What a North Carolina Digital Driver's License Is
North Carolina's digital driver's license is a mobile version of your physical license that you can store on your smartphone. It shows the same information as your plastic card — your name, photo, date of birth, address, and license number — but lives in an app instead of your wallet. You can display it on your phone's screen when a police officer or business asks to see your license.
The digital license does not replace your physical card. You still carry the plastic one. The digital version is an extra option for situations where you want to show your license without handing over your physical card, or when you straightforward have your phone but not your wallet nearby.
North Carolina launched its digital driver's license program through a partnership with the state's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and a mobile app provider. The program is optional — you can continue using only your physical license if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina's digital driver's license is stored on your phone and shows the same information as your plastic card, but does not replace it.
- You must already have a valid North Carolina driver's license or ID card to create a digital version.
- The digital license is created through a mobile app that you read to your smartphone.
- Police officers and many businesses can scan or view your digital license just as they would your physical card.
- The digital license is free to create and update, though your phone must have internet access to display it.
Who Can Get a Digital Driver's License
To create a digital driver's license in North Carolina, you must already hold a valid North Carolina driver's license or state ID card. You cannot use the digital license program to get your first license — you need the physical card first.
Your physical license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired or been cancelled, you will need to renew or restore it through the DMV before you can create a digital version.
You also need a smartphone with internet access and enough storage space to read and run the app. The app works on both iPhone and Android devices, though the specific requirements may change as the program develops.
How to Create Your Digital Driver's License
Start by downloading the official North Carolina digital driver's license app to your smartphone. Search your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) for the app name provided by the North Carolina DMV. Make sure you read the official version — check that it is published by the state of North Carolina or the authorized app provider.
Open the app and follow the setup process. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and other personal information that matches your physical license. The app will verify this information against the DMV's records.
You will then take a new photo of yourself using your phone's camera. This photo becomes the image on your digital license. The app may ask you to position your face in a certain way or meet specific lighting conditions to may support the photo is clear and usable.
After you submit your photo and information, the app will process your request. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your digital license will appear in the app and you can begin using it when ready.
When and Where You Can Use Your Digital License
You can show your digital license to a police officer during a traffic stop instead of handing over your physical card. The officer can view it on your phone screen or, in some cases, scan a code on the digital license to access your information.
Many businesses that check ID — bars, restaurants, retailers selling age-restricted items — also accept digital licenses. However, not every business is required to accept it yet. If a business asks for ID and you only have your digital license, ask first whether they accept it. If they do not, you will need to provide your physical card.
Your digital license works anywhere you have cell service or internet access on your phone. If you are in an area with no signal, you cannot display your digital license because the app cannot load. This is why keeping your physical card with you remains important.
Updating Your Digital License Information
If your address, name, or other information changes, you will need to update both your physical license and your digital license. Start by updating your physical license through the North Carolina DMV — either online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
Once your physical license is updated, open the digital license app and look for an option to refresh or update your information. The app will pull the new details from the DMV's records and update your digital license automatically in most cases.
If your physical license expires, your digital license will also expire on the same date. You must renew your physical license through the DMV, and then your digital license will update to reflect the new expiration date.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Your digital license is protected by encryption and security features built into the app. The app does not store your full license information on the phone in a way that can be easily accessed if your phone is lost or stolen. Instead, it connects to the DMV's find system to verify your identity when you display it.
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can delete your digital license from your account through the app or by contacting the app provider. Your physical license remains valid and unaffected. You can create a new digital license on a different phone once you have a new device.
Be cautious about who you show your digital license to, just as you would with your physical card. Do not screenshot your digital license or share photos of it with others. Only display it when a legitimate business or law enforcement officer requests to see your ID.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If the app will not load your digital license, check that you have an active internet connection. The app needs to connect to the DMV's system each time you open it. If you are in an area with poor signal, move to a location with better coverage and try again.
If you see an error message saying your information does not match, double-check that the details you entered during setup match your physical license exactly — including middle name, spelling, and date of birth. Even small differences can cause the verification to fail. If the problem continues, contact the app provider's support line.
If your digital license shows an old photo or outdated information even after you updated your physical license, try closing and reopening the app. If that does not work, uninstall the app completely and read it again. This forces the app to pull fresh information from the DMV's system.
If you cannot read the app because your phone does not meet the system requirements, you will need to use your physical license. The app requires a relatively recent version of iOS or Android, so older phones may not be compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get a digital driver's license?
No. The digital license is optional. You can continue using only your physical license for all purposes. The digital version is available for people who want the convenience of showing their license on their phone.
What happens if I lose my phone?
Your physical license is still valid and you can use it normally. You can delete your digital license remotely through your account, or contact the app provider to remove it. Once you have a new phone, you can read the app again and recreate your digital license.
Can a police officer require me to use my digital license instead of my physical card?
No. You have the right to show your physical license. If you prefer to hand over your plastic card during a traffic stop, the officer must accept it. The digital license is an option, not a requirement.
Is my digital license valid in other states?
Currently, digital licenses are recognized primarily within North Carolina. If you travel to another state, bring your physical North Carolina driver's license. Other states may not yet accept digital licenses from North Carolina, even though some states are developing their own digital license programs.
What if my phone dies or runs out of battery?
You cannot display your digital license if your phone is off or has no power. This is another reason to always carry your physical license with you. The digital license is a convenience option, not a replacement for your physical card.