You must replace a lost drivers license in North Dakota before operating a vehicle in the state. Obtaining a replacement drivers license is also necessary for if your card is damaged and the details or photo cannot be distinguished. Cards that are marred are not considered valid documentation, and you must replace licenses quickly if you wish to avoid risking being ticketed for driving without a valid license on hand. Likewise, you will need to replace your card if the information or photo is no longer relevant, such as a formerly used name or an outdated picture.

Although the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) does not offer a replacement drivers license copy online at this time, you may obtain documents easily by appearing in person at an NDDOT driver’s license office. Keep reading the information outlined below to learn valuable tips on how to replace drivers license documents in North Dakota, including obtaining a duplicate copy if you are out-of-state when you lose your license.

When is a replacement drivers license required in North Dakota?

You should urgently pursue a DMV duplicate license, as it is illegal to drive in North Dakota without a valid driving credential in your vehicle. A North Dakota duplicate drivers license is available to most drivers who have lost their license or damaged it to the point that the text is illegible, the card is broken or the photograph is unrecognizable. If you suspect that your credential was stolen, then you are not required by law to report it to the authorities.

However, if you notify your local law enforcement agency that you are replacing drivers license documents because of theft, then it can help protect you from identity theft or other illegal actions committed by a criminal fraudulently using your card.

Because your copy of drivers license documentation must always reflect your current personal details, you should replace your license if your name or address changes. Likewise, you will need a replacement copy after a gender transition or another significant change to your appearance.

Responsible drivers will honor their earned driving privileges by obtaining a replacement copy with updated details as soon as possible after major life changes.

How to Replace Your North Dakota Drivers License

If you are wondering, “Where can I get a copy of my drivers license?” then note that the process replacing a license is a simple one that involves appearing in person at one of the ND driver’s license sites during normal business hours. You may want to call ahead to ask if that office sets appointments for replacement drivers license services, as having an appointment can save a lot of time waiting in line.

To obtain a drivers license replacement in North Dakota, you must still be a resident of the state and provide adequate proof of your identity. The list of acceptable documents to replace lost drivers license credentials is extensive but some of the most commonly used documents include the following:

  • A state-certified, government-issued U.S. birth certificate
  • A valid and unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
  • A Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Government
  • A valid foreign passport presented with an I-94 card or an I-551 stamp
  • A U.S. Active Duty, Reservist or Retiree military ID card

Immigrants who need to replace drivers license credentials but lack the above documents may present one of the following unexpired immigration documents:

  • I-551 Resident Alien
  • I-766 Employment Authorization Card
  • N560 Certificate of Citizenship
  • N550 Certificate of Naturalization
  • I-94 card stamped with a refugee, asylee or parolee designation.

When processing a duplicate drivers license application, NDDOT reserves the right to accept or reject any document presented as proof of identification. When you need to obtain a replacement drivers license quickly, you should always provide original or certified copies of these vital ID documents. If you have a damaged license, then give it to the clerk.

To get copy of drivers license cards, you will also need to pay a fee.

Note: You may consider renewing your drivers license if you are within your renewal period, as this can reduce steps as well as save you the cost of duplicate credentials with the same expiration date.

Out-of-State Drivers License Replacement in North Dakota

If you discover a lost drivers license or damage your card while you are temporarily outside of North Dakota, then you may qualify to replace documentation by mail. This drivers license replacement option applies to full-time college students, residents working out-of-state and travelers.

It is also available to active-duty military personnel and their dependents who need to replace credentials while serving in another state or country.

North Dakota Drivers License Replacement Fees

The ND duplicate drivers license fee of $8 can vary depending on certain circumstances, but it must be paid in full at the time you submit your application. You may pay your replacement fee in person with cash, check, money order or with a major credit or debit card.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.