Where to Find the North Dakota DMV

North Dakota's driver licensing and vehicle registration services are handled by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), not a separate DMV office. The main licensing bureau is in Bismarck, but you do not have to go there — most transactions happen at your local driver's license examination station, which exists in every county.

The NDDOT website lists all 53 county stations with their hours and phone numbers. Many are open only a few days per week, so call ahead before driving. Some smaller counties share a station with a neighboring county, so your closest office might not be in your county seat.

You can also handle some transactions by mail or online. Vehicle registration renewals can be done through the NDDOT website without visiting an office. Driver's license renewals by mail are available if you meet age and medical requirements — the form is on the NDDOT site.

Key Takeaways

  • North Dakota has no single DMV building; services are split across 53 county driver's license examination stations, each with different hours.
  • Call your county station before visiting because many are open only two or three days per week and some require appointments.
  • Vehicle registration renewals and some driver's license renewals can be completed online or by mail without visiting an office.
  • The main NDDOT licensing bureau in Bismarck handles appeals and special requests but is not the place to renew your license or register a vehicle.

What You Can Do Online or by Mail

Vehicle registration renewal is the easiest transaction in North Dakota. You can renew online at the NDDOT website using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. Payment is by credit or debit card. The new registration arrives by mail within two weeks.

Driver's license renewal by mail is available if you are between 18 and 78 years old, have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than two years. You submit the renewal form (available on the NDDOT site), a new photo, and the fee by mail to the Bismarck office. Processing takes about three weeks.

Address changes can be reported online through the NDDOT portal or by phone to your county station. You do not need to visit in person for an address change alone, though you may need to update your vehicle registration if you moved to a different county.

When You Must Visit a County Station

New driver's licenses, learner's permits, and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) require an in-person visit. You must pass a written test, vision screening, and photograph at the station. Bring your Social Security number, proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or previous license).

Vehicle registration for a new vehicle or a vehicle new to North Dakota also requires an in-person visit or mail submission with a notarized title. Bring the title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If you are financing the vehicle, bring the lien holder's information.

Duplicate licenses, permit replacements, and corrections to your record (name change, error on license) are handled at the county station. Bring identification and, for name changes, a certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

County Station Hours and How to Prepare

Most North Dakota county stations are open Monday through Friday, but hours vary widely. Some open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.; others are open only 9 a.m. to noon on specific days. A few stations require you to call ahead for an appointment, especially in rural counties.

Before you visit, gather all required documents. The NDDOT website lists what you need for each transaction type. Bring originals, not copies — the station staff will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or Social Security card. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Payment methods vary by station. Most accept cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm. Fees for driver's licenses, permits, and registration are set by the state and do not vary by county.

Driver's License and Permit Fees

A North Dakota driver's license costs $40 and is valid for eight years. A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year. A commercial driver's license costs $60 and is valid for four years. Renewal fees are the same as initial issuance fees.

Vehicle registration costs depend on the vehicle's weight and age. A passenger car typically costs between $30 and $50 per year. Trucks and heavier vehicles cost more. Trailers have separate fees. The NDDOT website has a fee calculator if you enter your vehicle details.

Address changes are free. Duplicate licenses and permits cost $10 each. Name changes on a license are free if done at the same time as renewal; otherwise they cost $10.

What Happens If Your County Station Is Closed

If your county station has limited hours or is temporarily closed, you can visit a station in an adjacent county. North Dakota allows this without penalty. Call the NDDOT licensing bureau in Bismarck at the number on their website to find the nearest open station.

For urgent needs — a license expiring within days or a vehicle registration that lapsed — the Bismarck office can sometimes process requests faster if you visit in person or call to explain the situation. They cannot issue a license on the spot, but they can advise you on the fastest path forward.

If you are out of state and need to renew your license before returning to North Dakota, you cannot do so in another state's DMV. You must renew by mail using the NDDOT form or wait until you return to North Dakota.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license online in North Dakota?

Not fully online, but you can renew by mail if you meet the requirements: you must be 18 to 78 years old, have no medical restrictions, and your license cannot be expired by more than two years. read the renewal form from the NDDOT website, include a new photo and payment, and mail it to Bismarck. Processing takes about three weeks.

What do I need to bring to get a new driver's license?

Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of North Dakota residency dated within 90 days (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. You will also take a written test and vision screening at the station. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

How long does it take to get a new license at the county station?

Most visits take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the station is and whether you pass the written test on your first attempt. Some stations have longer waits on certain days. Call ahead to ask about wait times before you visit.

Can I register a vehicle by mail in North Dakota?

Yes, if you have a title and proof of insurance. Mail the completed registration form, title, and proof of insurance to the NDDOT in Bismarck. Include a check or money order for the registration fee. Processing takes two to three weeks. For faster service, register online if you are renewing an existing registration.

What if I moved to North Dakota from another state?

You have 30 days to register your vehicle and get a North Dakota driver's license. Visit your county station with your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, proof of residency in North Dakota, and your out-of-state license. You will need to pass the written test and vision screening for a new North Dakota license.