Key points
You become a North Dakota resident for licensing after living here 90 consecutive days.
Source: Handbook p. 2
“who has lived in this state for 90 consecutive days, shall be deemed a resident of North Dakota for the purpose of driver licensing.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 2After becoming a resident, you may drive on another state's license for 60 days.
Source: Handbook p. 2
“You may operate a Class D or M vehicle with an operator’s license from another state for a period of 60 days after you become a resident of North Dakota.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 2You may renew your license 10 months before it expires without losing time.
Source: Handbook p. 7
“You may renew your license 10 months prior to expiration without losing any time remaining on the old license.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 7Report a change of name or address within 10 days.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“If you change your name or address, you must notify the Driver License Division within 10 days.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 8A Class D license covers single vehicles under 26,001 pounds GVWR towing trailers not over 10,000 pounds.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“Class D: Any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds GVWR may tow trailers not over 10,000 pounds GVWR.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 8At 15, the farm exemption lets you drive a farm vehicle within 150 miles of your farm.
Source: Handbook p. 8
“Age 15 may drive a farm vehicle within 150 miles of driver’s farm, having a gross weight of not more than 50,000 pounds, when transporting agricultural products or farm supplies.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 8You may not drive without a valid liability insurance policy in effect.
Source: Handbook p. 27
“No person shall drive a motor vehicle in the state of North Dakota without a valid policy of liability insurance in effect.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 27Driving uninsured costs $150 the first time and $300 for a later offense in three years.
Source: Handbook p. 27
“The fine for operating an uninsured motor vehicle is $150 for a first violation and $300 for a second or subsequent violation in three years”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 27After a no insurance conviction you must show proof of insurance for one year and buy a $50 restricted duplicate license.
Source: Handbook p. 27
“If a person is convicted of “No Liability Insurance,” that person will be required to provide proof of liability insurance to the division for one year. The person will also be required to purchase a duplicate driver’s license with the “Proof of Liability Insurance” restriction. The cost of this duplicate license is $50.”
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 27
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 90 days | living here this long makes you a resident for licensing | Handbook p. 2 |
| 60 days | driving on another state's license after becoming a resident | Handbook p. 2 |
| 10 months | how early you may renew | Handbook p. 7 |
| 10 days | to report a name or address change | Handbook p. 8 |
| 26,001 / 10,000 pounds | Class D vehicle limit and trailer limit | Handbook p. 8 |
| 15, 150 miles, 50,000 pounds | farm exemption age, distance and weight | Handbook p. 8 |
| $150 / $300 | uninsured fines, first and later in three years | Handbook p. 27 |
| $50 | duplicate license with the proof of insurance restriction | Handbook p. 27 |
3 questions from the North Dakota practice test
1. How long may a new North Dakota resident drive on another state's license before getting a North Dakota license?
- One year
- 10 days
- Indefinitely, as long as the license is valid
- 60 days for Class D or M, but only 30 days for Class A, B or C operators
Show answer
60 days for Class D or M, but only 30 days for Class A, B or C operators. You may operate a Class D or M vehicle with an operator's license from another state for a period of 60 days after you become a resident of North Dakota, and then you must take the necessary tests for a North Dakota license. Commercial Class A, B or C operators have only 30 days. The clock starts when residency is established, not when the old license expires.
2. How soon must a North Dakota driver report a change of name or address?
- Within 10 days, with documentary evidence of the change
- Within 30 days
- Within 90 days
- At the next renewal
Show answer
Within 10 days, with documentary evidence of the change. If you change your name or address, you must notify the Driver License Division within 10 days and provide documentary evidence of the change; the website lists acceptable documents. Renewal notices, suspension letters and hearing notices all go to the address on file, so an out of date address can cost you a hearing you never knew about. The update can be made at any driver license office.
3. What is the fine for a first violation of operating an uninsured motor vehicle in North Dakota?
- $100
- $500
- $300
- $150
Show answer
$150. The first uninsured motor vehicle violation carries a $150 fine. A $300 fine applies to a second or subsequent violation within three years, so selecting it confuses repeat conduct with the initial offense. The remaining amounts are not the manual's listed first violation penalty. Also remember that the consequence can include license suspension and a later proof of liability insurance restriction, making the insurance requirement more than a paperwork detail.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free North Dakota practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Your Operator's License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.