What happens when your North Carolina driver's license expires
Once your North Carolina driver's license passes its expiration date, you cannot legally drive. You must renew it before you get behind the wheel again. The good news is that North Carolina does not treat an expired license as a violation if you renew it promptly — you will not face a fine or penalty for the lapse itself, as long as you do not drive while it is expired.
The renewal process depends on how long ago your license expired. If it expired within the last three years, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office. If it expired more than three years ago, you must go in person to a Division of Motor Vehicles office and pass the vision test again.
North Carolina licenses expire on your birthday, five years after they are issued. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before expiration, but that notice is a courtesy — it is your responsibility to renew on time, whether or not you receive it.
Key Takeaways
- An expired North Carolina license cannot be used for driving, but you face no penalty for renewing it as long as you do not drive while expired.
- If your license expired within three years, you can renew online or by mail without visiting a DMV office.
- If your license expired more than three years ago, you must visit a DMV office in person and pass a vision test.
- Renewal by mail or online costs $20 and takes about two weeks; in-person renewal costs $20 and is usually completed the same day.
- You will need your current expired license, proof of residency, and a valid Social Security number to renew.
Renewing online or by mail if your license expired within three years
North Carolina allows online renewal for licenses that expired no more than three years ago. This is the fastest route: you can complete the entire process from home in about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 14 days.
To renew online, visit the North Carolina DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your expired driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to upload a recent photo — either a digital photo you take yourself or a photo from a previous DMV transaction. The fee is $20, paid by debit or credit card.
If you prefer to renew by mail, read the DL 43 form from the North Carolina DMV website or request one by calling 919-715-7000. Mail the completed form along with your expired license and a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Include a recent photo if you want to update your license photo; otherwise, your current photo will be used. Mail renewal takes about three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet.
Renewing in person if your license expired more than three years ago
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot use the online or mail renewal process. You must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office in person. At that visit, you will take a new vision test and have a new photo taken.
Bring your expired license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment at most North Carolina DMV offices, but you can reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time. Visit the DMV office locator on the North Carolina DMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours.
The renewal fee is $20. Most offices complete the transaction the same day and issue a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are renewing by mail, online, or in person. For online renewal, you need only your expired license number, date of birth, and Social Security number — all entered on the website.
For mail renewal, send your expired license, the completed DL 43 form, and payment. A recent photo is optional but recommended if you want to update your appearance on the license.
For in-person renewal, bring your expired license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form). If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring the proof of your new address. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Fees and processing times
| Renewal Method | Fee | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $20 | 7–14 days | License expired within 3 years |
| $20 | 3 weeks | License expired within 3 years | |
| In-person | $20 | Same day (temporary); 7–10 days (permanent) | License expired more than 3 years ago |
All renewal methods cost $20. Online renewal is the fastest — your new license arrives in one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer because the DMV must receive and process your packet, which typically takes three weeks total. In-person renewal is when ready if you need to drive right away: you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not drive while your license is expired, even if you have submitted a renewal process. An expired license is not valid for driving, and you can be cited for driving with an expired license. Wait until your new license arrives or you receive your temporary license before driving.
Do not assume you received the renewal notice the DMV mails 60 days before expiration. If you did not receive it, that does not extend your important date. Check your license expiration date yourself and renew before that date passes.
If you are renewing by mail, do not forget to include payment. The DMV will return your packet if the check or money order is missing, and you will have to resubmit. Use a check or money order only — mail payment by credit or debit card is not accepted for mail renewal.
If you are renewing in person and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. Renewing without updating your address means your new license will show your old address, and you may have trouble using it for identification purposes.
What to do if you cannot renew before your license expires
If your license has already expired and you need to drive before your renewal arrives, you have limited options. If you are renewing by mail or online, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If you are renewing in person, ask the DMV office for a temporary license — this is a paper document valid for 30 days that you can use while your permanent license is being mailed.
If you are outside North Carolina and your license expired, you can still renew by mail or online if it expired within three years. If it expired more than three years ago, you will need to visit a North Carolina DMV office in person when you return to the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my renewal to arrive?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving. If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary license that day, valid for 30 days. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot drive until your new license arrives. Do not drive with an expired license — you can be cited and fined.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew. For online renewal, you will need your license number, which you may find on old documents, insurance cards, or bank records. If you cannot locate it, you can call the North Carolina DMV at 919-715-7000 and provide your name and date of birth to look it up. For in-person renewal, bring your proof of identity and address instead.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?
A new photo is optional for mail renewal. If you do not include one, the DMV will use your current photo from the expired license. If you want to update your photo, include a recent one with your mail renewal packet. For online renewal, you must provide a photo — either a new one you upload or one from a previous DMV record.
How long does a temporary license last?
A temporary license issued at a DMV office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your permanent license does not arrive within that window, contact the DMV to check its status.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears?
North Carolina can suspend your license for unpaid child support or certain criminal fines. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the North Carolina DMV or the agency that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to clear it.