You can apply for a new driver's license at any driver's license site in North Dakota. Obtain a North Dakota Drivers handbook to familiarize with the driving rules and regulations.

NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements for applying for a North Dakota driver's license:

1. Applicants must be 16 years or older. However, applicants 14 years or older can apply for a ND restricted license. For those aged 14 and above can have donor identification on their operator's license, permit or identification card, by signing the donor column in the application form.
2. Applicants can have a walk-in written test, after paying a $5 fee at the ND driver's license offices. However one needs to schedule an appointment for a road test. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test.
3. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of name and date of birth. Only original or certified documents should be provided as North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) does not accept any photocopies.
4. Only those applicants with a valid Social Security Number are eligible for a license.

NEW RESIDENTS

Out-of state residents can use their existing driver's license for not more than 60 days after becoming a ND resident. Anyone who has lived in North Dakota for maximum 90 consecutive days is a resident of the state and fulfills the requirement to obtain a ND driver's license.

Exceptions to this rule include students from outside state, tourists and Armed forces nonresident members. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification, residency and presence. Make sure to inform the Drivers License and Traffic Safety Division for any address change. This service is also available online.

Non-US citizens residing in North Dakota may apply for a North Dakota driver's license, as long as they can provide original identification documents as listed above.

FEES

The cost for a non-commercial North Dakota permit or driver's license is $10.

For a duplicate license, a name or address change, the fee is only $8 or $3. The written and road test fees are $5 each. A non-driver photo identification card is issued at a fee of $8. A commercial permit or driver's license can be obtained at a fee of $15 plus $3 per endorsement.

VALIDITY

A ND license is valid for 4 years from the driver's date of birth. One can check their ND Driver's license status here.

If your existing license has an expiry date of not more than 10 months, make sure that you renew it at NDDOT sites. Individuals whose license has expired for more than a year need to give the test again to obtain a ND driver's license.

LEARNER'S PERMIT

With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in North Dakota with a learner's permit. See more information on Learners Permit here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Renewing Your License.
• For information on other types of licenses, see Commercial Driver's Licenses, Motorcycle Licenses.
• It is necessary to have active Auto Insurance in order to drive legally in North Dakota.
• New drivers see our Driver Education , Driving Schools, Beginner Drivers and Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers sections.