North Dakota REAL ID 2026: Documents for Your Permit or License

Proof of identity, date of birth and legal presence

Bring one of these. Each must be an original or a certified copy:

A U.S. birth certificate, state-certified and government-issued, or a U.S. territory birth certificate.
A valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
A Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. Department of State.
A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Card.
A valid, unexpired foreign passport with an I-94, or an I-94 stamped Refugee, Parole or Asylee.

Photocopies and hospital certificates aren't accepted. If you were born in North Dakota, Vital Records at the state health department can send a certified birth certificate.

Social Security number and name changes

Show one document with your name and full Social Security number: the actual card, a W-2, an SSA or non-SSA 1099, or a pay stub. NDDOT checks the number with the Social Security Administration, but it isn't used as your license number.

If your name is different from the one on your identity document, bring a certified marriage certificate, a certified adoption document or a certified court order for the name change, with the court seal.

Two proofs of your North Dakota address

Each must be the most recent one issued and show your name and the address where you live. A P.O. box doesn't count. Accepted documents include:

A property tax statement, mortgage, lease or rental document.
A homeowner's, renter's or vehicle insurance policy.
A utility bill, such as electricity, gas, water, sewer or cable.
A pay stub or statement from your employer, or a statement from your bank.
A school or college transcript issued in the last 6 months.
A tribal resident certificate or ID with a physical address, a statement from your landlord, or a relief agency or shelter certification.

If you don't have two of these, NDDOT asks you to call 855-633-6835 to ask about other options. A parent can supply the address documents for a minor.

Do you need a North Dakota REAL ID?

NDDOT says you need a REAL ID-compliant card to board domestic flights and to enter federal facilities. If you have a passport for travel, or you don't fly or visit federal buildings, you can opt out. Your card then has no gold star, and NDDOT says renewing it works the same way.

NDDOT lists both kinds of non-driver ID card as well, including a REAL ID card for people under 18 who don't drive. You apply in person at a driver license site, by appointment, once you have every document.

NDDOT: REAL ID information ↗REAL ID checklist in Spanish (PDF) ↗

Extra steps for a permit under 18

A parent or legal guardian signs the application to approve and sponsor you, and a guardian brings guardianship papers. If neither can come, they can name someone in a notarized document to sign for them, but the financial liability stays with them. You'll also take the knowledge test and a vision screening, so bring your glasses or contacts.

North Dakota learner's permit rules →

Sources: NDDOT and 5 more. Checked October 2026.