1. Get Started Online With New Drivers License Assistance
New drivers licenses cannot be obtained online or by mail. Instead, you must apply for a new license in person at a local DMV. While there, you must pass a vision screening, a written exam and a skills test. To make sure that you are prepared, download our informative online drivers license guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to complete this application easily and quickly. In it, you will get in-depth details on how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as updating personal information on your license, renewing your license and replacing a lost one.
2. In Person at the DMV
Locate contact information for state agencies, employees, hotlines, local offices, and more. See State Government Contacts Visit NCpedia. Frequently Asked Questions - Driving Eligibility Certificates. The term 'Driving Eligibility Certificate' (also known as 'DEC') refers to the official State of North Carolina school form required only of North Carolina drivers who are under age 18. One is required of each person under age 18 who does not yet possess a high school.
To obtain a new drivers license at the DMV, you must submit identification documents and pass mandatory tests. A birth certificate or passport can verify your name and age, and a utility bill can prove your state residency. Generally, you must pass a written knowledge exam and a road skills test. You must also fill out a drivers license application form and pay the applicable fees. However, you may not know which forms to complete or if you are already eligible to take your exams. Arriving at the DMV unprepared may result in long wait times and potential mistakes, which could mean having to redo the process.
A North Carolina drivers license is required for all residents of the state who want to drive on public roads. To get a DMV license in North Carolina as an adult, you simply need to pass the required tests and provide documentation proving you are who you say you are. However, the process is more extensive for minors.
If you are younger than 18 years of age, you will need to complete driver’s education and undergo periods of limited driving privileges. Only then will you be able to apply for full driving privileges. In this article, you will learn how to get a DMV drivers license in North Carolina no matter your age or residency. You will learn about the fees you will need to pay, the information you will need to provide on your application and more.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in North Carolina as an Adult (18 or Older)
If you are at least 18 years old, you will not need to get a permit before you can get your license. However, when it comes to North Carolina license requirements for adults, you need to be a resident of the state who is legally allowed to be in the United States in order to apply. Citizenship is not required, and all adults meet the age requirements for getting a license.
Furthermore, though you can renew your drivers license online in North Carolina, you need to go to a DMV office in order to get your initial license. This is because the DMV needs to look at your documentation and verify your identity.
Office hours vary from one location to the next, with most being open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations open an hour early or open Saturday morning, so you will want to check with the DMV offices in your area if you cannot get your license during work hours. You cannot book an NC DMV schedule appointment online.
The North Carolina driving license application is also not available online, so you will need to complete it at the office. This form will ask you basic information about yourself, such as your name, address and Social Security Number.
What documents do I need to bring to get a North Carolina drivers license?
Once you have finished filling out the form, you must submit the documents needed for North Carolina drivers license requests to the DMV. Here is what you need to bring when you apply for a drivers license in North Carolina:
- A document showing that you are allowed to be in the US
- A document showing your SSN
- A document showing you are a resident of North Carolina
- A document showing you have vehicle insurance coverage
To prove that they are allowed to be in the US, citizens will often show either a US passport or a birth certificate. Applicants without US citizenship can show their Permanent Resident cards, foreign passports, Employment Authorization certificates or any other document that shows their ability to be in the US.
If you are a citizen, you will then need to provide Social Security documentation. This is often a Social Security card, though if you have a W-2, 1099 or another government-issued document that shows both your legal name and SSN, this may also be used.
The document showing your residency does not need to be issued by the US government. This means it can be bills, bank correspondence or insurance documentation. You may also use government documentation, such as a voter registration card.
The document showing that you have liability insurance can be either an insurance card or an FS-1 form. Your insurance plan need to be from a North Carolina-approved provider.
REAL ID Drivers License Requirements in North Carolina
These drivers license requirements will allow you to get your license, but what do you need to get your license in North Carolina if you want a REAL ID? REAL IDs are federally approved. Though you will be able to use a non-REAL ID compliant license for federal identification through September 2020, by October 2020, it will no longer be accepted as ID by federal agencies.
For most people, this will come up most frequently when trying to board a domestic flight. In order to get a REAL ID, you need to provide one additional document showing that you are a resident of North Carolina.
If you cannot determine whether or not your DMV drivers license is REAL ID compliant, you will need to look at your license. A REAL ID will have a star in the upper righthand corner. A drivers license that is not REAL ID-compliant will state “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION”.
![Nc Drivers Licenserestriction 1 Nc Drivers Licenserestriction 1](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g9E7E2viJUo/Uj32kBgoRlI/AAAAAAAAAkI/ZnqIzaWzIQA/s1600/Image+1.jpg)
North Carolina Driving Test Requirements
Once you have submitted the required forms and documentation, there are four North Carolina driving tests you will need to complete:
- Two written tests, one of which tests your knowledge of driving laws, the other of which tests your ability to recognize road signs
- An eye exam, which determines whether you can drive without glasses
- A skills test, which requires you to drive with an instructor and exhibit safe driving habits
You can prepare yourself for the NC drivers license test by taking a driver’s license practice exam online.
Getting a North Carolina Drivers License as a New Resident
Once you understand how to get a drivers license as a resident, you will essentially understand how the process works when you are moving to North Carolina and applying for a drivers license. Although you may be able to waive the required tests, waivers are granted at the discretion of the DMV employee you speak with at the office. You will still need to complete the application and provide the three documents explained above when you transfer your license to NC.
Once you have established yourself as a North Carolina resident, you have 60 days to get the state’s driver’s license. The DMV will perform a search for your name in the National Sex Offender Public Registry, unless you are a resident for 12 months before you apply for the license.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in North Carolina as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
Drivers license documentation requirements are similar for minors and adults, but minors are required to go through a graduated licensing program. This means that, along with driver’s education, they will need to have a permit and several limited licenses before they can get their adult drivers licenses. Learn about the requirements below.
What do you need to get your license in North Carolina as a teen?
Drivers license eligibility requirements include that you must be at least 15 years old in order to get your permit, though you may start a driver’s course when you are 14 and a half years old. You also need to be a resident of North Carolina who has completed a driver’s education course.
FAQ: Can you get your license at 17 without a permit in North Carolina? To obtain a full license when you are 17 years of age, you must have gone through the previous steps in the graduated licensing program, including maintaining a limited learner permit and limited provisional license. Find out more answers to frequently asked questions by visiting our North Carolina FAQ page.
Drivers Ed Requirements to Get a Drivers Permit in North Carolina
The most important drivers license services in North Carolina for minors are the driving license courses, because you must take one of these courses before you can get your official North Carolina learner’s permit. You will need to spend 30 hours learning material that will be covered in the written tests for a drivers permit. Once you complete a course, you will be given a Drivers Education certificate.
This is not to be confused with the Driving Eligibility certificate, which is used to show that a minor is enrolled in school, or that they are exempt from the enrollment requirements.
Steps to Get a New Drivers License in North Carolina (Younger Than 18)
Much of the drivers license information listed in the section titled “Applying for a New Drivers License in North Carolina as an Adult” applies to minors, as well. You will need to go in person to receive the application and fill out. This application will ask for basic information, such as your name and Social Security Number. You will not be able to make an appointment with the NC DMV online.
That said, there are a few important differences. The first is that the documentation requirements vary based on which permit or license you are getting. There are three different types of driving privilege you can apply for before you are eligible to get your full driver’s license at 18. They are:
- The limited learner permit, which you can get once you turn 15.
- The limited provisional license, which you can get once you have had your permit for a year.
- The full provisional license, which you can get once you’ve driven with the limited license for six months.
To get a limited learner permit, you will need to provide proof of your SSN, North Carolina residency and your legal presence the US. You will also need to take an eye exam and knowledge tests.
Once you have driven with your permit for 60 hours, you will then be able to take the skills test required for your limited provisional license. You will also need to prove your liability insurance.
Additional documentation or testing will not be required to get a DMV license for minors, otherwise known as a full provisional license. You can get your North Carolina drivers license when you turn 18.
How much does it cost to get your license in North Carolina?
Drivers license cost in North Carolina vary based on the amount of time your license is valid for. Permits have a set rate that does not vary based on their validity period. Costs can be paid with cash, money order, check, debit card or credit card. They include:
- $5 for every year a driver’s license is valid for.
- This includes full provisional licenses issued to minors.
- $20 for limited learner permits and provisional licenses.
North Carolina Drivers License Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Graduated Licensing from NCDOT.gov
- New Drivers from NCDOT.gov
- Driver License Tests from NCDOT.gov
1. Get Started Online With Drivers License Renewal Assistance
In most states, you can renew your drivers license online, by mail or in person. However, be mindful that the online method is only available to certain applicants, depending on their age and citizenship status. During an online license renewal, you will be asked to identify yourself and pay the applicable service fees. To make sure that you are fully prepared to complete the process, you can download our informative online guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to renew your driving license quickly and easily. In it, you will also get step-by-step details about how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as replacing your license or updating your name or address.
2. By Mail
Certain motorists are eligible to renew their drivers licenses by mail. If your state DMV offers this option, you will be asked to fill out a renewal notice or request form and include certain supporting documentation in your application package. Additionally, you will need to provide an acceptable payment method for the renewal fees, typically a check or money order. All of these documents must be sent to a specified DMV mailing address. It is important to note that this method includes processing times, so it may take longer than others to complete. To minimize your wait time and to avoid delays, be sure to attach the correct paperwork to your renewal form.
3. In Person at the DMV
When renewing your driving license at the DMV, you may be required to pass a vision screening, to retake your photograph and to pay a service fee. Generally, you will need to present your existing license, fill out a drivers license renewal form and assess that your information is still up-to-date on the DMV’s records. Because many drivers are typically unsure of which forms to fill out in order to complete their transactions, delays are common when applying in person. Furthermore, potential mistakes on your application may require you to visit the DMV more than once to successfully renew your license.
Residents must submit an NC drivers license renewal application every eight years if they are between the ages of 18 and 65. Applicants over the age of 65 must renew their licenses every five years. In addition, NC driver’s licenses expire on the applicant’s birthday and must be renewed within two years of the expiration date. The NC DMV allows residents to apply for renewals online and in person.
A DMV license renewal application may be submitted by mail if the applicant is outside of the state. Additional restrictions apply. If you are outside of NC when you submit a renewal application, you may be required to have a temporary license and visit the DMV when you return home.
Eligibility for Drivers License Renewal in North Carolina
Note: The North Carolina drivers license expiration date is listed under the card holder’s date of birth on the front of their credential. Reference your official NC driver’s license card to verify the date of expiration.
The state’s drivers license renewal requirements must be met in full before a new card can be issued. Not all applications are eligible for renewals online.
The follow requirements must be met before a DMV license renewal application may be submitted using the state’s online system:
- The license must be valid or expired for less than two years.
- The applicant’s social security number must be submitted.
- A valid email address must be provided.
- A valid debit or credit card must be used for payment.
- The applicant cannot be applying for a REAL ID card for the first time.
Instances When You Cannot Renew Your Drivers License in North Carolina
Drivers license renewals cannot be performed if the license has been expired for more than two years or if a license has been suspended. Additional restrictions are placed on applicants renewing their licenses using the state’s online system. Residents cannot renew drivers licenses online if they have a restriction listed on the card. Exceptions may apply. Furthermore, applicants cannot renew any of the following licenses online.
- Commercial Driver License
- Regular A or B Driver License
- Full or Limited Provisional License
- Limited Learner’s Permit
- Learner’s Permit
- State ID Card
How early can you renew your drivers license in North Carolina?
The North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles issues drivers license renewal reminders to all eligible residents. These reminders are mailed 60 days before the license is set to expire. However, residents do not have to wait to receive a renewal notice to submit an application. Eligible drivers may apply for an NC license renewal up to six months or 180 days prior to the card’s expiration date.
North Carolina DMV License Renewal Options
The state of North Carolina allows eligible applicants to renew drivers licenses online and in person at local DMV offices. Depending on the circumstances, you may only be eligible to apply in person.
How to Renew Your Drivers License Online
If you meet the above-mentioned drivers license renewal requirements for eligibility, you may submit an application using the state’s online system. Follow the below steps to complete the process:
- Accept the identity statement.
- Confirm that no changes have occurred to your eyesight within the last six months.
- Accept the information accuracy statement.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Login to the online portal using your drivers license number, date of birth and Social Security Number.
- Confirm that you still live at the address on file at the DMV.
- Pay the drivers license renewal fee.
Once you have submitted the application, your new driver’s license will be mailed to you within seven to 14 business days. Depending on the age of the applicant, the license will be valid for five to eight years.
How do I renew my license in person?
Drivers license offices across the state accept renewal applications from eligible residents. In all cases, an applicant’s vision must be tested when renewing in person. If you have corrective lenses, you must wear them for the test and at all times when driving. Complete the following steps to renew your credentials in person.
- Visit your local drivers license office.
- Take and pass the vision test.
- Take and pass the traffic sign test.
- Present your current drivers license. If you do not have your current license, you must provide two forms of ID, such as a United States passport or birth certificate.
- Pay the drivers license renewal
Applicants do not need to present their reminder notices when renewing their licenses in person.
Military & Out of State Renewal in North Carolina
Eligible applicants may apply for a drivers license renewal by mail if they are temporarily out of state. Residents must be living outside of North Carolina for at least 30 continuous days or be active members of the military to qualify. Both parties must adhere to similar guidelines when applying by mail.
The following DMV renewal requirements must be met before an application can be submitted:
- Applicants must have a permanent residence in North Carolina.
- Applicants must hold a valid drivers license, or one that has not been expired for more than two years. In addition, they cannot submit a DMV license renewal by mail if they used the same method during the last cycle. Licenses with a military designation are restricted to two drivers license renewals per lifetime.
- Applicants must have a valid photograph taken in the last five years on file at the NC DMV. Members of the military may use a photograph taken in the last eight years.
- Applicants must have evidence of their Social Security Number or legal presence already on file at the DMV.
- Applicants cannot be older than 72 years of age to submit a DMV license renewal application by mail.
Non-military members will be issued a temporary license and must visit the DMV within 60 days of returning to North Carolina or when the license expires, whichever comes first.
Military members do not need to visit the DMV upon returning to the state, unless their licenses have expired. Furthermore, service members have the option to apply for a DMV license renewal up to one year prior to the expiration date if they present their military orders before they leave.
If a DMV renewal by mail is required, members of the military and those temporarily residing outside of North Carolina must complete the following steps to renew their licenses:
- Complete the drivers license renewal
- Include your military orders, if applicable.
- Include a photocopy of your military ID (both front and back), if applicable.
- Provide your permanent North Carolina address.
- Provide a temporary out-of-state mailing address.
- Provide a temporary out-of-state residential address.
- Include a signed vision statement. Members of the military may request a waiver if they are in an active war zone.
- Include a check or money order for the drivers license renewal made payable to NCDMV.
- Include a signed and dated sex offender affidavit.
The application form must be completed and retuned within 60 days. Spouses and dependents of military members may also renew by mail.
North Carolina REAL ID Drivers License Renewal
REAL ID cards are available at NC drivers license offices across the state. REAL ID compliant cards are not mandatory. However, they will be the only form of license accepted on domestic air travel after 2020. Although REAL ID license renewals do not incur additional costs, applicants must apply in person. Complete the following steps to renew a REAL ID card.
- Visit your local drivers license office. Appointments may be made by calling 919-715-7000.
- Take and pass the vision test.
- Take and pass the traffic sign test.
- Provide proof of your full name, date of birth and legal presence, such as a United States passport or birth certificate.
- Provide proof of your Social Security Number, such as a Social Security card or W-2 tax form.
- Provide proof of residency in two forms, such as a document from the United States government, a pre-printed bank statement or a NC vehicle registration card.
- Pay the drivers license renewal fee.
North Carolina Drivers License Renewal Fees
Drivers license renewal fees must be paid in full at the time of the application. The NC DMV accepts cash, checks, money orders, debit cards and credit cards at all office locations.
See below for a breakdown of DMV licensing costs.
- Class A License $5 (per year)
- Class B License $5 (per year)
- Class C License $5 (per year)
- Duplicate License $13 (A, B, or C)
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
![Drivers Drivers](https://www.pdffiller.com/preview/281/87/281087487.png)
- Driver License Renewal from NCDOT.gov
- Renewal And Replacement from NCDOT.gov