Driving Tests

What to Bring to the ND Driver License Office: Documents and REAL ID

informational·how to guide·Published June 11, 2026

What documents do I need for a North Dakota driver license or REAL ID?

For a North Dakota REAL ID (gold star) permit, license or ID card, bring one identity document, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport; one proof of your Social Security number; two documents with your name and North Dakota physical address; and a certified name change document if your name changed. Bring originals or certified copies on paper, and book an appointment first.

Where the North Dakota document rules come from

The document lists come from the NDDOT REAL ID information page and the NDDOT REAL ID checklist (PDF). The transfer rules come from the NDDOT page on transferring a license. Appointment, sponsorship, Social Security and Mobile ID rules come from other NDDOT Driver License pages, the NDDOT Noncommercial Driver License Manual (2025-2027) and North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-06. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (dot.nd.gov) before you drive.

North Dakota REAL ID documents at a glance

North Dakota REAL ID documents at a glance
Category	What you bring	How many
1. Identity, date of birth and legal presence	Certified U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or passport card, Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card or another listed document	1
2. Name change (only if your name differs)	Certified marriage certificate, certified adoption document or certified court order with a court seal	Only if needed
3. Social Security number	Social Security card, W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA 1099 or a pay stub that shows your name and full number	1
4. North Dakota address	Utility bill, lease, tax statement, insurance policy, pay stub and other listed documents	2

Do you need a REAL ID in North Dakota?

A REAL ID is optional in North Dakota. You need a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card to fly within the U.S. and to enter federal facilities. If you plan to use a passport to fly, or you do not fly or visit federal facilities, you can opt out and renew as you do now. A North Dakota card with a gold star in the top right corner is already REAL ID-compliant.

Which identity document does North Dakota accept?

Every applicant for a permit, license or ID card shows one document that proves identity, date of birth and legal presence in the United States. Accepted documents include a state-certified U.S. birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card and an Employment Authorization Card.
For a REAL ID, a foreign passport counts only with an I-94 and a valid, unexpired U.S. visa. If you were born in North Dakota, order a certified birth certificate from Vital Records at the North Dakota Department of Health.

Which documents prove your North Dakota address?

For a REAL ID, show two documents from the list. Each one must show your name and your current physical address, and each must be the most current issue.
Accepted types include a current utility bill (electricity, gas, water, sewer, cable or recycle), a lease or mortgage document, a property tax statement, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a vehicle insurance policy, a pay stub, a financial statement and a school transcript issued within 6 months.
A post office box is not accepted as an address, and photocopies are refused.
If you are under 18, a parent can give the proof of address for you.
If you cannot give the documents, call 855-633-6835 and ask about other options.

Which documents should you bring for your case?

You do not want a REAL ID and you are transferring a license from another state

You need one address document and no proof of your Social Security number. Your number still goes on the application, and state law lets NDDOT ask for your Social Security card, so bring it if you have it.

You have no Social Security number

State law lets you apply for a license without one if you are a nonimmigrant who is not eligible for a number, or if you sign an affidavit that you were never assigned one. A REAL ID needs proof of a number. Call 855-633-6835 with questions before you book.

You have a nonimmigrant visa or another temporary status

You get a temporary license. It is valid only for your authorized stay, or for one year if your stay has no definite end. To renew it, bring proof that your status was extended.

What does a parent have to bring for a teen under 18?

If you are under 18, a parent, legal guardian or designated person must sign your application. The signature approves the permit or license and accepts financial liability. A legal guardian shows guardianship papers. If a parent or guardian cannot come, they can name another person to sign in a notarized document, and the financial liability stays with the parent or guardian.
Try our free question on who may sign when a parent cannot come.

What do you bring when you move to North Dakota?

Bring your current license from the other state. It cannot be suspended, canceled or revoked, or expired for more than one year. Bring the same identity, name change, Social Security and address documents as other applicants. You must surrender all licenses from other states or countries. For the 60-day window and the tests, read our guide to moving to North Dakota and transferring your license.

How to get a REAL ID at a North Dakota Driver License office

1
Choose your card
Decide if you want a REAL ID (opt in) or a standard license (opt out). When you transfer a license from another state, the standard license needs fewer documents.
2
Collect paper originals
Gather one document from each category that applies to you, and two address documents for a REAL ID. Use originals or certified copies on paper.
3
Book an appointment
All sites work by appointment only, with no walk-ins. Book online at dot.nd.gov or call 1-855-633-6835.
4
Choose a site
Full-time sites are in Bismarck, Minot, Fargo, Williston, Dickinson, Grand Forks, Devils Lake and Jamestown. Part-time sites are in Beulah, Bottineau, Bowman, Grafton, Harvey, Linton, Oakes, Rolla, Valley City, Wahpeton and Watford City.
5
Go to your appointment
Bring all your documents. A teen under 18 also needs the signature of a parent, legal guardian or designated person on the application.

Key takeaways

A REAL ID needs one identity document, a certified name change document if your name changed, one Social Security number document and two North Dakota address documents.
Bring paper originals or certified copies. Photocopies, hospital certificates, post office box addresses and digital documents are refused.
A gold star in the top right corner means you already have a REAL ID.
Every visit to a Driver License site needs an appointment: book online or call 1-855-633-6835.
Next step: practice on the free North Dakota Class D practice test.

North Dakota license documents: common questions

Can I use a North Dakota REAL ID to drive into Canada?

No. A REAL ID lets you fly within the U.S. and enter federal facilities, but it does not replace a passport for international travel, such as a visit to Canada. North Dakota also does not offer an enhanced driver license. Plan to use your passport when you cross the border.

Can I show a photo of my documents on my phone?

No. REAL ID documents must be on paper, and NDDOT accepts no digital documents. Photocopies and hospital birth certificates are also refused. Government-issued legal presence and name change documents must be originals that are certified, so order a certified copy before your appointment if you have only a photocopy.

Can I get a REAL ID when I renew online?

No. If your card has no gold star, you apply for a REAL ID in person at an NDDOT Driver License office, with an appointment. You can add the REAL ID at the same time as your renewal or a duplicate card, so one visit does both. For the fees, see our guide to North Dakota driver license costs.

Do I bring the documents again at my next visit?

Not if you already have a REAL ID. Your REAL ID documents are scanned and kept in the state driver license system. You show new documents only after a name change, an address change or a gender change.

Is Mobile ID the same as carrying my license?

No. North Dakota Mobile ID is an optional digital version of your license on your phone, for $5 at each license renewal. It does not replace the physical card, and NDDOT says North Dakotans must still carry their physical license when they drive.