How Much Does a North Dakota
Driver's License Cost?
A North Dakota driver's license costs $15 and lasts 6 years. Below are all 8 official fees from the North Dakota DOT.
North Dakota License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $30
- License valid for
- 6 years
- About $2.50 per year
- Replacement
- $8
- REAL ID
- No extra cost
At $15, North Dakota's license fee is lower than in 49 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official North Dakota DOT Fees
From the North Dakota DOT fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class D Driver's License (6 year) | $15.00 |
| Class D Driver's License (4 year, 65+) | $10.00 |
| Instruction Permit | $15.00 |
| Restricted License | $5.00 |
| Intermediate License | $5.00 |
| REAL ID upgrade | No additional cost |
| Replacement License | $8.00 |
| Driver Education (state-approved school) | Free–$300 (varies by provider) |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in North Dakota
- 1
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 $15 fee.
- 2
Receive the Intermediate License at 15 or 16
Pay the $5 Intermediate License fee.
- 3
Upgrade to Full Class D at 16 or 18
Pay the $15 (6-year) license fee.
How much does a North Dakota driver's license cost?
A Class D license is $15 (6-year) or $10 (4-year, 65+). The Instruction Permit is $15; the Restricted and Intermediate Licenses are each $5. Replacement licenses are $8. North Dakota's licensing fees are among the lowest in the U.S.
🗺️North Dakota Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how North Dakota's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $15 | $15 |
| Minnesota | $46 | $29.50 |
| South Dakota | $28 | $28 |
| Montana | $40.50 | $10 |
🚚Moving to North Dakota With a License?
New North Dakota residents must transfer their license within 60 days. Visit any Drivers License Division office with your old license, identity documents, SSN, and 2 ND residency documents. The vision test is required; the written and drive tests are typically waived for valid U.S. licenses in good standing. Out-of-country licenses require both the written and drive test.
Transfer deadlines in every state →Budgeting Beyond the DOT Fee
The figures above are North Dakota's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total North Dakota cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for North Dakota.
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Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official North Dakota DOT website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.