How to Change Your Address at the DMV in North Dakota

If you have moved within North Dakota or into the state, updating your address with the agency that handles driver and vehicle records is an important step. This guide walks through how a North Dakota DMV change of address works, what you’ll need, and what to do if something goes wrong.

North Dakota State Verification: Who Handles What?

In North Dakota, DMV-type services are handled by two closely related state functions:

• Driver licenses and ID cards are handled by the North Dakota Driver License Division (within the ND Department of Transportation).
• Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Motor Vehicle Division of the same department.

In North Dakota, this split means:

• A change of address for your driver’s license or ID is processed through driver license services.
• A change of address for your vehicle registration and title is processed through motor vehicle (registration/title) services.

Depending on your county in North Dakota, you may see these services offered in:

• Driver License offices (state-run)
• Local motor vehicle branch offices or contract locations

Before you go anywhere in person, it’s a good idea to:

• Confirm whether you need the Driver License Division or the Motor Vehicle Division.
• Use the official ND Department of Transportation website or search online for “North Dakota DOT driver license locations” or “North Dakota DOT motor vehicle locations” to find the right office.

In North Dakota, this is typically handled under the umbrella of the Department of Transportation (NDDOT), so you do not need to look for a separate “DMV” agency name.

Why Updating Your Address Matters in North Dakota

Updating your address with the North Dakota licensing and motor vehicle systems keeps:

• Your driver’s license record accurate
• Your vehicle registration correct
• Official notices and renewal reminders going to the right place

This matters because:

• Law enforcement and courts rely on the address in your driver record and registration file.
• Renewal notices for your ND driver’s license, vehicle registration, or emissions/inspection-related mail (if applicable in your area) will go to the address on file.
• Title and lien information for your North Dakota vehicles must match current ownership and contact details, which includes your address.
• Insurance companies may compare the address on your driver’s license and registration with the address on your policy.

Many drivers in North Dakota find that failing to update their address leads to missed renewal notices, late fees, or confusion if they are pulled over and the address on their license no longer matches their residence.

If you have moved into North Dakota from another state, updating your address is part of becoming a North Dakota resident for driving and vehicle purposes. You will typically be expected to obtain a North Dakota license and register your vehicles in ND.

What You’ll Need to Change Your Address

Specific documentation can vary based on how you request the change (online, in person, or by mail) and whether you are updating a license, ID, registration, or title. In North Dakota, this is typically handled with the same basic information, plus any required proofs.

You should be prepared with:

• Current North Dakota driver’s license or ID card information

  • License/ID number
  • Full name as it appears on your card

• Vehicle information for registration and title updates

  • License plate number
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (often on registration card or visible on the vehicle)
  • Current North Dakota registration card (if available)

• Your new address details

  • Street address, including apartment or unit number
  • City, state, ZIP code
  • If applicable, your mailing address if different from your physical address (common with rural routes or PO boxes in ND)

• Proof of identity and/or residency (often needed for in-person changes or if you are issued a new card)

  • Examples can include:
    • Birth certificate, passport, or other identity documents
    • Documents showing your new North Dakota address (utility bill, lease, mortgage documents, or similar), if required
  • Requirements can differ depending on whether you are renewing vs. just updating an address.

• Any required North Dakota DMV change of address form

  • North Dakota may require a particular driver license address change form or a general driver license application when issuing a replacement card.
  • For registration and titles, there may be a separate motor vehicle form.
  • Because form numbers and names can change, it’s safer to search the official NDDOT website for “North Dakota DMV change of address form” or look under “Driver License Forms” and “Motor Vehicle Forms.”

Why Address Change Requests Get Rejected

In North Dakota, address change requests frequently get delayed or rejected when:

• The address is incomplete or inconsistent (missing apartment numbers, incorrect ZIP code, etc.).
• The name does not match existing records (for example, you changed your name but did not update it first).
• The form is outdated or incomplete, missing signatures, or required sections are left blank.
• Proofs are missing, unreadable, or do not show the new address clearly.
• The applicant does not meet residency requirements or is trying to use a non-residential address when a physical address is required.

Double-checking your information and using the most current official forms can help avoid these issues.

Step-by-Step Options for a North Dakota DMV Change of Address

In North Dakota, you may be able to change your address:

• Online (if eligible and available for your type of record)
• In person at a Driver License office or Motor Vehicle branch
• By mail using the appropriate form, if allowed

Availability and process can vary slightly over time, so always verify on the official ND Department of Transportation website or by calling the relevant division.

Do License and Registration Update Together?

In North Dakota, your driver’s license record and your vehicle registration/title record are kept in related but separate systems:

• Updating your driver’s license address does not automatically update the address on your vehicle registration or title.
• Updating your vehicle registration address does not automatically update the address on your driver’s license.

If you move, you generally need to update both:

1. Driver’s license/ID address
2. Vehicle registration/title address

Many drivers in North Dakota find it simplest to handle both at roughly the same time so records stay consistent.

Changing Your Driver’s License Address in North Dakota

1. Online (if available)

Depending on current state services, the Driver License Division may allow a North Dakota DMV change of address for your driver’s license or ID through an online portal.

Typical steps:

1. Go to the official NDDOT website.
   • Use a search engine and look for the official North Dakota Department of Transportation site (commonly a .gov domain).
2. Navigate to Driver License services.
3. Look for options labeled “Change of address,” “Update driver’s license address,” or similar.
4. Log in or enter requested information, such as:
   • Driver’s license number
   • Date of birth
   • Last four digits of your Social Security Number (if requested)
5. Enter your new address carefully, including apartment or lot number if applicable.
6. Review and submit your change request.
7. If the system offers a replacement card, you may be asked to:
   • Confirm whether you want a new physical license sent to your new address.
   • Pay any applicable fee (if a replacement card is requested).

If you are not sure where to start, search the official NDDOT website for “North Dakota DMV change of address online” or “update driver license address ND.”

In North Dakota, this is typically handled entirely within the Driver License Division’s online services if online changes are enabled for your type of license.

2. In Person

If online service is not available to you, or your situation is more complex (such as a name change plus address change), you may need to update your address in person.

Typical in-person process:

1. Locate a Driver License office in North Dakota.
   • Search “North Dakota driver license office locations” on the official NDDOT site.
2. Confirm office hours and whether an appointment is required.
   • Some offices have limited hours or require appointments, especially in smaller communities.
3. Bring:
   • Your current North Dakota driver’s license or ID card
   • Any required proofs of identity and, if needed, proof of your new ND address
   • Any Driver License Division form used for changes or replacements, if you were instructed to complete one
4. Tell the clerk you need to update your address.
5. Complete any required form in office, if you have not already.
6. The clerk will update your record and may:
   • Issue a temporary or receipt document
   • Arrange for a new driver’s license to be mailed to your updated address, if applicable

Depending on your county in North Dakota, you may have limited office options, so planning ahead for travel time and wait times is often helpful.

3. By Mail (if permitted)

North Dakota may allow certain driver license address changes by mail, particularly in limited situations (e.g., if you are temporarily out of state but remain a North Dakota resident).

A typical mail process might include:

1. Download or request the appropriate Driver License form from the NDDOT website or by contacting the Driver License Division.
2. Fill out the form completely, including:
   • Current license information
   • Old address
   • New address
3. Attach any required documentation (copies only, unless instructed otherwise).
4. Mail the form to the address specified on the form or the ND Driver License Division.

Because mail-in options and mailing addresses can change, it is better to check the most recent instructions on the official NDDOT site or call the Driver License Division before mailing anything.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration and Title Address in North Dakota

For registration and title, address changes go through the Motor Vehicle Division. In North Dakota, this is typically handled separately from your license, even though both are part of the Department of Transportation.

1. Online (if available)

North Dakota may offer an online portal for updating your vehicle registration mailing address, particularly for renewal notices.

Basic steps:

1. Visit the official ND Department of Transportation website.
2. Go to Motor Vehicle or Vehicle Services.
3. Look for an option such as “Change address,” “Update mailing address,” or an online account/portal for motor vehicle services.
4. Provide:
   • License plate number
   • VIN (if requested)
   • Owner information
5. Enter your new address carefully.
6. Submit the request and save or print any confirmation page if available.

If you cannot immediately find a specific “registration address change” link, look for online renewal or vehicle services, as these often include an address update step.

2. In Person

You can usually update your registration address in person at a motor vehicle branch office.

Typical steps:

1. Find a Motor Vehicle office using the official NDDOT website’s office locator or by searching “North Dakota motor vehicle office near me” and verifying it is an official state or contracted location.
2. Bring:
   • Your current registration card (if available)
   • Your license plate number and/or VIN
   • Your new address details
   • A valid photo ID (often your ND driver’s license)
3. Ask to update the address on your registration and title record.
4. Complete any required Motor Vehicle Division form, if provided.
5. The clerk will update your record and let you know whether:
   • A new registration card will be printed or mailed
   • Any additional steps are needed for your title (for example, if you want a new title printed with the updated address)

In North Dakota, many motor vehicle offices are in or near county seats, and their hours can vary, so check ahead.

3. By Mail (if available)

Some North Dakota drivers prefer to update registration and title addresses by mail, especially when living in rural counties or during winter months.

General approach:

1. Obtain the appropriate Motor Vehicle Division form (often available on the NDDOT site under “Vehicle Forms” or “Address Change”).
2. Provide:
   • Your current registration or title information
   • Old address
   • New address
3. Sign the form and mail it to the address given on the form.

Because mailing addresses and forms can be updated by the state, search the official NDDOT website for “North Dakota motor vehicle address change form” before sending anything.

At-a-Glance: Where to Update What in North Dakota

A simple overview of where address changes are typically handled:

In North Dakota, this is typically handled under the Department of Transportation, but you use Driver License offices for license/ID changes and Motor Vehicle offices for registration/title changes.

After You Submit Your Address Change

Once you have submitted your DMV change of address North Dakota request, a few things usually happen:

• Your internal record gets updated.

  • Law enforcement and state systems should reflect your new address.

• A new card or registration may be issued.

  • For driver’s licenses and IDs, a new physical card may be:
    • Printed at the office, or
    • Mailed to your new address.
  • For vehicle registrations, you may:
    • Receive an updated registration card.
    • Still use your current plates, unless otherwise required.

• Future mail will go to your new address.

  • Renewal notices, title documents, and other official correspondence should begin arriving at the updated address.

Because printing and mailing times can vary, especially in smaller communities and during winter in North Dakota, allow for some processing time. If you have not received your new card or documents after a reasonable period, it’s appropriate to contact the relevant division to check status.

Special Situations in North Dakota

Certain circumstances make address changes more complex. In North Dakota, this is typically handled on a case-by-case basis, but there are common patterns.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)

If you hold a CDL:

• Federal and state regulations can impose stricter requirements on address changes.
• You may be required to update your CDL address in person and present particular identity and residency documents.
• In North Dakota, CDL holders should verify requirements on the official NDDOT site or contact the Driver License Division before assuming an online change will be accepted.

Active-Duty Military

If you are in the U.S. Armed Forces and consider North Dakota (ND) your home of record or are stationed in ND:

• You may be able to maintain a North Dakota license while stationed elsewhere.
• Your physical residence might change frequently; in some cases, your mailing address can be updated even if your permanent address remains in North Dakota.
• For specific scenarios, such as being deployed overseas, contact the Driver License Division to ask how to handle address updates, license renewals, or extensions.

College Students

If you are a student attending college in North Dakota but originally from another state:

• You generally have a choice between:
  • Keeping your out-of-state license and registration, or
  • Becoming a North Dakota resident for driving and vehicle purposes and updating all records accordingly.
• If you choose ND residency, follow the new-resident process below, then keep your ND address updated whenever your housing changes (for example, moving off campus).

New North Dakota Residents (Moved from Another State)

If you recently moved from another state into North Dakota:

• You are typically expected to:
  • Obtain a North Dakota driver’s license.
  • Title and register your vehicles in North Dakota.
• Instead of just an “address change,” you will:
  • Apply as a new resident for a ND driver’s license.
  • Complete a title/registration process for your vehicles through the Motor Vehicle Division.
• Once you have your ND license and registration, follow the normal North Dakota address change process for any future in-state moves.

PO Boxes, Rural Routes, and Physical Address Requirements

North Dakota includes many rural areas, so address formats can be unique:

• The state may require a physical residential address for your driver record (even if your mail is delivered to a PO box or rural route).
• If your mailing address is a PO box or rural route, be prepared to supply:
  • A physical address where you actually live (this could be a rural 911 address or similar), plus
  • Your separate mailing address.
• Confirm with the Driver License Division and Motor Vehicle Division how they want each address entered so that your documents and records are consistent.

Changing Name and Address at the Same Time

If you have changed your name (for example, after marriage or divorce) and also moved:

• Most of the time, North Dakota will require you to:
  • Update your name first, in person, with proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
  • Then update your address as part of a new license application or replacement transaction.
• For vehicle titles and registrations, name changes can be more involved and may require title corrections or new titles.

In North Dakota, this is typically handled best with an in-person visit to a Driver License office for the name and address change on your license, followed by updating your motor vehicle records.

Troubleshooting: If Your Address Change Doesn’t Go Through

Sometimes a North Dakota DMV change of address does not work on the first attempt. Here’s how to handle common problems.

1. Online Address Change Rejected

If the online system fails or rejects your request:

• Review all entries for typos, especially:
  • Driver’s license number
  • Date of birth
  • New address (apartment or lot numbers, ZIP code)
• Check if:
  • Your license is expired or suspended, which may block online changes.
  • You are using the correct portal (driver license vs. motor vehicle).
• Try again, and if it still fails:
  • Contact the Driver License Division or Motor Vehicle Division using the official phone numbers listed on the NDDOT website.
  • Ask if there are any restrictions on your record or if you must appear in person.

2. Submitted, but Record Not Updated

If you submitted an online, in-person, or mail request and:

• Your new address does not appear on your driver’s license record or registration lookup, or
• You continue receiving mail at your old address

then:

1. Wait a reasonable amount of processing time.
2. Gather:
   • Confirmation email or printed receipt (if any)
   • Date and location of your transaction
3. Contact the relevant division:
   • Driver License Division for license/ID issues
   • Motor Vehicle Division for registration/title issues
4. Ask them to verify the address currently on file and whether your change request was successfully processed.

Depending on your county in North Dakota, phone lines may be busy at peak times. Calling early in the day or using the “contact us” options on the NDDOT website can help.

3. Rejected Request (Mail or In-Person)

If you receive a notice that your address change was rejected:

• Carefully review the notice for:
  • Missing documents
  • Incorrect form version
  • Signature issues
  • Residency or identity concerns
• Correct the issue by:
  • Using the most recent North Dakota DMV change of address form (driver license or motor vehicle, as appropriate) from the official site.
  • Providing clearer or additional documents (for example, a different bill or lease that clearly shows your new ND address).
• Resubmit the request or visit an office in person if directed.

4. License Updated but Registration Didn’t (or Vice Versa)

Because North Dakota keeps license and vehicle records separately:

• It’s possible your driver’s license address is updated, but your registration still lists your old address, or the reverse.
• If that happens:
  • Log in or check with the other division and submit an address change there as well.
  • Keep a note of the date you updated each record in case of questions from insurance or law enforcement.

In North Dakota, many drivers assume that one change automatically updates everything; it usually does not, so reviewing both records is a good habit.

5. Moving Out of North Dakota

If you have moved permanently out of the state:

• You will typically:
  • Obtain a driver’s license in your new state.
  • Register and title your vehicles in your new state.
• Most states will require you to surrender your North Dakota license when you obtain a new license elsewhere.
• Once your vehicles are registered in the new state, you generally:
  • Do not need to maintain North Dakota registration and may no longer receive ND renewal notices.
• If you have questions about canceling or updating your ND records after leaving, contact the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Division or Driver License Division using the official contact methods on the NDDOT site.

Finding Official North Dakota Information Safely

If you need the most current forms, office hours, or online portals, it’s best to go directly to the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. To find the correct pages safely:

• Use a search engine and type:
  • “North Dakota Department of Transportation driver license address change”
  • “North Dakota DOT motor vehicle address change”
  • “North Dakota DMV change of address form”
• Confirm that the site address ends in a .gov domain and references the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

From there you can access:

• Online services (if available)
• Driver License and Motor Vehicle forms
• Office locators and contact information

Keeping your address current with the North Dakota Driver License Division and Motor Vehicle Division ensures your license, registration, and title records stay accurate and that important notices reach you. The most practical next step is to decide whether you will update online, in person, or by mail, then use the official NDDOT resources to get the latest forms and instructions for your situation.