North Carolina Driver’s License Renewal: How to Do It

North Carolina has stricter requirements for obtaining a driver’s license than most other states. Then you may feel hassled when it’s time for your North Carolina driver’s license renewal. Although visiting a DMV may not be interesting, waiting too long to renew your license might have unfavorable effects. After all, you don’t want to pay a hefty penalty or spend some time in jail.  

You must complete several processes to renew your North Carolina driver’s license. Fortunately, the North Carolina DMV notifies motorists when their NC driver’s license is due for renewal. You should get a card via mail reminding you to renew your license; however, you don’t need to wait until you receive this card. 

So, how can you renew a driver’s license in North Carolina? How much does it cost? Is the NC DMV license renewal a long process? Our blog will help you avoid the hassle of the renewal process. Keep reading!  

Is There a Grace Period for Driver’s License Renewal in North Carolina?

After its expiration date, you have 180 days of grace 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 have their NC licenses renewed for the next five years. 

What Documents Do I Need for a North Carolina Driver’s License?

When it’s time for NC license renewal, and you don’t have it with you, you must provide two documents to confirm your identification. You must provide both your full name and birthdate on the forms. 

Identity proof  

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

Social Security Number (SSN) proof 

You must produce your Social Security card or proof of your SSN if the NC DMV does not already have it on file. One of these documents will help you to validate your SSN.

• W-2 or 1099 form 
• DD-214 form 
• Records of payroll 
• Social Security document that shows your SSN 
• Military records that show your SSN 
• A Medicare card that includes your SSN 

When Should You Do the North Carolina Driver’s License Renewal?

You must renew your driver’s license in NC every couple of years to drive legally in the state. The expiration date will differ depending on your age when the license was issued. A driver can renew their North Carolina driver’s license six months before the expiration date. You can find the expiry date of your driving license on the front side of the card, to the right, next to your birthdate (or DOB).  

The North Carolina DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) will send you a reminder card 60 days before its expiration date. But be mindful that you won’t get the reminder mail if you no longer reside at the address on your license. Moreover, you’ll have 180 days to finish your renewal before your license expires. 

How to Renew a Driver’s License in NC

You can renew your driver’s license in North Carolina in three ways: online, in person, and by mail. Irrespective of the renewal mode, you will need to wait at least 20 days to get the renewed license.  

How to renew the driver’s license online  

You can do the license renewal in NC online via the DMV’s website.  

Eligibility for renewal 

• You don’t owe debts to the DMV or have a suspended license. 
• The renewal is for a Class C license only. You can’t renew commercial licenses or driver’s permits.   
• Your license doesn’t have restrictions other than corrective lenses.  

If you’re eligible, you can do the renewal process by providing information about your driver’s license number, birth date, and the last four numbers of your SSN. Once you make the payment online, you’ll receive a temporary digital license. You will get the renewed license via mail within 20 days. You will have to go in person the next time if you choose to renew online right now. 

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 SSN proof. 

You may also need to take the following tests for NC DMV license renewal, 

• Vision Test: To pass this for driver’s license applications and renewals, drivers in North Carolina must have a vision of at least 20/40. 
• Knowledge Exam: The knowledge exam includes significant traffic regulations and road signage. The test involves 25 questions, and you must correctly answer 20 of them to pass with an 80 percent score.  
• Driving skills road test (may/may not be required): This behind-the-wheel test demonstrates that you possess the abilities required to drive safely. 

After your appointment at the NC DMV, you have to pay a cost of $5.50 to renew your driver’s license. You have three options for payment: cash, money order, and cheque.  

How to renew the driving license by mail 

Only out-of-state and military residents with a permanent address may renew their driver’s license in NC by mail in that state. In addition, 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.  
• You’re not renewing a commercial driver’s license. 
• You are away from the state for 30 or more days. 
• 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 mail. Also, you must provide payment for the $5.50 renewal fee via cheque or cash. Then, you can mail the application. 

Things you need to know 

Be aware that the DMV lets you renew an NC driver’s license only a few times via mail. Military personnel get two renewals, although out-of-state residents get only one. Temporary licenses renewed by mail expire 60 days after your return to North Carolina. 

How Long Does It Take for a North Carolina Driver’s License Renewal?

You will receive a temporary driving certificate after renewing it, which you can use for 60 days. Probably, you should receive your new license within 20 days. Contact the North Carolina DMV if you don’t receive the license within 20 days.  

How Much Does It Cost for a North Carolina Driver’s License Renewal?

It will cost you around $5.50 to renew a driver’s license in North Carolina. However, the duration of your driver’s license and expiration date differ by age.  

• A license is valid for five years if you are 16 or older or over 65. 
• An NC driver’s license is valid for four years, beginning at age 17. 
• A license is valid for eight years for the 18–65 age range. 

So, you need to pay the following total amount by adding the renewal fee. 

Age	Amount
16	$27.50
17	$22
18-65	$44
66 and above	$27.50

How Do I Check the Status of My Driver’s License in North Carolina?

You can check the status via the DMV’s website.

How to Find a North Carolina Driver’s License Office near You

The official website helps you find the license offices near you. There are over 110 offices, and you can choose the one near you using the search option or automatic location detection. While doing so, you can also select the office type according to your need, such as License, Plate / Vehicle, License and Theft, and Trucking (IRP). For convenience, office appointments are also offered online so that you can skip the endless queues. 

TL;DR

Going to the DMV for license renewal can be a headache!

Renewing your driver’s license can be smooth sailing with the right info.

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

• Vision Exam: 20/40 vision is key to keeping you and others safe on the road.
• Knowledge Test: Brush up on those traffic signs and rules – a quick quiz awaits!

NC DMV vs. Online Renewal:

• In-person at the DMV: Pass both tests on-site. Be prepared for lines, but get immediate results.
• Online Renewal: Skip the trip! Available for eligible drivers under 72 who meet specific criteria. Just submit a recent eye exam!

NC DMV License Renewal Tips

• Renew early: Avoid the rush! You can renew up to 180 days before expiration.
• Gather documents: Proof of identity, social security number, and payment will save you time.
• Study up: Brush up on the NC Driver’s Handbook’s “Signs & Signals” chapter for the knowledge test.
• Schedule an appointment: Skip the line at the DMV by booking a visit online.

Opt for a REAL ID while renewing – it doubles as a federal ID for travel within the US! 

With these tips and a little preparation, your NC license renewal will be a breeze!

What are the specific documents required for North Carolina driver’s license renewal by mail?

There is no online option for renewing North Carolina driver’s licenses.

However, residents may renew their licenses by mail and provide the following documents: verification of identity, age, residency, Social Security, and liability insurance.

• Age and identity: School documents, military identification, passport, or birth certificate.
• Residence: A current utility bill, mortgage receipt, or rental lease agreement.
• Social Security: Social Security card
• Liability insurance: Proof of Liability Insurance

Tax forms, marriage certificates, government documents, and court documents are also acceptable. The applicant’s exact name and birthdate must be displayed on all documents.

In the event that the applicant has a suspended license, outstanding DMV debt, or license restrictions other than “Corrective Lenses” or “24” on a provisional license, renewal is not feasible via mail or in person.

Are there any additional fees or costs associated with renewing a North Carolina driver’s license?

Indeed, there are additional fees associated with renewing a North Carolina driver’s license online. PayIt, an online service, imposes a $3 transaction fee in addition to a 1.85% card processing fee. These fees do not accrue to the state.

As of July 1, 2024, the driver’s license renewal fee is $6.50 per year. This amounts to $32.50 for a five-year license and $52 for an eight-year license.

The following are additional expenses that should be taken into account:

• License duplication: $16.75
• Learner’s permit: $4 increase

The North Carolina REAL ID is equivalent to a standard license if it is obtained within six months of its expiration. Otherwise, it is equivalent to a duplicate.

Residents of North Carolina have the option to renew their driver’s license online every other year.

What are the eligibility requirements for renewing a Class C license online in North Carolina?

In order to renew a Class C driver’s license online in North Carolina, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• Corrective lenses are the only limitations on your license.
• Your license has not expired for more than two years.
• Your vision has remained unchanged for the past six months.
• You consent to the terms and conditions.

If your license is suspended, you won’t be able to renew it online.

You have the option to renew your license in person at a DMV office or by mail.

Common Queries

Do I need to take a test to renew my driver’s license in NC?

Yes, you must pass the knowledge and vision test for NC DMV license renewal. The knowledge test contains questions regarding traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer 20 questions out of 25 correctly to pass. You must also undergo a driving skills road test.

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

Yes, online license renewal in NC is possible for residents up to two years after the driver’s license expires. If not, you must renew your NC driver’s license in person.

Does NCDMV take walk-ins for license renewal?

Every driver’s license facility in North Carolina has added walk-in capacity and allows walk-ins only on weekday afternoons. If you’re doing an NC DMV license renewal in person, check the estimated walk-in wait times on the DMV website before visiting the office.

What’s the penalty for driving with an expired license in North Carolina?

In NC, driving with an expired driver’s license is considered a “no operator’s license” (NOL) violation. You will get a penalty of up to $100, court costs, and three points on your driving record. Even if you may not be allowed to drive until you do your NC DMV license renewal.

Do I need a REAL ID in NC?

Currently, you don’t require a REAL ID in NC. However, it will be convenient to have one if you’re often visiting federal facilities, military bases, or boarding airplanes. NC requires you to have a REAL ID starting from May 7, 2025.