license, you will need to present proof of your identity and legal presence in the United States. Examples of acceptable proof of identity and citizenship status include but are not limited to:

Government issued US birth certificate
Canadian birth certificate, if one of the parents was born in Canada
Certificate of citizenship

You must be a resident of the state of North Dakota to receive a drivers license replacement.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?

The North Dakota drivers license written test is available in 11 different languages. There are also American Sign Language and audio versions of the test available. The written test is available in the following languages:

Arabic
English
Nepali
Russian
Serb Croatian
Somali
Spanish
Swahili
Turkish
Vietnamese

Audio and American Sign Language versions of the test are only available at the Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Minot, and Williston DMV locations.

For more information: Written Test in North Dakota

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?

Drivers may renew their North Dakota drivers license up to 10 months before it expires without losing any time on it. Technically, your driving privileges expire on your birthday at midnight.

You may use your expired drivers license for one year without facing any penalties. If you do not renew expired drivers licenseone yearafter your driver s license expires, you will have to re-take the knowledge and road tests.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?

If you have not received your renewed driver s license, you should contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation at 701-328-2500 to inquire about the status of your drivers license renewal. Technically, you have up to one year following the expiration of your drivers license to renew.

After one year, you must re-take the knowledge and road tests. Be sure that your mailing address is up to date with the North Dakota DMV so that you receive your renewed drivers license in a timely manner.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?

To get your North Dakota drivers license as a first time applicant, you will have to take a few tests including:

Written knowledge test
Road test
Vision test

You must make an appointment for road test online before you go to the DMV location. However, applicants are not required to make an appointment to take the written drivers test. The cost for each test is $5. Fees are subject to change.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in North Dakota

What type of noncommercial license will I need?

To operate any one motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) under 26,001 pounds, the North Dakota DMV issues a Class D noncommercial drivers license. Classes A, B, and C are reserved for commercial driving. A Class M drivers license is for the operation of two or three-wheeled motorcycles. Drivers with a Class D license who are 15 years old may also operate a farm vehicle within 150 miles of their farm.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in North Dakota

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?

The length of your drivers license suspension depends on the type of violation as well as the number of points you have accumulated on your driving record. You may apply for North Dakota suspended drivers license reinstatement after your suspension period is over. Drivers licenses suspensions are handed out once you reach 12 points on your driving record. Your driver license will be suspended for seven days for each point you accumulate after 11 points.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

When will I need to renew my license?

Your North Dakota drivers license expires on your birthday, six years after it was issued. The ND DOT sends out drivers license renewal reminders approximately two months prior to the expiration of your driver s license. Although, you may renew up to 10 months prior to your expiration date without losing time on your drivers license. You have up to one year after your drivers license expires to renew license without having to retake the knowledge and road skills tests.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?

When you receive your drivers license replacement after applying is dependent on the procedures of the North Dakota Department of Transportation. You may receive your replacement license in any one of the following manners:

On site at a ND DOT license office
By mail

If your license is sent by mail, you can usually expect it to arrive to your mailing address within seven to 10 business days.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated North Dakota Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation online system allows you to check on the status of our drivers license on their website. You may check the status of your driver s license by submitting your drivers license number.

Drivers may also order a limited driving record online for $3. The online driving record will not show any violations more than three years old. Additionally, drivers can check to see a drivers license suspensionby requesting a complete driving record by mail.

For more information: Suspended License Information for North Dakota

Where can I get a new drivers license?

Drivers can obtain a new ND drivers license at any North Dakota Department of Transportation Driver License site location. Office hours vary by location. All offices are closed from 12p.m.-1p.m. for lunch with the exception of the Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and MinotDMV locations.

You must schedule an appointment online to take the road test. You do not need to schedule the written test although, you must not arrive no later than one hour before noon or no later than one hour before closing to sit for the test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in North Dakota

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?

Yes, all applicants are required to take a vision test upon renewal of their North Dakota drivers license. You must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40 in one or both eyes. The minimum visual acuity acceptable is at least 20/80 in the ‘good’ eye if 20/100 in other eye. In lieu of a vison test, you may submit at certificate of vision from a physician or optometrist. The exam must have been taken at least six months prior to renewing drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?

Yes, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail from the North Dakota Department of Transportation around two months prior to the expiration of your driver s license. Renewal notices are third-class mail so if you have moved and not updated your address with the DMV, then these notices are not automatically forwarded to your new address. It is still the responsibility of the driver to renew drivers license before it expires. You do not need to bring your renewal notice with you to the DMV to renew your drivers license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in North Dakota