Where to reach the North Dakota DMV

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles handles all driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title services in the state. You can reach them by phone at 701-328-2725 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. The main office is located at 608 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505.

The official website is dmv.nd.gov, where you can read forms, check current wait times at service centers, and find links to county offices. North Dakota has a centralized system, but many transactions can also be handled through county motor vehicle offices in your area. You can locate your nearest county office through the NDDOT website by entering your county name.

For address changes, vehicle registration renewals, and title transfers, you have the option to mail documents directly to the state office or visit a county location in person. Some services, like renewing a standard driver's license, can be completed by mail if you meet certain conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • The North Dakota DMV is part of the Department of Transportation and can be reached at 701-328-2725 or through dmv.nd.gov.
  • County motor vehicle offices throughout the state handle many of the same services as the main Bismarck office, often with shorter wait times.
  • Address changes and vehicle registration updates can be completed by mail, in person, or online depending on the type of transaction.
  • North Dakota offers online services for certain renewals and transactions through their official website, reducing the need for in-person visits.
  • The state operates on Central Time, and offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Services available through North Dakota DMV

The NDDOT Division of Motor Vehicles issues driver's licenses, identification cards, and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). You can renew a standard driver's license by mail if you are not required to take a new photo, have not had any license suspensions, and meet other basic requirements. First-time licenses and CDLs require an in-person visit and a written test.

Vehicle-related services include registration, title transfers, duplicate titles, and address changes. You can renew vehicle registration online through the NDDOT website if your vehicle is not overdue and you have not had any changes to ownership or vehicle information. Address changes for both driver's licenses and vehicle registrations can be reported online, by mail, or in person.

The state also handles vehicle inspections, duplicate registration certificates, and personalized license plates. Certain services, such as obtaining a duplicate title or registering a vehicle for the first time, must be done in person or by mail with original documents.

How to change your address with North Dakota DMV

To update your address on your North Dakota driver's license or vehicle registration, you have three main options. The fastest route is online through dmv.nd.gov if you have a valid North Dakota driver's license number and date of birth. The online system processes address changes when ready and does not require you to visit an office or mail documents.

If you prefer to mail your request, send a completed Form SFN 14001 (process for North Dakota Driver License or Identification Card) or Form SFN 14003 (process for Vehicle Registration) to the main NDDOT office in Bismarck. Include a copy of proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks.

You can also visit any county motor vehicle office in person with your current license or registration and proof of your new address. Bring an original or certified document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail all work. County offices usually process address changes on the same day.

County motor vehicle offices and service locations

North Dakota operates county motor vehicle offices in most counties, allowing you to handle many transactions without traveling to Bismarck. Each county office has the same authority as the main state office for driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title work. Wait times at county offices are often shorter than at the central location, especially in rural areas.

To find your county office, visit dmv.nd.gov and use the office locator tool, or call the main office at 701-328-2725 and ask for the location nearest you. County offices keep the same hours as the state office — Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time — though some smaller offices may have limited hours or close for lunch.

If your county does not have a dedicated motor vehicle office, you can mail documents to the state office or visit a neighboring county's office. The NDDOT website lists which counties have in-person service and which require mail-in or online transactions.

Documents you will need for common transactions

For a new driver's license, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of legal presence if you were not born in the United States. You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam.

For vehicle registration, bring the vehicle title or proof of ownership, proof of insurance, proof of residency, and a completed registration process. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in North Dakota, you may also need an inspection certificate depending on the vehicle's age and condition.

For an address change, bring your current license or registration and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax notices, or government mail. If you are changing your address by mail, send a photocopy of the proof-of-residency document along with your process form.

Online services and what you can do from home

The North Dakota DMV website offers several services you can complete without visiting an office. You can renew your driver's license online if you meet may be able to access requirements — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you cannot have had any suspensions or restrictions, and you must not need a new photo. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee.

You can also renew vehicle registration online if your vehicle is not overdue, you have not changed ownership, and there are no outstanding violations or liens. The online system accepts payment by credit or debit card and issues a temporary registration certificate when ready. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Address changes for both driver's licenses and vehicle registrations can be completed online with your license number, date of birth, and current address. The system updates your record when ready, and you do not need to pay a fee for an address change. If you need a replacement card showing your new address, you can order one online for a small fee.

Fees and payment methods

North Dakota DMV fees vary by service type. A standard driver's license renewal costs $80 for an eight-year license. A new driver's license costs $80. Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on vehicle weight and type, ranging from around $50 to $150 for most passenger vehicles. Title transfers cost $5, and duplicate titles cost $5.

The state accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card at in-person locations. Online transactions accept credit and debit cards only. Mail-in payments should be made by check or money order. If you are paying by mail, include your payment with your process and mail everything to the NDDOT office in Bismarck.

County offices may have slightly different payment options, so call ahead if you have questions about accepted payment methods at your local location. The NDDOT website lists current fees for all services and updates them if changes occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Dakota driver's license by mail?

Yes, if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no suspensions or restrictions, and you do not need a new photo. Mail your current license, a completed process form, and payment to the NDDOT office. Processing takes one to two weeks. If you need a new photo or have any restrictions, you must renew in person.

How long does it take to get a new driver's license in North Dakota?

If you explore in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If you explore by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks. County offices may process applications faster than the main Bismarck office.

What counts as proof of residency in North Dakota?

Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax notices, and government mail — all dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current address. If you have recently moved, a utility bill in your name or a signed lease is the easiest option.

Can I change my address online if I do not have a North Dakota driver's license?

No, online address changes require a valid North Dakota driver's license number and date of birth. If you do not have a license, you can mail your request with proof of residency or visit a county motor vehicle office in person with your vehicle registration and proof of your new address.

What should I do if my county does not have a motor vehicle office?

You can mail documents to the main NDDOT office in Bismarck, visit a neighboring county's office, or use online services if your transaction is available online. Call 701-328-2725 to ask which option works best for your specific need.