North Carolina driver's license renewal: the basics
In North Carolina, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a five-year license. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
Your North Carolina license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina offers online renewal through the DMV website for most drivers, which costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes.
- You must renew in person at a DMV office if your license is already expired, if you have had a medical suspension, or if you have certain traffic violations on your record.
- Mail renewal is available for some drivers but takes longer than online or in-person renewal.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
- North Carolina DMV offices require appointments; you can schedule one online at ncdmv.org or by calling 919-715-7000.
Online renewal through the North Carolina DMV website
To renew online, go to ncdmv.org and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm that your address and other details are correct.
Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you have had a medical suspension in the past five years, if you have certain moving violations or criminal convictions on your record, or if you are over 70 years old. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
Once you complete the online process and pay the $20 fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a North Carolina DMV office
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office. North Carolina requires all customers to have an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted. Schedule your appointment at ncdmv.org or by calling 919-715-7000. You can also visit a DMV office in person to schedule an appointment for a later date.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. The in-person renewal fee is $20 for a five-year license.
At your appointment, a DMV employee will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal for North Carolina drivers
Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must not have had a medical suspension, and you must not have certain violations on your record. To renew by mail, contact your local DMV office or call 919-715-7000 to request a renewal process.
Complete the process, include a check or money order for $20, and mail it to the address provided by the DMV. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license.
What to do if your license has already expired
If your North Carolina license is expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
An expired license does not affect your ability to renew — the DMV will process your renewal the same way. However, you should not drive while your license is expired. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a citation. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible at ncdmv.org or by calling 919-715-7000.
Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in North Carolina
Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail in North Carolina. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Schedule an appointment at ncdmv.org or by calling 919-715-7000.
Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a valid medical certificate (FMCSA Form 649-E or 649-F) if your CDL is for hazmat or passenger transport. The renewal fee is $20 for a five-year license. The DMV will take a new photo and process your renewal at your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Carolina license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not yet expired.
What if I have moved out of North Carolina?
If you no longer live in North Carolina, you cannot renew your North Carolina license. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Contact your new state's DMV for information about how to transfer your driving record and obtain a new license.
How much does it cost to renew in North Carolina?
A five-year driver's license renewal costs $20, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees for in-person renewal at a DMV office. If you renew online, you will pay by debit or credit card; if you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Unpaid traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license in North Carolina. However, if you have a suspension on your record due to unpaid fines or other reasons, you must clear the suspension before you can renew. Contact the DMV at 919-715-7000 to learn about you have any suspensions.