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How to get a driver's license in North Dakota as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in North Dakota needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors 16 or older may drive with a valid license from their home country; an International Driving Permit is only a translation, not a license.
Deadline after moving
60 days after residence is established (residence = 90 consecutive days living in North Dakota)
License exchange without tests
Not stated in official sources
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your SSN (verified with SSA), unless you are a nonimmigrant not eligible for one or you sign an affidavit that you were never assigned one.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors 16 or older may drive with a valid license from their home country; an International Driving Permit is only a translation, not a license. Deadline after moving: 60 days after residence is established (residence = 90 consecutive days living in North Dakota).

If your country is not on the list

Surrender all foreign licenses, pass vision screening and the noncommercial knowledge test, and (if over 18) schedule and pass a road test conducted entirely in English.

If you are at least 16 years of age and have in your immediate possession a valid operator’s license ... No, an International Driving Permit is not a driver license. ... Nonresidents age 16 and over are not required to obtain a license until 60 days after residence www.dot.nd.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
  • Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Card
  • Valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with I-94
  • I-94 Card stamped Refugee or Asylee
You must be a resident of North Dakota and provide proper proof of identity and lawful presence. www.dot.nd.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN (verified with SSA), unless you are a nonimmigrant not eligible for one or you sign an affidavit that you were never assigned one.

You must provide your Social Security number, unless you are a nonimmigrant who is not eligible ... for a Social Security number or you provide an affidavit stating that you were not assigned a social security number. www.dot.nd.gov

Proof of residency

Proof of a physical North Dakota residence address (no P.O. boxes), e.g. property tax statement, lease, utility bill, pay stub; document must show your name and physical address.

Proof of North Dakota resident address is required ... All documents must contain your name and current physical residence address. www.dot.nd.gov

Step by step

  1. Make an appointment and apply in person at a North Dakota driver license site.
  2. Bring original or certified documents proving identity, lawful presence and your physical North Dakota address, plus your SSN (or proof of SSN ineligibility).
  3. Surrender any licenses from other states or countries.
  4. Pass the vision screening and have your photo taken.
  5. Pass the noncommercial knowledge test ($5 per attempt, one attempt per day; offered in several languages).
  6. Schedule and pass the road test ($5); it is conducted entirely in English.
  7. Pay the $15 noncommercial license fee.

Fees

Written test $5, road test $5, noncommercial permit or license $15.

Written test: $5.00 ... Road test: $5.00 ... Non-commercial permit or license: $15.00 www.dot.nd.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in North Dakota

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.