Identification: US birth certificate, valid US passport, report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, permanent resident card, employment authorization card, foreign passport with I-94, I-94 card stamped refugee or asylee

Social Security number: Social Security card, 1099, W-2, pay stub (with social security number)

Proof of ND residence: Two current documents from List A OR one current document from List A and one current document from List B

List	Eligible documents
List A	Property tax form, mortgage/lease/rental agreement, homeowner’s/renter’s insurance policy, utility bill, non-cellular phone bill, parent’s proof of address for a minor child
List B	ND Driver’s License/ID Card/or Permit, valid ND vehicle registration or title, transcript or report card from school, financial statement, credit/debit/charge card statement, pay stub

All documents must contain both your name and your current physical residence address. PO Boxes are not acceptable.

What are the requirements for young drivers?

Applicants under 18 must obtain their parent’s or guardian’s signature on their application. If you’re under 18, you must also hold your learner’s permit for at least 6 months (12 months if you’re under 16) before applying for an operator’s license that will allow you to operate a vehicle alone.

Before applying for a restricted operator’s license, applicants who are 15 or younger must complete a log of 50 hours of driving practice that includes driving in the following conditions:

Rural areas

Urban areas

Night driving

Driving on dirt, gravel, or aggregate surface roads

Driving in winter conditions

Drivers under 16 must also complete driver education at their high school or other approved driving school.

Once you’ve completed these tasks, you’re ready to schedule your road test. If you have completed at least 20 hours of classroom training and minimum of 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, the road test can be waived.

Once you turn 16, your restricted license will become an unrestricted (adult) license.

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

New residents of North Dakota must exchange their valid out-of-state driver’s license for a North Dakota license within 10 days of becoming a North Dakota resident. You won’t have any additional tests to take to transfer your license, but you will have to pay a fee of $15.

How to get a driver’s license in North Dakota

Rules of the road knowledge test

The written knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions about North Dakota traffic laws and safe driving practices. To pass, you must answer at least 20 questions correctly. If you fail, you may retake the test for a $5 fee.

To study for the test, you should use the

ND Noncommercial Driver's Manual

. The NDDMV also offers a free

official sample test

for you to practice on.

Vision test

To pass the vision exam, you must have 20/40 vision with both eyes with or without corrective lenses.

On-road driving test

You may complete the driving test on the same day as your vision and knowledge tests if you’re 18 or over. If you’re under 18, you must hold your permit for 6-12 months and practice with an experienced driver.

For the test, you’ll need to bring your own legally registered vehicle plus:

Valid identification

A parent or guardian

Payment for the $5 fee

Bring all of your documents to the North Dakota driving test. During driving test, your examiner will grade you on the following:

Keeping in a proper lane

Giving the proper signals

Good driving posture

Parallel parking

Obeying traffic signs and laws

Controlling your speed

Constantly checking the road (using mirror and turning your head)

Right and left turns

Turning into a proper lane

If you fail the test, you may not retake it the same day. If you pass your driving test, you’ll receive your driver’s license the same day.

How to save money on car insurance in North Dakota

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FAQs

What do I need for a North Dakota driver’s license?

To get your driver’s license in North Dakota, you’ll need valid identification, a Social Security number or equivalent documentation, and proof of residential address.

How much does it cost to get a North Dakota driver’s license?

All first-time drivers must pay fees of $10 for a new license.

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