Welcome to the North Dakota NDDOT (DMV) guide. The most important rule you must know is that all in-person driver’s license services are by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
However, the “DMV” is not one single system. North Dakota uses three different systems for its services. This guide will show you which one to use so you don’t book the wrong appointment.
- Driver’s License Appointments: For your permit (written test), license renewal, new license, or REAL ID.
- Road Test Appointments: For your skills (driving) test. This uses a separate portal.
- Vehicle Registration (Motor Vehicle): For your plates and titles. This is handled online or by mail, not with the in-person appointment schedulers.
How to Schedule a DRIVER’S LICENSE Appointment (Permit, Renewal, REAL ID)
You must use this portal for all in-person driver’s license and ID card services.
Use this process for:
- First-time Learner’s Permit (Written Test)
- Driver’s License Renewal
- Transferring an Out-of-State License
- Getting your first REAL ID or a State ID Card
Step-by-Step Online Booking:
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the NDDOT Driver’s License appointment scheduler:[https://nqa3.nemoqappointment.com/Booking/Booking/Index/5KIDD4bc]
- Select “Driver’s License” and click “Book An Appointment.”
- Accept the terms and click “Next.”
- Select Your Location: Choose your preferred branch office.
- Select Your Service: This is the most important step.
- For a Permit Test: Choose “Knowledge Test” (or “Non-Driver Knowledge Test” for an ID).
- For a Renewal: Choose “Driver’s License Renewal” or “ID Card Renewal.”
- For a New Resident: Choose “Out-of-State Transfer.”
- For a Reinstatement: Choose “Reinstatement.” (Before you book this, you must complete all compliance items. You can see the full process in our guide to reinstating your ND driver’s license.)
- Pick a Date and Time: A calendar will show all available slots. (Note: These often fill up weeks in advance).
- Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
- Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation email. You must save this email, as it contains the link to cancel or reschedule.
How to Schedule Your ROAD TEST Appointment (Skills Test)
This is a separate system. You cannot book your road test on the portal above.
Step-by-Step Online Booking:
- Visit the Road Test Portal: Navigate to the official NDDOT Skills Test scheduler:[https://apps.nd.gov/dot/dlts/dlos/scheduleWelcome.htm]
- Enter Your Information: You must provide your First and Last Name, Date of Birth, and your ND Permit/License Number.
- Select Test Class: Choose “Class D” for a standard car.
- Select Location & Time: The system will show you available test times at different locations.
- Confirm Your Booking: Finalize your appointment.
Important: You must bring a properly registered and insured vehicle for your test. You must also be accompanied by a licensed driver.
For CDL or Motorcycle Tests: You cannot book online. You must call 1-855-633-6835 to schedule your CDL or motorcycle road test.
How to Register Your Vehicle (Plates & Titles)
This is the most common mistake. You CANNOT book an in-person appointment for vehicle registration, titles, or license plates using the driver’s license portals.
Vehicle services are handled by the NDDOT Motor Vehicle Division, and the primary methods are online or by mail.
- To Renew Registration: You can renew your plates online at the NDDOT Online Services portal.
- For a New Registration (Private Sale): You must mail your completed application, title, and fees to the NDDOT in Bismarck.
- For a New Registration (Dealer Purchase): The dealer will handle all of this for you.
If you must visit a Motor Vehicle office in person, you must call them first at 701-328-2725.
The Learner’s Permit & Written Test: What to Know
- Age: You are eligible to apply for a learner’s permit at age 14 (if you are in a driver’s ed course) or age 15.
- The Test: The knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You must get at least 20 questions correct (80%) to pass. All questions come from the ND Driver’s Manual.
- Fees: You must pay a $5 fee for the knowledge test and a $15 fee for the permit itself.
- If You Fail: You can schedule a new appointment to retake the test as early as the next business day.
Required Documents for Your Visit (REAL ID Checklist)
When you visit the Driver’s License Office for any new permit, license, or REAL ID, you must bring the following original documents.
- 1. Proof of Identity & Legal Status (One required):
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate
- Permanent Resident Card or other immigration documents
- 2. Proof of Social Security Number (One required):
- Social Security Card
- W-2 or 1099 form (must show full SSN)
- 3. Proofs of North Dakota Residency (TWO required):
- You must bring TWO recent (within 60 days) documents from different sources with your name and ND address.
- Examples: Utility bill, bank statement, paystub, lease agreement, or a vehicle registration card.
FAQs
This is the most common frustration in North Dakota. NDDOT offices are very busy, especially in major cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot. You must plan your visit 2-3 months in advance. The best strategy is to check the appointment portal (https://nqa3.nemoqappointment.com/Booking/Booking/Index/5KIDD4bc) daily, as new slots from cancellations can appear at any time.
Yes, in some cases. North Dakota now offers an “at-home” knowledge test for renewals or for those re-testing after a failure. However, for your first-ever learner’s permit, you must still come to the DMV office to take the test in person.
Open your confirmation email from the nemoqappointment.comsystem. It will contain a direct link to “Edit/Cancel Appointment.” For a road test, you must go back to the road test portal (apps.nd.gov/dot/dlts) to manage your booking.
You will need to book two separate appointments:
1. For your car: You must register your car by mail or by calling the Motor Vehicle line (701-328-2725) to see if an in-person visit is needed.
2. For your license: You must book a “Driver’s License” → “Out-of-State Transfer” appointment on the nemoqappointment.com portal.
You don’t need an appointment for this. You can instantly check your license status and point total by ordering your official north dakota driving record online for a small fee. This will show you all your violations and any active suspensions.
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