Learn how to obtain a North Dakota driver license from a foreign driver license, as well as the testing process and requirements to obtain a North Dakota driver license.
Steps to Obtain a North Dakota Driver License
- You must apply in person at a ND Driver License Site.
- You must be a resident of North Dakota and provide proper proof of identity and lawful presence. Out-of-state permits, licenses and ID cards will not be accepted as proof of name and date of birth. Only original documents and certified copies will be accepted. No photocopies. Proof of identification is required.
- You must surrender all licenses issued from all other states or countries.
- Complete an application. All North Dakota applications require you to provide your physical North Dakota address.
- All applications for permit, license or identification card must contain a Social Security number. Social Security numbers will be verified with the Social Security Administration. Social Security numbers, however, will not be used as the driver license or identification card number.
- Successfully complete a vision screening.
- Submit the required fee.
- Note: Anyone under 18 will require a sponsor to sign for financial liability prior to the issuance of a license.
- We will require a photo. Glasses are not permitted in any photos.
- Successfully complete the Noncommercial Driver License knowledge test.
- If you are over 18, schedule a road test appointment. A road test appointment may be made using our online road test scheduler.
- The Learner’s Permit page contains licensing requirements for those under 18 years of age. Please follow the appropriate licensing requirements for your age group.
- Upon successful completion of the road test, you will be issued a North Dakota driver license.
Additional Resources
Application and Testing Procedure
You must:
- Obtain a North Dakota driver license, or have a Temporary Operator’s Permit.
- Be 21 years old to cross state lines. You must be 18-20 years old to apply for an intra-state CDL (or at 16 years old, you may test for a CDL restricted to custom harvesting operations only).
- Read, write and speak English.
- Meet all Federal Medical Requirements in 49 CFR 391. Some of the medical conditions that may disqualify an individual include:
- Heart condition
- Hearing impairment
- Worse than 20/40 visual acuity in either eye
- Diabetes controlled with insulin
- Epilepsy
- Loss of or loss of use of a limb
- Seizure disorder requiring anti-seizure medication
- Apply in person at a ND Driver License Site, pass the required knowledge test(s) for the CDL Class to be driven, and purchase a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). Prior to testing, you will always need to present your current North Dakota Driver License/Operator’s Permit, submit an application, and pass an eye examination. The Commercial Driver License Manual contains information for passing the test.
- Demonstrate your ability to operate the vehicle by passing a road test in a representative commercial vehicle. A road test cannot be scheduled without a valid CLP.
Testing Languages Offered
Our Noncommercial Class D knowledge test may be taken in any of the following languages:
- English
- Chinese
- French
- Spanish
- Serb Croatian
- Russian
- Vietnamese
- Arabic
- Somali
- Nepali
- Turkish
- Swahili
- Dari
- Pashto
All road tests will be conducted entirely in English. All commercial tests must, by Federal Regulation, be conducted in English.
Driver License FAQs
Can I drive on my out-of-country license?
If you are at least 16 years of age and have in your immediate possession a valid operator’s license from your home country, you may operate a motor vehicle in North Dakota.
When do I need to obtain a North Dakota license?
Nonresidents age 16 and over are not required to obtain a license until 60 days after residence has been established in North Dakota. A person is deemed a resident of North Dakota when they have lived in North Dakota for 90 days, unless they are a nonresident student, tourist or member of the armed forces.
Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) the same as a driver license?
No, an International Driving Permit is not a driver license. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your driver license.
See the International Driving Permit page for additional information.
How much does it cost?
- Knowledge test: $5 per attempt (one attempt allowed per day)
- Permit: $5 per attempt (one attempt allowed per day)
- Road test: $5
- Transfer of a Canadian driver license: $15
Where is the closest driver license site?
See ND Driver License Sites for locations, days/hours of operation and phone numbers.