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How to Get ID & Documents in North Dakota

North Dakota issues state identification cards through the Department of Transportation (DOT). The state has some of the lowest ID and birth certificate fees in the country at $8 and $7 respectively. North Dakota is also notable for not requiring voter registration — eligible citizens can vote with a valid ID showing their current address.

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Quick Answer

Visit a North Dakota DOT driver's license site with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of North Dakota residency. A state ID costs $8 and a birth certificate costs just $7 — among the lowest fees in the nation. Processing takes about 2-3 weeks for the permanent card to arrive by mail.

North Dakota ID Agency

Department of Transportation - Driver's License Division (DOT)

Website: dot.nd.gov/divisions/driverslicense

Phone: (701) 328-2725

State ID Card

Cost: $8

REAL ID: $8

Processing: 2-3 weeks by mail

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other primary document)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Proof of North Dakota residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal presence for non-citizens

North Dakota state IDs are valid for 6 years. The $8 fee is among the lowest in the country. REAL ID-compliant cards require proof of legal presence and proof of residency. North Dakota does not have voter registration — a valid state ID with current address is used for voting, making it especially important to keep your ID up to date.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Division of Vital Records

Cost: $7

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 2-4 weeks by mail; same day in person at Bismarck office

Order online: hhs.nd.gov/vital

North Dakota birth certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at the Division of Vital Records in Bismarck. At $7 per copy, North Dakota has one of the lowest birth certificate fees in the nation. Online orders go through VitalChek with an additional service fee. You must provide valid ID and proof of eligibility.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) assists individuals with obtaining identification documents before release through its reentry programming. Case managers coordinate with the DOT and Vital Records to help individuals obtain the documents needed for a state ID.

Homeless Provisions

North Dakota does not have a formal statewide fee waiver for homeless individuals. However, the extremely low $8 ID cost and $7 birth certificate cost make these documents among the most affordable in the nation. Community Action Agencies and homeless service providers throughout the state may provide financial assistance.

Fee Waivers

North Dakota does not offer a general fee waiver for state IDs. However, the $8 fee is one of the lowest in the country, making IDs accessible to most residents. The state's Tribal ID programs may provide additional options for Native American residents.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in North Dakota: $7.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DOT. Cost: $8.
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DOT, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DOT office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DOT as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DOT offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for North Dakota-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DOT to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DOT offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than North Dakota, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in North Dakota but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the North DakotaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in North Dakota and register to vote. See our North Dakota voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More North Dakota Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a North Dakota state ID cost?
A North Dakota state identification card costs $8 and is valid for 6 years, making it one of the most affordable IDs in the country at about $1.33 per year.
How do I get my North Dakota birth certificate?
Contact the Division of Vital Records. You can order online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Bismarck office. The cost is $7 per certified copy, which is the lowest or near-lowest in the nation.
Does North Dakota require voter registration?
No, North Dakota is the only state that does not require voter registration. Instead, eligible citizens can vote by presenting a valid ID showing their name, date of birth, and current North Dakota residential address at the polls.
What help is available when leaving a North Dakota prison?
The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DOCR) provides reentry programming that includes assistance with obtaining identification documents before release. Contact your case manager to begin the process.
Can I use a tribal ID in North Dakota?
A tribal ID can be used as a form of identification for various purposes in North Dakota, including voting. For a state ID, tribal identification may count toward your identity documentation requirements. Contact the DOT for specific guidance.
Can I renew my North Dakota ID online?
Yes, eligible North Dakota residents can renew their state ID online through the DOT website. You must meet certain eligibility requirements and have no changes to your personal information.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DOT, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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