Question

What do I need to renew my license in NC?

To renew the license in NC, you need to submit all the required documents, pass all tests conducted by the DMV, and pay the prescribed fee.

North Carolina has stricter requirements for obtaining a driver’s license than most other states. The state DMV notifies you by sending a reminder card to your email. You can do the renewal both online and in person. In both cases, the required documents must be submitted without fail. The particulars needed for renewal are:

Social Security Number
Approved ID Proof

The NC DMV-approved ID proofs for license renewal are:

Your birth certificate and Social Security card
Tax forms (W-2 or 1099)
Your driving record in North Carolina
Documents from school
A legal passport or a US military ID
Marriage certificate
Records from the court (e.g., adoption papers)
US government records
North Carolina Limited Driving Privilege

What is the new law for renewing a driver’s license in NC?

As per the new law, the NC motorist can renew the license two consecutive times online. Earlier, motorists needed to go in person every other year. The new law was passed in order to make license renewal hassle-free for motorists.

What is the deadline for license renewal in North Carolina?

After its expiration date, you have a grace period of 180 days to renew the license. If you’re between 18 and 65, renewing your license extends its validity for an additional eight years. Drivers aged 66 and older can have their NC licenses renewed for the next five years.

How to renew the driver’s license in person?

You must schedule an appointment with the North Carolina DMV to complete your driver’s license renewal. While visiting the DMV, you will have to produce two documents verifying your identity and proof of SSN.

Can I renew my North Carolina driver’s license online?

Yes, NCDMV lets its motorists renew their driver’s licenses online. You may visit the official website of the state DMV, fill in the respective form, submit the supporting documents, pay the fees, and renew the license.

You cannot renew online if:

The license was renewed online two times consecutively before this.
The license is suspended or has an outstanding debt with the North Carolina DMV.
License with any restrictions apart from “Corrective Lenses.”
Commercial licenses, regular Class A or B driver licenses, limited provisional licenses, limited learner permits, or learner permits.
Government documents with legal presence.
IDs expired under a 1-year grace period or were renewed six months before expiry.

In any of the above-mentioned situations, you have to visit the nearest driver’s license office in person.

How to renew the driving license by mail?

You need to fulfill the following requirements to renew the license via mail.

The driver’s age is below 72.
The driver’s SSN is on the DMV’s file.
Not for a commercial license.
Living outside NC for 30 or more days, or active military personnel outside NC.
The driver needs to submit an eye test.
Your photo with the DMV is not older than five years.

You must fill out an application to finish your registration by email. Also, you must provide payment of the renewal fee via check or cash.

Address the renewal packet to:

NCDMV
3176 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27697-3176

Regular citizens can apply through the mail only once in a lifetime and twice for active military personnel outside NC.

How much does it cost to renew your license in NC?

It costs $6.50 per year to renew a driver’s license in North Carolina. Since the renewal for all motorists in the 18-65 age group is 8 years, you need to pay $52 in total. Those who are above 65 have to renew for 5 years, hence need to pay $32.50.

What tests are required to renew an NC driver’s license in 2025?

Vision Test: You must have a vision of at least 20/40.
Knowledge Exam: Out of 25 questions, you must answer 20 of them correctly to pass.
Driving skills road test (may/may not be required)