What You Need to Renew Your North Carolina Driver's License

What documents to bring when you renew

To renew your North Carolina driver's license, you need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your North Carolina residency. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. Most people can renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office.

The exact documents depend on whether you are renewing in person, by mail, or online. North Carolina accepts different forms of proof depending on your situation, so knowing what you have on hand before you go saves a trip back home.

Key Takeaways

You must bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and one document showing your current North Carolina address.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and retake both the written and road tests.
Online renewal through the North Carolina DMV website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address or name.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license along with a completed process form.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your photo.

Proof of Social Security number

North Carolina requires you to show proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your actual Social Security card, but you do not have to. The DMV also accepts a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a birth certificate, or a passport as proof.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring a letter from your employer or a bank statement that shows your Social Security number. The document must be recent — generally within the last year — and must clearly display your full name and Social Security number.

Proof of North Carolina residency

You need one document that shows your current address in North Carolina. The DMV accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government check (such as unemployment or Social Security). The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you recently moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or a mortgage company on their letterhead confirming your address. Some people use a voter registration card or a piece of mail from a government agency, though these are less reliable — call your local DMV office first if you plan to use one of these.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest way to renew your North Carolina license if you are not changing your address, name, or photo. You go to the North Carolina DMV website, log in or create an account, answer questions about your current license, pay the renewal fee (currently $48 for an eight-year license), and submit. You do not need to bring any documents or visit an office.

Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Online renewal is only available if your license is still valid and you have not had any suspensions or revocations. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, you complete the DMV Form DL-43 (process for Renewal of Driver's License), include a copy of your proof of Social Security number and proof of residency, and mail everything along with your current license and the renewal fee to the address on the form. You do not need to include originals — copies are fine.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the DMV to return your old license. If you do not include one, the DMV keeps it. You can read Form DL-43 from the North Carolina DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

You must renew in person if your license was suspended or revoked, if you need to update your photo, if your name has changed, or if your license expired more than five years ago. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license the same day or within a few days.

In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Some DMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can shorten your wait. If you are renewing because your license expired more than five years ago, you will also need to retake the written test and the road test.

When you need to retake the tests

You do not have to retake the written or road test if your license is still valid or expired for five years or less. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must pass both tests again before you receive a new license. If your license was suspended or revoked, you may need to retake the tests depending on why it was suspended — call your local DMV office to find out.

The written test covers North Carolina traffic laws and road signs. The road test is a 20-minute drive with a DMV examiner. Both tests cost money in addition to your renewal fee. If you have not driven in a long time, the DMV website has a free study guide and practice tests to help you prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DMV office and retake both the written and road tests. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring all the same documents you would for a regular in-person renewal.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name on your new license. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.

Do I have to bring the originals of my documents, or can I bring copies?

For mail renewal, copies are fine. For in-person renewal, the DMV prefers originals but will usually accept copies if they are clear and legible. For online renewal, you do not bring any documents. When in doubt, call your local DMV office and ask what they will accept.

How much does it cost to renew my North Carolina driver's license?

The renewal fee is currently $48 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing in person and need to retake the written or road test, there are additional fees for each test. Fees can change, so check the North Carolina DMV website for the most current amounts.

What if I moved to North Carolina from another state and my old license is still valid?

You can renew your out-of-state license through that state's DMV, or you can get a North Carolina license instead. If you want a North Carolina license, you must explore for a new one rather than renew — bring your out-of-state license, proof of Social Security number, proof of North Carolina residency, and pass the written and road tests.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.