Do you need a copy of your ND driving record?
Great news! The State of North Dakota provides different channels to get it.
And if you’re unfamiliar with the process, we’re here to show you how to get a North Dakota driving record.
This guide gives you ALL the steps. We’ll also explore strategies to improve it (if it isn’t as clean as you’d like).
Lastly, we have a crash course on North Dakota’s point system. After all, knowing where your points come from is crucial to avoid them!
So, are you ready to start?
Let’s go!
Types of Driving Records in North Dakota
There are 2 types of ND driving records you can request. These are:
- Limited driving record
- Complete driving record
Let’s see what sets these two apart.
Limited Driving Record
It’s the record you get if you only need information within the last 3 years. You can purchase a limited driving record online.
This type of record will show the following:
- Current point total
- Violations (only those assigned more than three points)
- Convictions
Complete Driving Record
As the name implies, a complete driving record shows information from throughout your driving history, not just 3 years.
It includes:
- Total points
- Violations and convictions
- Past suspensions, revocations, and cancellations
- Crash information
Despite going back further, you pay the same amount. However, you can only request a complete driving record by mail.
How to Get My Driving Record in North Dakota
As you probably guessed, you can get your ND driving record through:
- Online
- By Mail / Fax
Let’s look at the steps for both methods.
How to Get an ND Driving Record Online
If you only need a limited driving record, then you can enjoy the convenience of an online request.
Here are the steps:
- Go to North Dakota’s Drivers License Record Request System.
- Enter your information, such as:
- Complete name (as it appears on your driver’s license)
- Birth date
- Address
- Driver’s license number
NOTE: If you request someone else’s record, you must have their details.
- Pay the $3 fee with a debit or credit card.
- View your limited driving record and print it.
NOTE: The system doesn’t send a copy to your email. Once you exit the application, you cannot reprint the record anymore (unless you pay for another one).
And that’s it!
Pretty convenient, right?
How to Get an ND Driving Record By Mail
If you need a driving history that shows information going back more than 3 years, then you must request it by mail.
But don’t worry – The process isn’t complicated.
Here’s how to request a complete driving record by mail:
- Download the Request for Driver Abstract form (SFN 51386) and fill out the necessary fields. You can find the link for the form here.
NOTE: If you’re requesting someone else’s history, ensure the record owner gives written consent and completes the field at the bottom of the page.
- Enclose a check or money order worth $3. These must be payable to the Driver License Division.
- Send everything to this address:
Driver License Division
608 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, ND 58505-0750
- Wait for your complete driving record to arrive by mail.
NOTE: It typically takes 5 to 7 business days for the Driver License Division to process your request.
Keep in mind that receiving your copy will take some time. So don’t forget to factor this in if you’re on a deadline.
How to Improve Your North Dakota Driving Record
So now you know how to get your driving record, but what if it isn’t what you expected?
What if there are more points than you realize?
Seeing its contents can bring you to a jarring realization — it needs work.
Don’t despair if your history’s not as clean as you’d want it to be. You can do many things to improve it (and keep it that way).
For one, you can attend an approved defensive driving course once every 12 months. Sending your certificate of completion to drs@nd.gov reduces your points by 3.
You can also take it to prevent the addition of points. If you receive a citation, you can request to take an approved defensive driving course in exchange for points being added.
However, this won’t work if your violation has more than 5 points.
How do you keep your ND driving record clean?
Here are things to consider:
- Review North Dakota’s road rules
- Learn how to navigate the different road conditions
- Don’t drink and drive
- Keep possible distractions out of your line of sight
- Obey the road signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings
Understanding the North Dakota Point System
Many states use a point system to track driving violations, and North Dakota is no exception.
If you commit a violation, a number of points will be added to your driving record. And if you accumulate too many points, you can face license suspension.
So to avoid that, let’s see how many points you receive with a specific violation.
The table below details the points for going over the speed limit:
Here are other violations and their corresponding points:
| Points | Violations |
| 1 | Not using a safety child restraint system when necessary Not showing your license plates Parking in prohibited locations Leaving your vehicle on an open highway while improperly unattended Leaving your doors open and creating a hazard Not dimming your headlamps when necessary |
| 2 | Hazardous material regulation violations Operating an unsafe vehicle Improperly operating a motorcycle (whether or not in laned traffic) Unlawfully carrying packages or passengers on a motorbike (for example, when it doesn’t have footrests). Not wearing the appropriate protective gear while operating a motorcycle Letting a minor (or other unauthorized people) drive your vehicle Violating the restrictions of your learner’s permit Stopping, standing, or parking unlawfully on an open highway Causing accidents using an emergency vehicle Driving a vehicle with defective, non-existent, or unlawful equipment, such as brakes Disregarding a police officer’s order Improperly overtaking other vehicles Driving on the wrong side of the road Failing to yield the right-of-way whether or not during a funeral procession Not using the necessary care when driving Disobeying traffic control signals Driving an illegally modified vehicle Violating North Dakota’s open container law |
| 3 | Exhibition driving Violating your restriction on using corrective lenses Not stopping at a railroad crossing |
| 4 | Violating restrictions for a Minor Operator’s License or Instruction Permit Clinging to another vehicle while riding a motorcycle Driving without a license |
| 6 | Passing a stopped school bus Failing to give immediate notice of an accident Careless driving (Basic Rule) Not having liability insurance (points may also be 12 or 14, depending on the situation) |
| 8 | Reckless driving |
| 10 | Drag racing |
| 12 | Aggravated reckless driving |
| 14 | Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage |
| 18 | Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death |
| 24 | Fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle |
The Wrap Up
So that was how to get a North Dakota driving record.
And if you see that it’s less than ideal, you can always work to improve it by taking an approved defensive driving course. Plus, you can keep it clean by not violating the driving laws in the state.
Drive safely!