What you need to do to renew in North Carolina
North Carolina lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard one. Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you're may be able to access, but not everyone can use it.
Your North Carolina license is valid for eight years. The DMV will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You don't have to wait for that notice to start the process, but it helps because it contains your renewal code, which you'll need for online renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the North Carolina DMV website costs $20 and takes about 10 minutes if you have your renewal code and a valid payment method.
- You can renew by mail for $20 if you don't want to go online, but mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office costs $20 and is required if your license is expired by more than three years or if you need to update your photo or address.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $5 more than standard licenses and require proof of citizenship and a Social Security number, but are required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
Online renewal through the North Carolina DMV website
The North Carolina DMV's online renewal system is the fastest way to renew. You go to the DMV website, enter your driver's license number and renewal code, answer a few questions about whether your information has changed, and pay $20 with a credit or debit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if your license is not expired and you haven't had any major changes — no new address, no name change, no medical conditions that need to be reported. If you're renewing a standard license and want to keep it standard, online is your best option. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license, you cannot do that online; you must go in person.
You'll need your renewal code to start the online process. This code comes in the renewal notice the DMV mails you. If you lost the notice or didn't receive one, you can call the DMV at 919-715-7000 to get your code, or you can renew by mail or in person instead.
Mail renewal for people who prefer not to go online
You can renew by mail by filling out Form DL-44, which you can read from the North Carolina DMV website or request by phone. You'll need to include your current license, a check or money order for $20 made out to "North Carolina DMV," and the renewal notice the DMV sent you. Mail everything to the address listed on the renewal notice.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. If you're close to your expiration date, mail renewal is risky because delays happen. You can renew up to one year early, so if you know you'll be busy, renew by mail several months before your license expires.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is only for people whose information hasn't changed and who don't need a photo update. If you moved, changed your name, or want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You can walk into any North Carolina DMV office and renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and $20. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. You'll get a new photo taken at the office, and your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check the current wait time for your nearest office on the North Carolina DMV website before you go. Many offices are less crowded on weekday mornings and early afternoons.
Real ID versus standard licenses and the cost difference
A standard North Carolina driver's license costs $20 to renew. A Real ID-compliant license costs $25 to renew. The difference is that a Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to enter federal buildings, military bases, and to board domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard license will not be accepted for domestic flights — you'll need either a Real ID license or a passport.
To get a Real ID license, you must renew in person. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or tribal ID. You'll also need to bring proof of your current address if it's different from what's on your license.
If you're not sure whether you'll need Real ID by May 2025, consider upgrading now. The extra $5 is a one-time cost, and you won't have to renew again for eight years. If you travel by air or visit federal buildings, Real ID will save you the hassle of carrying a passport as backup.
What to do if your license is expired or about to expire
If your license expired less than three years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods — online, mail, or in person. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The DMV treats very old expirations as a new license process rather than a renewal, which requires a new photo and a vision test.
If your license expires while you're waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can legally drive on the temporary paper license the DMV gives you. Keep that paper license with you until your new plastic card arrives. If you renewed online or by mail and didn't get a temporary license, you can print your renewal confirmation from the DMV website and carry that as proof that your renewal is in progress.
Don't wait until the last week before your license expires to renew. If something goes wrong with your online or mail renewal, you won't have time to fix it or go in person. Renew at least two to three weeks before your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Carolina license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in North Carolina, you need to get a license from your new state instead. You can keep your North Carolina license until it expires, but you cannot renew it once you've moved. Contact your new state's DMV to find out how to get a license there.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. The DMV will take a new photo and issue a new license with your updated name.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew in person?
Your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew in person. You'll get a temporary paper license to use when ready. If your license doesn't arrive within two weeks, call the DMV at 919-715-7000 to check the status.
Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. You can renew online as long as your vision correction is the same as it was on your last license. If your vision has changed or you need to update your vision correction status, you must renew in person so the DMV can do a vision test.
What if I lost my renewal notice and don't have my renewal code?
Call the North Carolina DMV at 919-715-7000 and they will give you your renewal code over the phone. You can then renew online. If you prefer not to call, you can renew by mail or in person without the code.