What you need to do to renew in North Carolina

North Carolina lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license was suspended or revoked. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're within a certain window before expiration, but you'll need a valid credit or debit card and a North Carolina address on file.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for any renewal method to work. If it's older than that, you'll need to explore for a new license in person instead. You'll also need to renew in person if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you've had a name change since your last license was issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the North Carolina DMV website takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home if your license expires within the next 180 days.
  • Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your process, and you'll need to include your current license and a check or money order.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment booked through the North Carolina DMV website; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • The renewal fee in North Carolina is $48 for an eight-year license, and you must have a valid address on file before you can renew online.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit.

Renewing online through the North Carolina DMV website

Online renewal is available if your license expires within 180 days and you have a valid North Carolina mailing address on file with the DMV. Go to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start.

The system will verify your information and show you a preview of your new license before you pay. You can use a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The fee is $48 for an eight-year license. After you complete the transaction, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not let you change your address, name, or photograph. If you need any of those changes, you must renew in person or by mail and include the required documents with your process.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago. read the process for Renewal of Driver License form (DL 43) from the North Carolina DMV website or request one by phone at 919-715-7000. Fill it out completely and include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $48 made payable to "North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles," and any required supporting documents if you're changing your name or address.

Mail your process to the address listed on the form. The DMV will process it and mail your new license back to you, which takes about 7 to 10 business days after they receive it. Keep track of when you mail it so you know when to expect your new license. If you don't receive it within two weeks of mailing, contact the DMV to check the status.

Mail renewal does not include a new photograph, so your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you need a new photograph; if you're changing your name or address; or if your current license expired more than five years ago. You must book an appointment through the North Carolina DMV website before you go to an office. Walk-in appointments are not accepted.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your North Carolina address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Bring a check or money order for $48, or be prepared to pay by card at the office.

The DMV will take a new photograph during your visit. The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has expired more than five years ago

If your North Carolina driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit to a DMV office with an appointment. The process is the same as renewing in person, but the DMV will treat it as a new process rather than a renewal.

You'll need the same documents: proof of your Social Security number, proof of your North Carolina address, and your current or expired license. You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about North Carolina traffic laws. The fee is $48 for an eight-year license. Book your appointment through the North Carolina DMV website.

Fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a North Carolina driver's license is $48 for an eight-year license. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. If you renew online, you can pay with a credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order. If you renew in person, you can pay by check, money order, or card at the office.

Some DMV offices may charge an additional fee if you request a duplicate license or a corrected license on the same day as your renewal. Ask the DMV office when you book your appointment if you need any additional services.

Tracking your renewed license

After you renew online or by mail, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your process. If you renewed online, you'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number you can use to check the status of your license.

If you don't receive your new license within two weeks of submitting your process, contact the North Carolina DMV at 919-715-7000 or through their website. Have your reference number or driver's license number ready. The DMV can tell you whether your license has been mailed and provide an estimated delivery date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Carolina license if I moved out of state?

No. You must have a valid North Carolina address on file to renew your license. If you've moved out of state, you need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's DMV for information about obtaining a license there.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Book an appointment through the North Carolina DMV website.

Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Your new photo will be taken during your appointment.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew?

Online and mail renewal take 7 to 10 business days after the DMV processes your process. In-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I need my license before it arrives in the mail?

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary license that is valid for 45 days. If you renewed online or by mail, contact the DMV at 919-715-7000 to ask about getting a temporary license or an expedited renewal.