Driving Tests

Moving to North Dakota: Transfer Your Driver's License Within 60 Days

informational·how to guide·Published May 11, 2026

How long can I drive on my old license after moving to North Dakota, and do I have to test?

You may drive on a valid non-commercial license from another state for 60 days after you become a North Dakota resident. State law makes you a resident after 90 consecutive days in the state. A commercial license is good for 30 days. Then transfer your license at an NDDOT appointment for $15. NDDOT may waive the tests if you show your current license.

Where the North Dakota license transfer facts come from

The deadlines, the test waiver, the fees and the old license rules come from North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-06, the NDDOT page on transferring a license and the NDDOT driver license classes page. The $150 fee comes from Century Code section 39-06.1-06. The appointment, age, REAL ID, vehicle and address rules come from the NDDOT pages on driver license sites, driver license requirements, REAL ID and drivers from other nations, and from the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual 2025-2027. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (dot.nd.gov) before you drive.

When do you count as a North Dakota resident?

State law makes you a resident when you have lived in North Dakota for 90 consecutive days. Nonresident students, tourists and members of the armed forces do not count as residents under this rule.
The 60-day period starts after you become a resident. During that time, a new resident over 16 may drive on a valid license from another state or country.

Which North Dakota license deadline applies to you?

You hold a non-commercial license from another state

You may use it for 60 days after you become a North Dakota resident. After that, get a North Dakota license.

You hold a commercial license from another state

You may use it for 30 days after you become a resident, not 60.

You are a member of the armed forces stationed in North Dakota with a valid license from another state

You do not need a North Dakota license while you are stationed here.

You are a nonresident student or a tourist, at least 16, with a valid license from your home state or country

You do not count as a resident. State law lets you drive on that license. Keep it with you when you drive.

How to transfer an out-of-state license to North Dakota

1
Book an appointment
NDDOT driver license sites work by appointment only, with no walk-ins. Book online at dot.nd.gov or call 1-855-633-6835. A license transfer is one of the services you can book.
2
Gather your documents
Bring proof of identity, proof of a name change if your name differs, proof of your North Dakota address and, for a REAL ID, proof of your Social Security number. The table below gives the rules. Our guide to North Dakota documents and REAL ID lists each accepted document.
3
Bring your most current license
It cannot be suspended, canceled, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
4
Take the tests that NDDOT asks for
The exam checks your eyesight, your reading of highway signs and your knowledge of North Dakota traffic laws.
5
Surrender your old license and pay
Hand in every license and permit from another state or country. The license fee is $15.

What to bring to your North Dakota license transfer appointment

What to bring to your North Dakota license transfer appointment
Item	What NDDOT requires
Proof of identity	One document. Original or certified copy only. No photocopies or hospital certificates.
Name change	Certified marriage certificate, adoption document or court order, if your name differs from your identity document.
Social Security number	Proof is required only for a REAL ID.
Proof of North Dakota address	Two documents for a REAL ID, one without a REAL ID. Each shows your name and physical address. Originals or certified copies. No PO box.

Do you have to take the tests to transfer a North Dakota license?

State law lets NDDOT waive the written test if you passed one in another state and your license is not revoked, suspended or canceled. NDDOT may also waive the road test if you passed one in this or another state. For an out-of-state driver, the tests may be waived unless you cannot show your license, you have a physical impairment, or your driving record is unclear.
Bring your current license and ask at the appointment which tests you need. If you take a test, state law sets a $5 fee for the written test and $5 for the road test.

What happens to your old license when you transfer?

North Dakota will not issue you a license until you surrender all licenses and permits from any state or country. NDDOT then tells the state that issued your old license.
A suspended license blocks the transfer. Try our free question on a license suspended in another state to see the rule.

What if you are under 18 when you move to North Dakota?

You may not drive in North Dakota if you are under 16, even with a license from another state. The minimum driving age is 16, but a North Dakota resident can get a restricted license at 15.
Under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign for your license. A sponsor must also sign for financial liability before NDDOT issues it.

What else to do after you move to North Dakota

Register your vehicle in North Dakota immediately when you become a resident or start a job in the state.
Tell the NDDOT Driver License Division within 10 days when you change your name or address. Try our free question on the address change deadline.
Keep your license with you each time you drive. State law accepts a physical or an electronic license, but NDDOT says to carry your physical license.
Decide on a REAL ID. It is optional, and it has a gold star in the top right corner. You need it to fly within the U.S. and to enter federal facilities.

Key takeaways

Drive on your old non-commercial license for up to 60 days after you become a resident (90 consecutive days in North Dakota). A commercial license is good for 30 days.
Book an NDDOT appointment, bring your current license and your documents, and surrender every out-of-state license. The fee is $15.
NDDOT may waive the tests for an out-of-state driver. Ask at your appointment which tests you need.
Next step: if NDDOT asks you to take the knowledge test, practice first on the free North Dakota Class D practice test. It is in English only.

North Dakota license transfer: common questions

What happens if I drive on my old license after the 60 days?

The new-resident rule in state law covers no more than 60 days after you become a resident. After that, you need a North Dakota license to drive. State law sets a $150 fee for driving a motor vehicle while not licensed. NDDOT sites work by appointment only, so book your transfer before the 60 days end.

Can I transfer a license that has expired?

Only if it has been expired for one year or less. NDDOT needs your most current license, and it cannot be expired for more than one year. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must retest before you can get a North Dakota license.

Do I have to give up my old state ID card too?

Yes. State law says North Dakota will not issue you a license or a nondriver ID card until you surrender all licenses, permits and nondriver photo ID cards from any state or country. In North Dakota you can hold a license or a nondriver ID card at one time, but not both.

Will my driving record from another state follow me to North Dakota?

It can. When you apply, NDDOT may ask your old state for a copy of your driving record. Under state law, that copy becomes part of your North Dakota driving record, with the same effect as if it had been entered in North Dakota from the start.