How to Renew Your Driver's License in North Dakota

Renew your North Dakota license plate for $15 by mail, online, or in person.
Written by Veronica Manning
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
background
North Dakota residents can renew their license online or by visiting the DMV. Both types of renewal will cost you $15. Only out-of-state residents and military personnel can renew their licenses by mail.
Nobody should drive with an expired license. Sure, you might avoid spending time at the DMV, but delaying a license renewal can result in fines at best or jail time at worst. Renew your license early to avoid any unpleasant consequences. 
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When to renew your driver’s license in North Dakota

Look for the license expiration date on the front of your card. This number is on the bottom of the card beneath your issue date. 
You can renew your license up to 10 months before the expiration date. Not to worry—if you decide to renew early, you won’t lose any time on your new license. 

How to renew your driver’s license in North Dakota

You can renew your North Dakota license online or by appointment at the DMV. Out-of-state residents also have the option of renewing by mail.  

Renew your license online

You can renew online if you’re not updating any information (aside from your address) or if you're not applying for a first-time REAL ID-compliant license. Use the portal on the North Dakota government website to submit your application. It’s as easy as following the instructions on their site. 
However, you can’t use the online portal if: 
  • You’re 70 or older
  • You have never renewed your license in person
  • You renewed online when your license last expired
Do you have restrictions 1, 2, or 5 on your license? If so, you’ll have to attach a recent eye test to your application. This must be the results from a vision screening test—eyeglass prescriptions don’t count. 
To update your address, you’ll need
proof of residency
. This can be a current utility bill, a copy of your mortgage, or tax documents. 
Before you get your license, you'll need to pay the $15 renewal fee.

Renew your license in person

If you’re renewing in person, you’ll need to make an appointment at your DMV office. Use the online scheduler on the NDOT website to request a date and time. 
After filling out the required information, you’ll be emailed a confirmation number. Make sure to bring this with you when you go to your renewal appointment! You’ll also need to take your current license and the $15 renewal fee. 
You’ll be asked to take a vision screening at your appointment. If you would like to skip this, you can bring a copy of vision screening results that are less than 6 months old
Do you need a commercial driver’s license? What about your first REAL ID-compliant license? Both types of applications can only be completed at the DMV. 

Renew your license by mail

Out-of-state residents and military members can apply for a license renewal by mail. Email
dl@nd.gov
or call the DMV Central Office at 701-328-4353 to request an application packet. You’ll need to provide the following information:
  • Your name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your North Dakota Driver’s Number OR your Social Security Number
  • Your out-of-state mailing address
  • Your reason for requesting a renewal by mail
Once you have your packet, just fill out all the information as instructed and return your paperwork by mail or fax. You’ll need to include payment for the $15 renewal fee. 

How long does it take to renew a North Dakota driver’s license? 

Getting a license renewal is fairly quick in North Dakota. You can expect your new license within 10 business days

How to save money on car insurance in North Dakota

After renewing your license, why not lower your car insurance premium?
Car insurance
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FAQs

There is no grace period in North Dakota. For every time you’re caught driving with an expired license, you’ll face a $20 fine and 4 demerit points. Enough points could result in your license getting suspended or even revoked.
All expired licenses require an additional  late fee to renew. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you’ll need to take a road test and a vision test as well.
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