North Dakota Lost or Stolen Instruction Permit: Replacement Steps, Fee, and Timing

To replace a lost North Dakota Instruction Permit, request a duplicate from the NDDOT Driver License Division online, in person, or by mail. The duplicate permit fee is $8; confirm this exact amount on the current NDDOT fee schedule before your visit.

Use the right process: a lost, stolen, or damaged current permit is a duplicate-replacement issue. A wrong name, address, or printed detail belongs to the permit-correction process. An expired permit is handled under the validity/renewal rules rather than as a simple duplicate.

Methods for Replacing a Lost North Dakota Instruction Permit

You can replace your lost permit online, in person, or by mail. Choose based on your location and urgency needs. Act quickly when your North Dakota permit is lost or stolen to prevent fraudulent use and to maintain your legal authority to practice driving while the replacement is processed.

• Online Replacement: Use the NDDOT Online Driver License Services portal if you are a current resident with no address changes. The duplicate card is mailed to the address on file; check the official NDDOT portal for current delivery timeframes.
• In-Person Visit: Schedule an appointment at any Driver License Site. This is required for address changes or if you are ineligible online. Complete the SFN 6763 form beforehand.
• By Mail (Out-of-State): Mail a completed SFN 6763 form with the $8 fee and written request to the Driver License Division in Bismarck. Email dl@nd.gov first to confirm eligibility.

Your driving privileges must not be suspended, revoked, or cancelled to qualify for a duplicate permit.

What Should You Do First If Your North Dakota Permit Is Stolen?

Start the duplicate-permit process through an eligible NDDOT online replacement option or a Driver License Site. NDDOT's replacement instructions do not list a police report as a standard requirement for a routine stolen-permit replacement.

Do you need a police report for a stolen instruction permit? NDDOT does not list one in its standard replacement requirements. You may still choose to report theft for your own records if other property or identity information was also stolen.

Replacing a Lost North Dakota Permit While Temporarily Out of State

NDDOT provides a mailed driver license, permit, or identification application for qualifying situations and also offers online replacement eligibility checks. Use the option NDDOT allows for your record and current location rather than assuming an in-person North Dakota visit is always required.

Is a damaged or unreadable permit replaced the same way? Yes. NDDOT's manual says a duplicate license or permit is required when the credential is lost, has wrong information, or is mutilated so it cannot be read.

What Documents and Fees Are Required for North Dakota Permit Replacement

Bring the identity and residency documents required by NDDOT to your in-person permit replacement appointment. The exact document requirements for a duplicate permit follow the same standards as the original application, so review the current NDDOT ID checklist before your visit.

• Proof of Identity: U.S. certified birth certificate, valid passport, or tribal ID.
• Proof of Residency: If your address changed, bring two documents like a utility bill or bank statement dated within 60 days.
• The Fee: The duplicate permit cost is $8.00. In-person sites accept cash, check, or credit cards. Online requires a credit or debit card.

Complete the SFN 6763 form digitally and print it to avoid handwriting errors that cause rejection at offices like the Fargo Driver License Site.

Can a Minor Replace a Lost North Dakota Permit Without a Parent or Sponsor?

A simple duplicate does not create a new permit application, and SFN 62123 states that a minor's sponsorship remains valid for subsequent permits and licenses unless the sponsor cancels it. If NDDOT needs a new signature because the record changed, follow the sponsorship instructions it gives you.

North Dakota Permit Replacement Timeline

In-person North Dakota permit replacement visits may allow same-day issuance of a temporary paper permit that you can use legally while waiting for the permanent plastic card. Confirm this option is available at your specific Driver License Site before making the trip.

• Online: Mailed within 10-14 business days.
• In-Person: You walk out with a temporary paper permit the same day after paying the fee.
• By Mail: Allow extra time for postal processing.

Can you legally drive while waiting? Yes, but only if you have the temporary paper permit issued in person. Without it, you cannot legally drive.

How to get a temporary paper permit: Visit a Driver License Site in person. After processing your duplicate request, they will print a temporary paper permit valid until your new card arrives.

Check the North Dakota learner's permit guide for current rules and fees.

Schedule your Fargo or Bismarck Driver License Site appointment for early morning to avoid midday crowds and ensure staff have time to print your temporary permit without rushing.

What Do Common North Dakota Lost Permit Replacement Scenarios Cost?

Here are typical North Dakota permit replacement scenarios showing the timeline, cost, and process for different situations including lost permits, stolen permits, and cards mailed to wrong addresses.

1. Online Replacement (Fargo): A student in Fargo loses their permit. They use the online portal, pay $8, and receive the new permit by mail in 12 days. They cannot drive during this wait.
2. In-Person Visit (Bismarck): Someone in Bismarck needs to drive immediately. They book an appointment, bring their birth certificate and a utility bill, pay $8, and leave with a temporary paper permit the same day.

One Minot permit hit the old apartment after a move, forwarding had expired. In-person reissue required; replacement in 12 days. Update your address in the NDDOT portal before the permit is issued; a misdirected card restarts the entire wait.

Do You Retake Tests for a Lost or Stolen North Dakota Permit?

You do not retake the knowledge test for a simple duplicate replacement of a current permit. If the permit has expired, stop using the duplicate-replacement process and follow the separate permit validity and renewal rules.

Once a duplicate is issued, the previous lost permit is no longer the credential you should use.