What the new North Carolina driver license looks like
North Carolina rolled out a redesigned driver license in 2020, and the state has continued issuing the new design to all applicants and renewals since then. The card is now vertical instead of horizontal, with a larger photo positioned in the upper right corner. The license number, name, and date of birth appear in larger, easier-to-read text on the front.
The back of the card now displays a full-color state seal and includes a magnetic stripe and barcode for scanning. The overall card stock is more durable than the previous version, designed to resist wear and fading over the five-year validity period for standard licenses. If you renewed or obtained a license after 2020, you already have the new design.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina's new driver license is vertical, not horizontal, with a larger photo and more readable text.
- All driver licenses issued or renewed after 2020 use the new design; older horizontal licenses remain valid until their expiration date.
- The new card includes enhanced security features like a magnetic stripe and barcode to reduce fraud.
- You do not need to replace a valid license early just because it uses the old design—wait until your renewal date.
When you will receive the new design
You receive the new license design automatically when you renew your current license or obtain a new one. North Carolina does not issue the old horizontal design anymore. If your license expired before 2020 or is expiring soon, your replacement will use the new vertical format.
If your current license is still valid and uses the old horizontal design, you can continue using it. There is no requirement to replace it early. The old license remains legal identification in North Carolina until the expiration date printed on it. Many people still carry older licenses that have not yet expired, and that is perfectly acceptable.
Security features in the new design
The redesigned license includes several security elements meant to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. The front features a hologram with the state seal, and the card uses microprinting in small areas that are difficult to replicate. The magnetic stripe on the back stores encoded information that matches the visible data on the front.
A two-dimensional barcode also appears on the back, which law enforcement and businesses can scan to verify the license is genuine and that the information has not been altered. These features make the new license harder to forge than the previous version, though the primary purpose is to protect your identity and reduce identity theft.
How to renew and get the new design
To receive the new license design, you renew your license through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using the same process you would for any renewal. You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail if you are renewing a standard driver license (not a commercial license), or online through the NC DMV website if you meet certain requirements.
Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. Mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and requires a valid ID and proof of residency. Whichever method you choose, you will receive the new vertical license design.
Differences between the old and new license at a glance
| Feature | Old Design (Horizontal) | New Design (Vertical) |
|---|---|---|
| Card orientation | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Photo size and position | Smaller, on the left side | Larger, in the upper right |
| Text readability | Smaller font | Larger, easier to read |
| Barcode | One-dimensional barcode | Two-dimensional barcode |
| Hologram security | Basic design | Enhanced with state seal |
| Card durability | Standard plastic | More durable, fade-resistant |
What to do if you still have an old license
If your old horizontal license is still valid and has not expired, you do not need to do anything. You can use it for identification, driving, and any other purpose that requires a valid North Carolina driver license. There is no penalty for carrying an older design, and businesses and law enforcement will still recognize it as valid.
When your old license expires, you will receive the new vertical design when you renew. If you prefer to switch to the new design before your renewal date, you can request an early replacement at a DMV office, though you will pay the full renewal fee. Most people straightforward wait until their scheduled renewal date to avoid the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my old horizontal license if it is still valid?
Yes. Your old license remains valid for driving and identification until the expiration date printed on it. You do not need to replace it early just because it uses the old design. When you renew, you will automatically receive the new vertical license.
What if I lose my license and need a replacement?
You will receive the new vertical design when you replace a lost license. Visit a DMV office with a valid ID and proof of residency, complete the replacement process, and pay the replacement fee. The new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Does the new design work in other states?
Yes. Your North Carolina driver license is valid for identification and driving in all other states and U.S. territories. The new design meets federal REAL ID standards, so it is also acceptable for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.
How long does it take to get the new license in the mail?
Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee, which reduces the wait to 3 to 5 business days. Check the NC DMV website for current processing times in your area.
Is there an extra fee for the new design?
No. The new license design costs the same as the old one. Standard renewal fees for a five-year driver license are the same whether you are renewing for the first time or switching from an old design. Replacement fees also do not change based on the design.