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north dakota drivers license renewal - ND

Renew your North Dakota drivers license. Prepare all your DOT info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your ND drivers license renewal. To renew your expiring drivers license you'll want to appear in person at a driver license office. You can even make an appointment to speed things up. If you are currently on active duty please visit our military section below to see your renewal options. Another very convenient option is to allow us to guide you through your North Dakota renewal process. Just sign up and we’ll supply you with a checklist, and all of the pertinent forms, rules, and procedures. Please continue reading below to get started with your North Dakota license renewal.

North Dakota Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

Your class D operator's license in the Peace Garden State will always expire on your birthday (midnight). Typically, it will last for a period of four (4) years, but Its exact expiration date depends on the date that you applied. However, if you are a foreign driver, the duration of your license will coincide with your legal status. If any of this seems confusing don't worry. Just look at the your current license and on the front part you will see a space called Expires which will contain your exact expiration date (see sample below).

 

Never drive a vehicle without your license. Doing otherwise will result in a ticket. In the event that you've misplaced or lost it, file for a replacement as soon as possible.

Renewal Notice

It's possible that weeks before your expiration, the ND DOT will send you a reminder of your upcoming renewal. However, this is not a requirement for renewal. They will mail the notice to the mailing address on file for you. Please keep your address current and provide them with any address change. Ultimately, you are the only person responsible for renewing on time. You should not wait for a notice if you haven't received one. 

When To Renew

In the event that you are away from the state because of travel or work related duties, the state of North Dakota will give you enough time to renew before your expiration date. You may renew as early as ten (10) months before your license expires. Please take advantage of this in order to avoid unecessary delays.

Expired North Dakota License

The DOT knows that not everyone will be able to renew during the 10 month period prior to expiration. You might have forgotten, you might have been too busy or maybe you were living away from North Dakota . If you do not renew before the expiration date, your license will expire. Do not drive with an expired license. However, if at renewal time you bring a license that has expired for less than one (1) year, you will be able to renew it without having to pay any fines or having to retake any tests. 

A suspension is when your license is temporarily taken away. You must serve the established suspension period without a license, and then you must apply to have your license reinstated. Reasons for having your license suspended can be due to a conviction for driving while under the influence, repeated driving offenses, manslaughter, etc..  Renewing with a suspended license will not be allowed. 

Following a suspension you will definitely see an increase in your insurance rates. That's why it's wise to use our Insurance Guide in order to find the lowest rate in your state. 

Renew North Dakota Drivers License Online

Please visit the following ONLINE RENEWAL page to get started with your online renewal. 

North Dakota Drivers License Renew by Mail

Drivers in North Dakota are not allowed to renew by mail.

North Dakota Drivers License Renewal for Military Drivers

If you are currently a military driver on active duty, and currently serving outside of North Dakota, you do not have to renew your license. Your current license will remain valid and you may drive with it for an extra thirty (30) days from the date that you return to North Dakota. This rule does not apply for your dependents.

Requirements 

  • You do not need to take any action. Your license will remain valid as long as your are serving outside of the state. 
  • If your license is taken away due to a suspension, revocation or cancelation, this rule with not apply any more.

Renewal Steps for U.S. Military Drivers

  • When you move back to North Dakota, prepare to visit any driver license office. You'll have thirty (30) days to do this.
  • You will need to bring your current driver's license. 
  • You'll need to show your Military ID. 
  • You'll need to show proof that you were serving the military. Proof can be any one of the following:
    • Military orders - the separation date must not be older than 30 days. 
    • LES papers.
    • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.
    • Letter from your station.

If you would like to confirm any of this information please send the DOT an online message or call them at (701) 328-2600.

Renew North Dakota Drivers License In Person

This is the only option allowed for most drivers in North Dakota. 

Requirements to Renew In Person

  • If your license has expired for more than twelve (12) months, you will need to pass all tests. 

STEPS

  1. Bring your current expiring driver's license which will serve as proof of identification. 
  2. Make an appointment for your renewal visit with the DOT at the following link.
  3. Drive or have someone take you to a driver license office. The offices are not open past 4:45pm. Please note their hours of operation. Some offices even close for a 1 hour lunch break.
  4. You must have your vision checked. This can be accomplished by either of the following ways:
    1. The DOT will administer the vision exam on renewal day. 
    2. You may have your own eye care specialist perform the test. Please bring a certificate, that is less than 6 months old, with the results
  5. No additional tests are required unless your license has been expired for more than twelve (12) months.
  6. Make payment for the $15.00 cost.
  7. Your photograph will be taken.
  8. You will be given your new license.


If you have any more questions please contact the ND DOT here:

Online: Contact ND DOT
By Phone: (701) 328-2600

 

North Dakota Drivers License Renewal Documents

  • Please bring your license that is about to expire (or expired) as proof of ID.
  • If you have lost your license, please bring the following proof of ID documents.

Auto Insurance

If you've been with the same insurance company for a long time, you might not be aware of the additional savings that you could get by shopping around. Renewing your driver's license is a great time to do this. Since liability insurance is a requirement by law in North Dakota, you must always drive with a vehicle that is adequately covered for both bodily injury and property damage that you may cause. We can help you make sure that you're getting the best rates. Just visit our Insurance Guide and we'll do it for free.