The new North Carolina driver's license has a vertical layout, a gold star in the upper right corner, and a security stripe across the bottom

North Carolina rolled out its redesigned driver's license in 2020. The card is now vertical instead of horizontal, which matches the federal REAL ID standard. The most visible change is the gold star in the upper right corner — that star means your license meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings.

The new design includes a security stripe that runs horizontally across the bottom of the card. This stripe contains encrypted information and is harder to counterfeit than the old design. The overall card is the same size as before, but the layout and security features are significantly different from licenses issued before 2020.

Key Takeaways

  • The new North Carolina license is vertical, not horizontal, and displays a gold star in the upper right corner if it meets REAL ID standards.
  • A security stripe runs across the bottom of the card and contains encrypted data to prevent counterfeiting.
  • If your license was issued before 2020, you have the old horizontal design and can still use it for state purposes, but not for federal air travel.
  • You do not need to replace an old license early just because of the design change — you can wait until your renewal date.
  • The gold star is your proof that the license meets REAL ID requirements; without it, you will need a passport or other federal ID for air travel.

Where your photo and information appear on the new card

Your photo is positioned in the upper left area of the new vertical license. Below the photo, you will see your name, date of birth, and address. The license number and expiration date are printed on the front, along with your signature and a barcode.

The back of the card contains additional security features and encoded information. The layout is cleaner and more organized than the old horizontal design, making it easier for officials to locate key information quickly. All text is printed in a standard font that is easier to read than some older licenses.

How the gold star indicates REAL ID compliance

The gold star in the upper right corner is the visual marker that your license meets REAL ID standards. This star is not decorative — it is a federal designation that tells TSA agents and federal building security that your license can be used for air travel and federal facility access.

If your license does not have a gold star, it means you either chose the non-REAL ID option or your license was issued before North Carolina began issuing REAL ID licenses. A license without the star is still valid for driving and state identification, but you will need a passport, military ID, or other federal document to board a domestic flight.

Differences between the old and new North Carolina license design

The old North Carolina license was horizontal and featured a different layout for photo and information placement. The new vertical design brings the state in line with federal REAL ID standards. The security features are also much more advanced — the old design used simpler security measures that are easier to replicate.

The color scheme and overall appearance have also changed. The new license uses updated graphics and a cleaner design. If you hold an old license, you will notice when ready that the new one looks quite different, though both are still valid for their respective purposes until the old one expires.

When you will receive the new design during renewal

When your current license expires and you renew it, you will automatically receive the new vertical design. You do not have to request it or pay extra for it — it is the standard license that North Carolina now issues to all drivers. The renewal process is the same whether you are getting the old design or the new one.

If you renew your license online or by mail, you will still receive the new card design in the mail. If you renew in person at a DMV office, you can see the new design before you leave. There is no option to keep the old horizontal design — all new and renewed licenses are issued in the vertical format.

Security features that make the new license harder to counterfeit

The security stripe running across the bottom of the new license contains encrypted information that is difficult to replicate without specialized equipment. The card also uses microprinting, color-shifting elements, and other anti-counterfeiting measures that were not present on older licenses.

These features protect both you and the state. A harder-to-counterfeit license reduces identity theft and fraud. When you present your license to law enforcement, banks, or other officials, they can be more confident that the card is genuine. The security features are designed to be visible to trained eyes but not obvious to casual observers.

What to do if you still have an old horizontal license

An old horizontal North Carolina license remains valid until its expiration date. You can continue to use it for driving and state identification purposes. However, if you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, you will need to bring a passport or other federal ID in addition to your old license — unless your old license happens to have a gold star, which some later-issue old licenses did.

You do not need to replace your old license early just because of the design change. Wait until your renewal date, and you will receive the new vertical design automatically. If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can request a replacement and will receive the new design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old horizontal license for air travel?

Only if it has a gold star in the corner. If your old license does not have the star, you will need to bring a passport or other federal ID along with your license to board a domestic flight. The gold star indicates REAL ID compliance, which is what TSA requires.

Do I have to pay to get the new vertical license?

No. When you renew your license at the normal renewal date, you receive the new design at no extra cost. The renewal fee is the same as it has always been. You only pay if you choose to replace your license early for reasons unrelated to the design change.

What if my new license does not have a gold star?

This means you selected the non-REAL ID option when you renewed, or the license was issued before North Carolina began issuing REAL ID licenses. You can still use it for driving and state ID, but you will need a passport or military ID for federal air travel. You can request a REAL ID license at your next renewal.

Is the new license the same size as the old one?

Yes. The card dimensions are the same; only the orientation changed from horizontal to vertical. It fits in your wallet the same way, though the vertical layout means it takes up slightly different space depending on your wallet design.

Do I need to update my address on the new license when I get it?

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you should update it before or during the renewal process. You can change your address online through the North Carolina DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The new license will print with your current address.