What to Bring to Your North Dakota Permit Test
Last updated 2026-08-07
Proof of identity, date of birth, and legal presence
North Dakota requires one document proving your current name, date of birth, and legal presence in the United States -- a certified U.S. birth certificate and a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card are the two most common choices, though the manual lists several accepted alternatives for immigrants and refugees.
No photocopies and no hospital-issued certificates are accepted -- documents must be original or certified copies only. If your current name differs from the name on your identity document, you'll also need to bring a certified marriage certificate, certified adoption document, or certified court order proving the name change.
Proof of your Social Security number
As authorized by North Dakota Century Code 39-06-07 and 39-06-03.1, every application for a permit, license, or identification card must contain the applicant's Social Security number, proven with a document showing your name and full SSN -- an actual blue-and-white Social Security card, a W-2 form, an SSA or non-SSA 1099 form, or a pay stub are all accepted.
This requirement applies to every application, not just a first-time one, so don't assume a renewal or upgrade skips it just because the state already has your SSN on file from an earlier application.
Two documents proving your North Dakota address
Bring two documents, each the most currently issued version available, proving your physical North Dakota residence address -- a current government-issued property tax statement, a current pay stub or employer statement, or a current vehicle insurance policy are all accepted, among several other options.
Every document must show your name and physical residence address; a P.O. box is explicitly not acceptable as proof of address in North Dakota, so make sure whatever you bring lists a real street address.
Parental sponsorship, required for every applicant under 18
Every applicant under 18 needs their application signed by a parent, legal guardian, or another approved sponsor. That sponsorship must come from the father, mother, or legal guardian directly, with guardianship papers presented if a legal guardian is signing instead of a parent.
If neither parent is able to appear in person, they may designate another individual to sign temporarily through a notarized document -- but financial liability for the minor's driving still stays with the father, mother, or legal guardian, not the person who physically signed.
Be ready for a knowledge test, a vision screen, and a strict testing-area policy
You can complete the knowledge test immediately online at nd.knowtodrive.com, or in person at a Driver License office alongside the required visual screening test -- either way, you'll still need an in-person appointment afterward to actually receive the physical permit.
North Dakota's testing area bans children, pets (except medical alert or service animals), backpacks, purses, paper, pens, cell phones, and other electronic devices outright -- bringing any of these into the testing area, or leaving before the test is finished, results in an automatic failed test score. Secure these items elsewhere before you walk in.
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More North Dakota Guides
- How Long Does a North Dakota Permit Last?
- Understanding North Dakota's GDL Program
- What Happens If You Fail Your North Dakota Test?
- Do You Need Driver's Ed in North Dakota?
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with NDDOT before your exam. Check the full guides index or the North Dakota cheat sheet and FAQ, or take a free North Dakota practice test.