How to Renew Your North Carolina Driver's License

What you need to renew your NC driver's license

North Carolina lets you renew your driver's license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the NC DMV website — but which method you can use depends on how much time is left on your current license and whether you've had any address changes. If your license expires within the next six months, you can renew it now. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.

For any renewal method, you'll need to bring or provide your current driver's license number. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $48 for an eight-year license (the standard for adults under 65) or $24 for a four-year license. If you're over 65, the fee is $24 for an eight-year license.

Your address must be current before you renew. If you've moved, you'll need to update your address at an NC DMV office in person or through the mail before you can complete an online renewal.

Key Takeaways

You can renew online through the NC DMV website if your license hasn't expired more than two years ago and your address is current.
Mail-in renewal takes about two weeks and requires your current license, a check or money order, and a completed renewal form.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is the only option if your license expired more than two years ago or if you need a new photo.
The renewal fee is $48 for an eight-year license for most adults, or $24 for drivers over 65.
You must update your address at a DMV office or by mail before you can renew online if you've moved.

Renewing online through the NC DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the NC DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you whether you can renew online.

If you're approved, you'll pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

You cannot renew online if your license expired more than two years ago, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if your name has changed since your last renewal. In those cases, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

Renewing by mail

Mail-in renewal works if your license hasn't expired more than two years ago and you don't need a new photo. read the "process for Renewal of Driver License" form from the NC DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill it out completely, including your signature.

Mail the form along with your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee (made out to "NC Department of Transportation"), and a copy of proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Send everything to the address listed on the form — typically the NC DMV's mail processing center in Raleigh.

Processing takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you. Keep your current license until the new one arrives, since you can still drive legally on an expired license while your renewal is being processed.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit any NC DMV office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). Bring a check, debit card, or credit card to pay the renewal fee.

You must renew in person if your license expired more than two years ago, if you want a new photo, if your address has changed, or if your name has changed. The DMV will take a new photo and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. The NC DMV website shows current wait times for each office. Many offices are less crowded early in the morning or on weekday afternoons.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office — you cannot use mail or online renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in North Carolina, even if you're in the process of renewing. If you're pulled over, you can be cited. However, if you can show proof that you've submitted a renewal process, an officer may use discretion.

Updating your address before renewal

If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before you renew online. You can update your address by mail or in person at a DMV office, but not online.

To update by mail, read the "Address Change" form from the NC DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) to the DMV's mail processing center. Processing takes about two weeks.

To update in person, visit any DMV office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. The update is when ready, and you can then renew online if you're otherwise may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for three years?

No, you must renew in person at a DMV office if your license expired more than two years ago. You cannot use mail or online renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals may be issued on the spot or mailed within a few days, depending on the office. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, you can renew without a new photo by mail or online. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. A new photo is also required if your license expired more than two years ago.

What if I've changed my name since my last license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit an NC DMV office in North Carolina.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.