A North Dakota state ID credential provides residents with valid proof of age, identification and address, as this information is often needed when voting, making an in-store purchase with a credit card, entering a bar or concert venue or checking into a hotel. If residents do not hold a driver’s license, they may obtain a non-driver photo identification document to use as a government-issued credential, instead. To obtain an ID card, however, applicants must reside in the state of North Dakota, as all customers must present two proofs of state residency.

When obtaining an identification card through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), state residents may obtain a REAL ID-compliant or non-compliant ID credential. While there is no added fee to purchase a REAL ID-compliant card, state residents may not need this type of identification if they hold a valid passport book or card. To learn more about these requirements, review the sections below.

North Dakota DMV ID Requirements

As part of the North Dakota DMV state ID requirements, qualifying residents may purchase a non-driving identification credential at any age, as long as they do not hold a valid driver’s license. Additionally, North Dakota residents may register to become organ donors at the same time. However, applicants cannot register as organ donors until they turn 14 years of age.

Moreover, photo identification cards are only available to North Dakota residents who have resided in the state for at least 90 consecutive days. When purchasing an identification credential, applicants must present recent proof of state residency.

What do you need to get an ID in North Dakota?

“What do you need to get a state ID in North Dakota?” is a commonly-asked question, especially as NDDOT begins to issue REAL ID-compliant credentials, in addition to standard cards. When applying for any type of identification credential, however, customers must complete an application, and present proof of identification, SSN and state residency. For instance, these documents include:

  • One proof of identification. This document must include the applicant’s name, legal presence in the U.S., and birthdate, on a document such as a certified copy of a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization or a valid Permanent Resident card. If an applicant’s current name differs from the name on this identity document, he or she must present proof of the name change, as well. These additional documents needed for state ID eligibility may include a certified copy of a marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree.
  • One proof of Social Security Number (SSN). This document may include an original Social Security card, a paystub that includes the applicant’s name and SSN, or a W-2, SSA 1099 or non-SSA 1099 form.
  • Two proofs of North Dakota residency. As proof of state residency when obtaining a DMV ID card, an applicant must submit two documents that include his or her name and current residential address, as Post Office Boxes are not accepted as proof.

When obtaining a government issued ID in ND, an applicant may provide proof of his or her state residency by submitting one current document from List A and List B, or two current proofs of address from List A. For instance, List A includes the following:

  • Property tax forms
  • Mortgage or rental agreements
  • Utility bills for services such as recycling, water or gas
  • A landline telephone bill
  • A rental or homeowner’s insurance policy

If obtaining a child ID card for a minor younger than 18 years of age, proof of address may be listed under a parent or guardian’s name.

Moreover, List B includes a current North Dakota identification credential, a state-issued permit or driver’s license, a vehicle registration or title certificate, a school transcript or a credit card statement.

Additionally, applicants must pay a DMV ID card fee when purchasing an identification credential, unless they are older than 18 years of age.

How to Get an ID in North Dakota

Knowing where to get state ID credentials helps customers to save time during the application process. To get started, all customers must visit a local driver’s license site to complete the application process, in person. Residents cannot get ID online in ND, as they must appear in person to complete an application, and submit proof of identification, SSN and state residency. After obtaining an ID credential, the card remains valid for eight years from the original date of issuance.

To learn more about the process of applying for a non-driver identification credential, applicants may contact NDDOT at 855-633-6835, or those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 7-1-1.

REAL ID Cards in North Dakota

A North Dakota REAL ID card complies with federal security standards under the REAL ID Act of 2005. This type of credential displays a star in its top-right corner, as proof of its compliance with the REAL ID Act, while standard identification credentials do not. However, there is no additional fee to purchase a REAL ID-compliant card, as the cost of purchasing a standard or REAL ID credential is the same.

As of May 1, 2018, residents can apply for REAL ID credentials in person, at any local driver’s license site in the state. When applying, customers must provide the same information, regardless of whether they wish to obtain a REAL ID-compliant or non-compliant card. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant or standard identification credential, for instance, North Dakota residents must complete the following steps:

  1. Visit a local driver’s license site
  2. Present proof of identity and SSN
  3. Provide two proofs of state residency
  4. Provide evidence of a name change, if the applicant’s current legal name differs from the name on his or her identity document

Moreover, REAL ID cards are optional in the state, and North Dakota residents may choose to obtain the non-compliant credential if they prefer to do so. Until October 1, 2020, North Dakota residents may use their non-compliant credentials as valid proof of identification when boarding commercial aircrafts and entering certain facilities, such as airbases or federal courthouses. After October 1, 2020, however, those who do not apply for the REAL ID card will need to present another federally accepted form of identification when entering military bases, certain federal facilities, nuclear power plants or commercial aircrafts.

In addition to the REAL ID-compliant ID card, other federally accepted credentials include passport books or cards, as well as military IDs. If North Dakota residents hold passports or military IDs, they may not want – or need – a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification credential.

How to Renew or Replace a State ID in North Dakota

To replace a lost ID card in ND, North Dakota residents must visit a local driver’s license site to purchase a replacement credential, in person. During this time, cardholders may need to present proof of identity, birthdate, legal presence, SSN and North Dakota residency, if they have not already done so.

Additionally, North Dakota residents must renew their identification materials in person, before their cards expire.

DMV ID Costs in North Dakota

In North Dakota, current fees for non-driver identification credentials are as follows:

  • $8 if applicants are younger than 18 years of age
  • $0 if applicants are older than 18 years of age
  • $8 to replace a lost, damaged or stolen credential
Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.