Renew Your NC License Online, by Mail, or In Person
North Carolina allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the NCDMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how much time is left before expiration, and whether you need a new photo. Most standard driver's licenses can be renewed online or by mail without visiting an office, but commercial licenses and certain other types require an in-person visit.
The online renewal process is the fastest and takes about 10 minutes. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you submit your materials. In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on wait times at your location.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online if your standard license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL-44, and the renewal fee to the DMV; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal is required if you have a commercial license, a learner's permit, or if your license has been expired for more than three years.
- The renewal fee is $48 for a four-year standard license or $80 for an eight-year license; you can pay by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 5 to 7 business days of approval.
Online Renewal: Fastest Option for Standard Licenses
To renew online, go to the NCDMV website and select the "Renew Your License" option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record.
Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your standard driver's license is not yet expired, your address has not changed since your last renewal, you do not need a new photo, and you have not had any license suspensions or revocations. If any of these do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.
Once you complete the online form, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 5 to 7 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where
To renew by mail, you will need to send three things: your current driver's license, a completed Form DL-44 (process for Drivers License), and the renewal fee. You can read Form DL-44 from the NCDMV website or pick one up at any DMV office.
Mail your materials to:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Renewal Section 1100 New Bern Avenue Raleigh, NC 27697
Include a check or money order for $48 (four-year license) or $80 (eight-year license). Do not send cash. The DMV will process your renewal within 7 to 10 business days of receiving your materials and will mail your new license to your address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you have a commercial license, or if you need a new photo. It is also not available if your address has changed or if you have had any license suspensions.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
Visit any DMV office in North Carolina with your current license, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy.
In-person renewal is required if you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a learner's permit, a provisional license, or a license that has been expired for more than three years. It is also required if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you have had any license suspensions or revocations.
You will complete Form DL-44 at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. The DMV will issue you a temporary license to drive home, and your permanent license will be mailed within 5 to 7 business days. Wait times vary by location; check the NCDMV website for your nearest office and current wait times before you go.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
A standard driver's license renewal costs $48 for a four-year license or $80 for an eight-year license. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders only; do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some DMV offices also accept electronic payment methods; call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
If you renew early (up to six months before expiration), you pay the full renewal fee, and your new license will be valid for the full term from the date of issue.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license has been expired for fewer than three years, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. You will pay the standard renewal fee, not a late fee.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your current (expired) license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. The renewal fee is still $48 or $80, depending on the license term you choose.
Timeline and What to Expect After You Renew
Online renewal is the fastest: you will receive your new license within 5 to 7 business days. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time, so expect your license within 10 to 14 days total. In-person renewal is when ready: you will receive a temporary license to drive home and your permanent license within 5 to 7 business days.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you have moved since your last renewal and did not update your address before renewing, your license will go to your old address. You can update your address online at the NCDMV website or by visiting a DMV office in person.
You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or turn it in at a DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my NC license if I have moved to a different address?
If you have moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office or update your address online before renewing by mail or online. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) to your in-person appointment. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
What if I need a new photo on my license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office if you need a new photo. Online and mail renewal do not include a new photo; they use the photo from your current license. In-person renewal includes a new photo at no extra cost.
How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?
You can drive on your current license until it expires. Once it expires, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you are renewing in person, you will receive a temporary license when ready, so you can drive right away. For online and mail renewal, plan ahead so your new license arrives before your current one expires.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew your license while it is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DMV. Contact the NCDMV directly at 919-715-7000 to find out what steps you need to take before you can renew.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license by mail or online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DMV office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of your address, and the renewal fee. You may also need to pass a medical examination and provide a medical certificate, depending on the type of commercial driving you do.