The short version
- Renewal costs $15, and most licenses last six years, or four if you’re 78 or older.
- You can renew online every other time if you’re under 70, up to 10 months before your license expires.
- Expired more than a year? You’ll retake the knowledge test and the road test.
North Dakota driver’s licenses are issued by the Driver License Division of the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). You can renew online, at a self-service kiosk or in person at a driver license site by appointment.
Not a standard renewal?
- New to North Dakota? You’ll transfer your out-of-state license instead. Our guide to transferring an out-of-state license to North Dakota covers the documents.
- License suspended? Reinstatement comes first. See our guide to North Dakota driver’s license reinstatement.
- Lost or damaged license? That’s a duplicate, not a renewal. It costs $8, online or in person.
When Does a North Dakota Driver’s License Expire?
Under N.D.C.C. § 39-06-19, a noncommercial license lasts six years, or four if you’re 78 or older when you renew, and it expires at midnight on your birthday. It expires in an odd year if you were born in an odd year, and in an even year if you were born in an even year.
- Renewing early: The NDDOT’s renewal page says you can renew up to 10 months before your license expires.
- No grace period to drive: Your driving privileges end at midnight on your birthday, so renew before then.
- Expired up to a year: You can renew without retesting.
- Expired more than a year: You’ll have to pass the knowledge test and the road test again.
North Dakota Driver’s License Renewal Requirements: Vision, REAL ID and Online Eligibility
- Online eligibility: You can’t renew online if you’re 70 or older, if you renewed online last time, if you need changes other than your address, or if you’re getting your first REAL ID. Online renewal is available every other renewal cycle only.
- Vision: In person, an examiner screens your vision, so bring your glasses or contacts. The NDDOT’s driver manual says you can show a certificate from a physician or optometrist instead, if it’s no more than six months old.
- Vision online: You need screening results from the past six months only if your license has restriction 1 (corrective lenses), 2 (outside mirrors) or 5 (daylight driving only).
- REAL ID: Your first REAL ID has to be done in person. Bring one proof of identity, such as a certified birth certificate or passport, one proof of your Social Security number, two proofs of North Dakota residence, and certified proof of any name change.
How to Renew Your North Dakota Driver’s License Online or in Person
Renew Your North Dakota Driver’s License Online
- Start at the NDDOT’s online renewal, which checks whether you’re eligible.
- Have your vision screening results ready if your license has restriction 1, 2 or 5.
- If you’re changing your address, you’ll need two proofs of North Dakota residence.
- Pay the fee. Your new license is mailed to the address on your record, so allow 10 business days.
The NDDOT’s self-service kiosks, in more than 30 cities, also handle license renewals, though not a first REAL ID.
Renew Your North Dakota Driver’s License in Person
- Book an appointment through the NDDOT’s online scheduler or at 1-855-633-6835. Our guide to North Dakota DMV appointments walks through booking.
- Fill out the NDDOT’s online pre-application before you go.
- Bring your current license, your glasses or contacts and the fee, plus your REAL ID documents if you’re upgrading.
- Take off your glasses for the photo, since they aren’t allowed in license photos.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a North Dakota Driver’s License?
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Noncommercial renewal (six years, or four at 78 and older) | $15 |
| Commercial license renewal | $15 plus $3 per endorsement |
| Duplicate license | $8 |
| Example: 78-year-old renewing in 2026 | $15 for a four-year license |
The renewal fees come from the NDDOT’s renewal page, and the duplicate fee from its replacement page. The NDDOT doesn’t list a separate fee for a REAL ID.
Drivers under 78 pay the same $15 for six years, which works out to $2.50 a year. From 78, the license runs four years for the same fee.
North Dakota Driver’s License Renewal FAQs
Six years, or four years if you’re 78 or older when you renew. It expires at midnight on your birthday.
Yes, every other renewal, if you’re under 70 and aren’t getting your first REAL ID or changing anything but your address. Your new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.
Yes, in person, unless you bring a certificate from a physician or optometrist that’s no more than six months old. Online, you need recent results only if your license has restriction 1, 2 or 5.
You’ll have to pass the knowledge test and the road test again. Within a year of expiration, you can renew without retesting, but you can’t drive on the expired license.
On active duty outside North Dakota, you can drive on an expired license until 30 days after you leave the service or return to the state. Service members and spouses can also renew by mail by calling 701-328-4353.
The online renewal can change your address if you have two proofs of North Dakota residence. Our guide to changing your North Dakota address covers your other options.
Check whether you renewed online last time before you start, since North Dakota allows online renewal only every other cycle. Most drivers pay $15 for a six-year license, and drivers 78 and older get four years for the same fee.
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