The Complete North Dakota DMV Document Checklist: What to Bring for Your License

There are few experiences more frustrating than successfully booking an appointment at a North Dakota Driver's License Site, only to be told you can't complete your transaction because of a missing or incorrect document. To ensure a smooth, one-visit trip to the NDDOT, arriving with the complete and correct set of paperwork is the most important step you can take.

North Dakota has specific documentation requirements to prove your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and state residency in order to issue a federally compliant REAL ID. This guide provides a comprehensive, easy-to-follow checklist of every document you will need.

Understanding the ND REAL ID

Since 2018, North Dakota has been issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards, which are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. A REAL ID is the standard for all new licenses and is required to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities. This checklist focuses on the requirements for obtaining this compliant credential.

The Golden Rule: Always bring original documents or certified copies. The NDDOT will not accept photocopies or laminated documents (especially Social Security cards).

The Core Document Checklist for a REAL ID

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or permit in North Dakota, you must provide the following documents.

[ ] 1. Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence (Bring ONE)

This document establishes who you are, your date of birth, and your legal status in the U.S.

Original or Certified Copy of a U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by a government Bureau of Vital Statistics)
Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
Consular Report of Birth Abroad

You must present a document that shows your full, nine-digit Social Security Number (SSN).

Original Social Security Card (the best and most direct option)
W-2 Form
1099 Form
Pay Stub that shows your full name and full SSN
A letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not eligible for a number.

[ ] 3. Proof of North Dakota Residency (Bring TWO from different sources)

You must provide two separate documents to prove you live in North Dakota. These documents must show your name and current physical address (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).

Valid ND Driver License, Permit, or ID Card
Utility Bill (e.g., electric, gas, water, cable) dated within the last 90 days
Bank or Credit Card Statement dated within the last 90 days
Valid ND Vehicle Registration Card or vehicle title
Mortgage or Lease/Rental Agreement
Homeowners or Renters Insurance Policy
North Dakota school records or transcript
Pay Stub with your name and physical address
A letter from an approved shelter or non-profit organization

For Minors: If you are under 18 and do not have these documents in your own name, your parent or guardian must sign the application form and provide two proofs of residency in their name.

Additional Documents for Specific Appointments

Your document needs will vary slightly based on the reason for your visit.

For a First-Time Instruction Permit (Under 18):

In addition to the core REAL ID documents, your parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the application form and provide their own identification.

For a Road Test (Upgrading to a License):

In addition to your permit, you'll need the documents for the vehicle itself:

[ ] The vehicle's current, valid Registration Card.
[ ] The vehicle's current, valid Insurance Card.
[ ] If you are under 16, your Driver Education Completion Certificate.

For Transferring an Out-of-State License:

If you hold a valid license from another state, you will need:

[ ] Your physical out-of-state driver's license. You will be required to surrender it.
[ ] All REAL ID documents listed above. You must still prove your identity, SSN, and ND residency to get a North Dakota REAL ID.
You will also need to pass the vision test. The written and road tests are typically waived if your out-of-state license is valid and unexpired.

For a Name Change:

If your current legal name does not match the name on your Proof of Identity document (e.g., your birth certificate), you must show a legal document linking the names, such as:

Certified Marriage Certificate
Divorce Decree
Court-ordered name change document

Pro-Tip: The "NDDOT Go-Folder"

The night before your appointment, create a dedicated folder for all your NDDOT documents. Go through this checklist item by item. Are your proofs of residency from different companies? Is your birth certificate an original or a certified copy from Vital Records? Taking 15 minutes to organize your paperwork can save you hours of frustration and the hassle of scheduling a new appointment. Being over-prepared is the best strategy for a successful NDDOT visit.