North Carolina requires separate renewals for your driver's license and vehicle registration, and they do not happen on the same schedule
Your North Carolina driver's license and your vehicle's license plates expire on different dates and renew through different processes. Your license renews every eight years on your birthday; your plates renew annually on the date shown on your registration card. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at an NC DMV office. Vehicle registration renews online, by mail, or at a DMV office, and you must renew it before the expiration date to avoid a penalty.
The state charges separate fees for each renewal. Your license renewal costs depend on whether you renew in person or by mail. Vehicle registration renewal costs depend on your vehicle's weight and type. Both processes require current documents, though the specific ones vary.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina driver's licenses renew every eight years on your birthday; vehicle registration renews every year on the date printed on your registration card.
- You can renew your driver's license online through the NC DMV website if you have no medical conditions, violations, or address changes, or renew by mail or in person if you do.
- Vehicle registration renews online, by mail, or at a DMV office, and you must complete it before your expiration date to avoid late fees and driving with expired plates.
- Bring your current license or ID, vehicle title or registration card, and proof of insurance to any in-person renewal at a DMV office.
- The NC DMV website shows your exact renewal date and allows you to renew online for both licenses and registration if you meet the requirements.
Renewing your North Carolina driver's license online
The fastest way to renew your license is online through the NC DMV website at ncdmv.org. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions or restrictions, you have not had any violations or suspensions, and your address has not changed. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
To renew online, log into your NC DMV account or create one using your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. Answer the questions about your health and driving record. Pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need a new photo for an online renewal if you renewed in person within the last eight years.
If you cannot renew online because of a medical condition, address change, or driving record issue, you must renew by mail or in person at a DMV office.
Renewing your license by mail or in person
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you can renew by mail or visit a DMV office. To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Operator's License (Form DL-43) from ncdmv.org, fill it out, and mail it with your current license, a new photo, and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days.
To renew in person, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), proof of North Carolina residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and the renewal fee. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. You will have a new photo taken at the office. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.
Find your nearest DMV office and check wait times at ncdmv.org. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Renewing your vehicle registration and license plates
Vehicle registration in North Carolina renews every 12 months on the date printed on your registration card. You can renew online, by mail, or at a DMV office. The online renewal at ncdmv.org is the fastest option and takes about 5 minutes. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration card, and proof of insurance.
To renew by mail, the NC DMV will send you a renewal notice 30 days before your expiration date. Fill out the notice, include proof of insurance, and mail it with the renewal fee to the address on the notice. To renew in person, bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and the renewal fee to any DMV office.
Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is listed on your registration card. Vehicles under 3,500 pounds cost less to register than heavier vehicles. If you renew after your expiration date, you will owe a late fee in addition to the registration fee. Driving with expired plates is a violation and can result in a traffic citation.
What documents you need for in-person renewal
For a driver's license renewal in person, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days.
For vehicle registration renewal in person, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and the renewal fee. If your vehicle's information has changed—such as the owner's name or the vehicle's use—bring your vehicle title as well. Proof of insurance can be a printed insurance card, a digital copy on your phone, or a letter from your insurance company.
If you are renewing both your license and registration at the same DMV office visit, bring all documents for both. You will complete each renewal separately, and each has its own fee.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Driver's license renewal fees vary depending on how you renew. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check ncdmv.org for the current fee before you renew. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check when renewing online or by mail. At a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight class. A passenger car typically costs less than a truck or commercial vehicle. The NC DMV website shows the fee for your specific vehicle when you start an online renewal. If you renew by mail, the renewal notice includes the fee amount. Late fees explore if you renew after your expiration date.
What to do if your license or registration has already expired
If your driver's license has expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online. Bring your expired license along with your other required documents to a DMV office, or mail your expired license with the renewal form and fee. There is no additional penalty for renewing an expired license, but you should not drive with an expired license.
If your vehicle registration has expired, renew it when ready to avoid a traffic citation. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a current renewal, but you will owe a late fee. The late fee amount depends on how long your registration has been expired. Driving with expired plates is a violation, and a police officer can stop you and issue a citation.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to pass a vision test and written exam to renew it. Contact your local DMV office to find out what is required in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license and registration at the same time?
Yes, you can renew both at the same DMV office visit or online on the same day. However, they are separate transactions with separate fees and separate expiration dates. Your license renews on your birthday every eight years; your registration renews on the date on your registration card every year. Renewing them together does not change those dates.
What happens if I drive with an expired license plate?
Driving with expired plates is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. You should renew your registration before the expiration date shown on your current registration card. If your registration has already expired, renew it when ready, even if you will owe a late fee.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
If you renew online or in person, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, it takes 15 to 20 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed. Do not rely on your temporary license for out-of-state travel.
Do I need a new photo when I renew my license?
If you renew online, you do not need a new photo if you renewed in person within the last eight years. If you renew by mail, you must include a new photo with your process. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the DMV office.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You can update your address online through your NC DMV account at any time, even if your license has not expired. If you are renewing your license and your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address to a DMV office, or include a signed statement of your new address with your mail renewal. You cannot renew online if your address has changed.