North Dakota Driver's License
Requirements
In North Dakota, driver's licenses are issued by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Drivers License Division. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class D Driver's License. North Dakota operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: an Instruction Permit at 14 (with concurrent state-approved Driver Education enrollment) OR at 15 (without Driver Education), a Restricted License at 14 (for rural-resident applicants needing to drive for family agricultural purposes), an Intermediate Driver License at 15 (with DE) or 16 (without DE), and a full Class D License at 16 (with DE) or 18 (without DE). North Dakota is one of the most permissive states for early licensing, reflecting its rural and agricultural heritage. NDDOT issues federally-compliant REAL ID licenses (the gold star) — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The Drivers License Division operates 18+ in-person sites statewide.
Requirements Overview
Must be a North Dakota resident. The Drivers License Division requires two documents proving North Dakota residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 60 days of establishing residency. North Dakota does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official North Dakota DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of North Dakota residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current ND vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent signed in person at the Drivers License Division — required for applicants under 18
- For early-license track: state-approved Driver Education completion certificate
- Driving Log signed by parent confirming 50 supervised hours (10 at night)
- Vehicle for road test with valid ND registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official North Dakota DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your North Dakota driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Decide Your Path: Driver Education or Standard
North Dakota's GDL gives applicants under 18 two paths. The "early" path requires state-approved Driver Education and lets you get an Instruction Permit at 14, an Intermediate License at 15, and a full Class D License at 16. The "standard" path skips Driver Ed and reaches Class D at 18. Many North Dakota public high schools offer Driver Ed free or at very low cost.
Study the North Dakota Driver's Manual
Download the current North Dakota Driver's Manual from dot.nd.gov. The written knowledge test is 25 questions covering ND traffic laws, road signs, severe-weather (blizzard, ice) safety, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (20 correct) to pass.
Apply for an Instruction Permit at 14 or 15
Visit any North Dakota Drivers License Division office with your parent/guardian, required documents, Driver Education certificate (if early-track), and $5 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Instruction Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 18+ in the front passenger seat.
Pro tip: North Dakota has 18+ Drivers License Division offices spread across a sparsely-populated state. Smaller offices (Dickinson, Devils Lake, Williston) typically have appointments within 1 week.
Log 50 Supervised Hours (10 at Night)
During the Instruction Permit period, log at least 50 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night — using the North Dakota Driving Log. The supervising driver must be 18+ with a valid license. Both you and your parent sign each entry.
Hold Permit for 6 Months
North Dakota requires a 6-month Instruction Permit period for under-18 applicants. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Skills (Drive) Test
Schedule the drive test through dot.nd.gov. Bring your Instruction Permit, signed driving log, parent consent, Driver Education certificate (if applicable), vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city driving.
Receive the Intermediate License at 15 or 16
Pay the $5 Intermediate License fee. The North Dakota Intermediate License has restrictions: no driving sunset–5am unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or going to/from work, school, or church. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited until age 18.
Upgrade to Full Class D at 16 or 18
After 6 months on the Intermediate License with no convictions, applicants on the early track upgrade to a full Class D License at 16. Standard-track applicants reach Class D at 18. Pay the $15 (6-year) license fee. Standard renewal cycle begins; restrictions lift completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota's 14-year Instruction Permit eligibility (with Driver Education) reflects the state's rural and agricultural heritage. Many North Dakota families operate working farms where teens routinely drive farm equipment well before highway driving age, and the early licensing path supports family agricultural operations as well as long rural commutes to school. The mandatory Driver Education requirement for the under-15 path ensures formal training before solo driving.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official North Dakota DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.