What You Need to Know Before You Start
North Carolina lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — and which option you can use depends on when your license expires and whether you need a new photo. If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than three years ago, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person.
The online renewal process takes about 15 minutes and costs $20 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. Mail renewal costs the same but takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office also costs $20 or $40 depending on the term you choose, and you'll need to bring specific documents and pass a vision test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available only if your license expired within the last three years and you don't need a new photo.
- You can renew online at ncdmv.org using your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires the renewal notice that came in the mail from NCDMV.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires a valid form of ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency.
- Your North Carolina driver's license is valid for five or eight years depending on which term you choose at renewal.
Renewing Online Through the NCDMV Website
The fastest way to renew is online at ncdmv.org if you meet the requirements. You'll need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against NCDMV records, and if everything matches, you can pay by credit card or debit card.
Online renewal works only if your license expired fewer than three years ago and you don't need a new photo. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online process. Once you complete the transaction, NCDMV will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes seven to ten business days.
Renewing by Mail
If you prefer not to go online, you can renew by mail using the renewal notice NCDMV sent you. This notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $20 (five-year license) or $40 (eight-year license), and mail it to the address shown on the notice.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time NCDMV receives your envelope. Like online renewal, this option is only available if your license expired within the last three years and you don't need a new photo. If you lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the NCDMV customer service line at 919-715-7000.
Renewing in Person at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than three years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or address and prefer to do it face-to-face. Bring a valid form of ID (such as a passport or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current North Carolina address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days).
Visit the NCDMV office locator at ncdmv.org to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment online. The in-person process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll take a new photo and pass a vision test. You'll pay $20 or $40 depending on whether you choose a five-year or eight-year license.
What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Three Years
If your North Carolina driver's license has been expired for more than three years, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a DMV office in person. NCDMV treats this as a new license rather than a renewal, which means you'll need to bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
You'll also take a new photo and pass a vision test at the office. The fee is still $20 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. If you're unsure whether your license qualifies as expired for more than three years, call NCDMV customer service at 919-715-7000 to confirm before you visit an office.
Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal
| Document Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Passport, military ID, state ID, birth certificate | Must be valid or expired fewer than five years |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, tax return | Original or certified copy required |
| Proof of North Carolina Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill | Must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my North Carolina license if I moved out of state?
No. Your North Carolina driver's license is only valid if you are a resident of North Carolina. If you have moved to another state, you need to get a driver's license from that state instead. Contact your new state's DMV to learn about their licensing process.
What if I lost my renewal notice in the mail?
Call NCDMV customer service at 919-715-7000 and request a replacement renewal notice. They can mail you a new one, or you can renew online if your license expired fewer than three years ago and you don't need a new photo. You'll need your driver's license number and date of birth to renew online.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
NCDMV mails your new license to the address on file, which usually takes seven to ten business days. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person at a DMV office and receive a temporary license that day while you wait for the permanent one to arrive by mail.
Do I have to choose between a five-year and eight-year license?
Yes. At renewal, you choose whether to pay $20 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. The choice is yours, and you can pick a different term each time you renew. An eight-year license costs more but means you won't need to renew again for eight years.
What if my vision test fails at the DMV office?
If you fail the vision test, NCDMV will not issue your license until you provide a statement from an eye doctor saying you meet the vision standards for driving in North Carolina. Schedule an eye exam, get the required statement, and return to the DMV office with it to complete your renewal.