The issue date on a North Dakota driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. The Department of Transportation issues licenses valid for 4 years for most adult drivers. Here is where to find ISS and what every field on your North Dakota license means.

Where to find the issue date on a North Dakota driver's license

On the current North Dakota license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and shows when Department of Transportation issued your current card. Renewing your license resets the ISS date on the new card while your license number stays the same.

Date fields on a North Dakota driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. North Dakota driver's licenses are valid for 4 years for most adult drivers.

What does DD mean on a North Dakota driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is issued, even if your license number stays the same. Banks, car rental agencies, and identity systems use the DD to confirm the card has not been altered.

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Restrictions on a North Dakota driver's license

The restrictions field on North Dakota licenses is labeled RSTR or Restrictions. Common restriction codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required while driving
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No highway or expressway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only
• F — Outside mirror required on driver's side

North Dakota REAL ID

North Dakota offers both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID North Dakota license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel and certain federal facilities. To get a North Dakota REAL ID, visit a North Dakota license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing your North Dakota address.

How to renew a North Dakota driver's license

North Dakota Department of Transportation offers online renewal at dot.nd.gov for eligible drivers who do not need a new photo and whose information has not changed. In-person renewal is required for first-time REAL ID, new photos, and CDL transactions.

How to find your original North Dakota licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued, not your original licensing date. To find your original date, request a copy of your North Dakota driving record through the Department of Transportation website or in person at a North Dakota license office.