Bring These Documents to the DMV

North Carolina requires you to bring specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can receive a driver's license. You cannot complete the process without them, and the DMV will turn you away if you show up with the wrong paperwork. The documents fall into three categories: proof of identity, proof of North Carolina residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Your proof of identity must be an original document or certified copy — not a photocopy. A valid passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate works. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can bring a military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a consular report of birth abroad. School IDs, work IDs, and expired licenses do not count as proof of identity on their own.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current North Carolina address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a document showing that person's identity. A piece of mail addressed to you at your North Carolina address also counts.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, valid passport, or military ID as your proof of identity — photocopies are not accepted.
  • Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days to prove you live in North Carolina.
  • Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or a tax return showing your full nine-digit Social Security number.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, because the DMV will confiscate it when you receive your North Carolina license.
  • Bring a completed Form DL-43 (the driver's license process) or fill it out at the DMV before you take the written test.

Proof of Your Social Security Number

The DMV needs to verify your Social Security number before issuing your license. You can bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you were born outside the United States and do not yet have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining your ineligibility, or you can bring your visa, passport, or immigration documents showing your status. The DMV will issue you a license without a Social Security number if you provide this documentation, but you will receive a license marked as such.

Your Current License and process Form

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, bring it with you. The North Carolina DMV will keep it when you receive your North Carolina license — you do not get to keep both. If your out-of-state license is expired, bring it anyway; it still counts as proof of your driving history.

Bring a completed Form DL-43 (process for North Carolina Driver's License) or be prepared to fill one out at the DMV. You can read and print the form from the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website before you go, which saves time. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and driving history. If you fill it out at home, sign it in front of the DMV staff — they will not accept a pre-signed form.

What Happens If You Bring the Wrong Documents

If you arrive at the DMV without the correct documents, the staff will not process your process that day. You will have to reschedule and come back. This is one of the most common reasons people waste a trip to the DMV, so double-check your documents before you leave home.

If your birth certificate is not certified (meaning it does not have the official seal and signature from the vital records office), it will not be accepted. A certified copy costs money to order from the county where you were born, and it takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. If you need a birth certificate fast, some counties offer in-person pickup or expedited mail service for an extra fee.

If your proof of residency is older than 60 days, it will not work. A utility bill from three months ago does not count. If you just moved to North Carolina and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a notarized letter from your landlord or a family member whose name is on the lease, combined with their ID, will substitute.

Documents You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — a W-2, tax return, or 1099 will work just as well. You do not need to bring a medical exam or vision test results; the DMV will conduct a vision screening on-site. You do not need to bring proof of insurance or vehicle registration — those are not required to obtain a driver's license, only to drive legally on the road.

You do not need to bring a completed medical form unless you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. If you take medications that impair your judgment or reflexes, or if you have a seizure disorder or vision problem, tell the DMV staff when you arrive. They may ask you to have your doctor fill out a form, but you do not bring that form with you on your first visit.

Bring These Items for the Written and Driving Tests

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. The vision screening at the DMV uses the same correction you wear while driving. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, wear them to the DMV. If you normally drive with glasses but show up without them, you will fail the vision test and have to come back.

Bring a pen for filling out forms. The DMV provides pens, but bringing your own ensures you have one that works. Bring your phone or a way to pay the license fee — North Carolina charges a fee for a first-time license, and the amount depends on how long your license is valid for. As of 2024, a standard eight-year license costs a specific amount, but fees change and vary by license type, so check the North Carolina DMV website for the current fee before you go.

Documents to Bring If You Are Under 18

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DMV. That parent or guardian must bring their own ID and proof of residency. You still need to bring all the documents listed above — your identity, residency, and Social Security proof — plus a completed Form DL-43.

If your parent or guardian cannot come with you, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by them. The form must be notarized by a notary public, which costs money and takes time to arrange. It is usually faster to straightforward have your parent or guardian accompany you to the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. The DMV requires an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county where you were born. A photocopy of either one will not work. If you only have a photocopy, order a certified copy from the county vital records office before your DMV appointment.

What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current legal name?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will use your current legal name on your license but will need to see the original birth certificate and the document that changed your name.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, tax return, 1099, or Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration all work as proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself. However, if you have the card and it is convenient, bringing it does not hurt.

What if I do not have a utility bill in my name yet?

Bring a notarized letter from your landlord, family member, or whoever is on the lease or utility bill, along with their ID. Alternatively, bring a bank statement, mortgage statement, or lease agreement in your name. If none of these work, a piece of mail from a government agency or financial institution addressed to you at your North Carolina address will count.

Can I bring a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. The DMV requires original documents or certified copies. Digital photos or PDF files on your phone will not be accepted. Print out any forms you need to complete, and bring physical copies of your documents.