North Dakota License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in North Dakota
You renew your license through the Department of Transportation (DOT). ND licenses last 6 years. They expire on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DOT renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DOT office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
- By mail — follow the steps on your renewal notice.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Visit the ND DOT website. Check if you can renew online. Your license must not be expired over 1 year.
- Gather documents — Have your license, SSN, and payment ready. For REAL ID, bring your birth certificate and proof of ND residency.
- Complete the renewal — Use the online portal, visit a DOT drivers license site, or mail in the form. Review your info and submit.
- Pass the vision test — In-person renewals require a vision test.
- Receive your license — Get a temp license at the office. Online or by mail? Your card arrives in 10 to 14 business days.
North Dakota Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $15 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $8 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $5 |
| Name change | $8 |
| Written test retake | $5 |
| Valid for | 6 years |
The fee is $15 for a 6-year license. That is one of the lowest fees in the U.S.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired North Dakota driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Proof of ND residency (for REAL ID)
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 1 year
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have no medical holds or restrictions
- You did not renew online last time
ND requires in-person renewal with a photo at least every other cycle.
Go to DOT online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your North Dakota License Expires
North Dakota has no grace period. Your license is expired the day after the date on the card.
- Before expiry — Up to 6 months before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 1 year after expiry for standard renewal
- Long-lapsed penalty — Over 1 year expired? Retake the written and road tests. Driving on an expired license is a non-criminal violation.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in North Dakota. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person renewal.
- In-person visits — ND requires in-person renewal with a photo at least every other cycle.
- Wait time — In-person renewals issue a temp license right away. Your card arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days.
Common North Dakota License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not knowing the fee is only $15
ND has one of the cheapest license fees in the U.S. Do not assume it costs more.
Letting your license expire over 1 year
Past 1 year, you retake the written and road tests. Renew within the year to avoid testing.
Trying to renew online twice in a row
ND requires alternating methods. Online one time, in person the next.
Forgetting about mail renewal when traveling
ND offers mail renewal if you are temporarily out of state. Few states allow this.
REAL ID Info for North Dakota
ND offers REAL ID at no extra cost. Visit a DOT drivers license site with your birth certificate or passport, SSN, and proof of ND address.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
What Makes North Dakota Different
ND has one of the lowest renewal fees in the U.S. at $15 for 6 years.
ND lets you renew by mail if you are temporarily out of state.
ND treats expired license driving as a non-criminal violation, not a misdemeanor.