Last verified: 23/09/2026
North Dakota at a glance
This guide explains Driver's License requirements in North Dakota, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.
Eligibility & Age Rules
<p>North Dakota allows a restricted license at 15. A regular license is available at 16. Minors need a parent or legal guardian signature, and the applicable permit, supervised-driving and testing requirements must be completed before unrestricted driving privileges.</p>
Costs, timing and validity
Restricted license: 15. Regular driving age: 16. Applicants under 18 require a parent or legal guardian signature for a permit or license.
Noncommercial learner permit or driver's license: $15. Written test: $5. Road test: $5. A duplicate license is $8, or $3 for a name/address change only.
Noncommercial driver's license renewal: $15. If the license has been expired more than one year, the applicant must retake the knowledge and road tests.
A North Dakota operator's license generally expires on the applicant's birthday and is renewed on a state-defined cycle; the expiration date printed on the credential controls. The renewal may be completed up to 10 months before expiration.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
Applicants must provide original or certified proof of identity, date of birth and lawful presence, proof of North Dakota residence, and Social Security information. Name changes require certified legal documentation. REAL ID applicants have additional document requirements.
How to apply
Make an appointment at a North Dakota Driver License Site, provide the required identity and residency documents, complete the application, pass the required vision, knowledge and road tests, and pay the applicable fees.
Testing, Training & Restrictions
<p>Applicants complete the required vision screening, knowledge examination and road test. The written and road tests are each $5. An applicant transferring a valid out-of-state license generally follows a different testing pathway.</p>
Renewal and ongoing requirements
<p>Eligible drivers can renew online or in person. The DMV allows renewal up to 10 months before expiration. A license expired more than one year requires both knowledge and road testing before relicensing.</p>
Processing time
The DMV issues a temporary credential when applicable and produces the permanent license after the transaction. Delivery time varies by production and mailing.