You can renew an expired North Carolina driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an NC DMV office
Once your license has expired, you cannot legally drive in North Carolina. The state allows you to renew it through three different routes, and which one you can use depends on how long it has been expired and whether you need to change any information on the license. The fastest option for most people is online through the NC DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year renewal or $30 for an eight-year renewal. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your process or visit a DMV office in person.
Your choice of renewal method affects how long you wait and what documents you need to gather. Online renewal is quickest but only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and nothing about your personal information has changed. Mail and in-person renewal work for any expired license, but mail takes 4 to 6 weeks while in-person gives you a temporary license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the NC DMV website works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have not changed your name, address, or other personal information.
- The online process requires your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method, and you will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or you need to update your information, you must renew by mail or in person at a DMV office.
- Renewing by mail takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires you to submit Form DL-44 along with your expired license and proof of your current address.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is the fastest physical option and allows you to get a temporary license on the spot while you wait for your permanent one.
Online renewal for licenses expired less than five years
If your North Carolina driver's license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it online without visiting an office or mailing anything. Go to the NC DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
The online system will ask you to confirm that your name, address, and other information on your license are still correct. If anything has changed — including your address — you cannot complete the renewal online and must use the mail or in-person route instead. Once you submit your payment, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Most people receive their renewed license within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal when you cannot use the online option
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information, you must renew by mail or in person. To renew by mail, read Form DL-44 from the NC DMV website or call 919-715-7000 to request it. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your expired driver's license and a document that proves your current address — such as a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Include a check or money order for $20 (four-year license) or $30 (eight-year license) made payable to "NC DMV." Mail the entire packet to the address listed on Form DL-44. The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to you. This route typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date they receive your process. Do not include cash in the mail.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You can renew your expired license at any DMV office in North Carolina, regardless of how long it has been expired or what information needs to change. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method. The fee is $20 for a four-year license or $30 for an eight-year license.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The DMV staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Visit the NC DMV office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and check their hours before you go.
What to bring and what to expect at the DMV office
Bring your expired North Carolina driver's license, even though it is no longer valid for driving. You will also need one document that proves your current address — the DMV accepts utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your new name yet, bring a lease or mortgage statement along with a piece of mail from a government agency showing your new address.
Bring a valid payment method: cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The DMV does not accept personal checks at all locations, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check. Arrive early if possible, as wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier in the morning or on certain days of the week. You can check current wait times for many NC DMV offices on their website before you go.
Renewing a license that expired while you were out of state
If your North Carolina license expired while you were living outside the state, you can still renew it by mail or in person. You do not need to take a new written test or road test. However, you will need to provide proof of your current North Carolina address before the DMV will process your renewal. If you have just moved back to North Carolina, bring a lease, utility bill, or other address verification document dated within the last 60 days.
If you have been out of state for a long time and do not have a current address document yet, you can bring a letter from your employer, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to your new North Carolina address. The DMV staff can tell you what documents they will accept when you call or visit in person.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving with an expired North Carolina driver's license is illegal, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The penalty is typically a fine of $25 to $100, and you may be required to appear in court. If your license has been expired for more than a year, the penalties are more serious and may include a larger fine or points on your driving record.
If you are stopped while your license is expired, the officer may allow you to show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but this does not may provide you will avoid a citation. The safest approach is to renew your license before it expires, or as soon as you realize it has expired. If you have already been cited, contact the court listed on your citation to learn about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?
No. The online renewal system only works if all your information — name, address, and other details — is still correct. If you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew in person?
You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when you leave the DMV office. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using the temporary license during this time.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without your expired license, but you will need to bring two forms of identification instead. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or other government-issued ID. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm which documents they will accept.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes. Whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, the DMV will use a new photo on your renewed license. If you renew online, the system uses your photo from the previous license. If you renew in person, the DMV takes a new photo at the office.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?
Yes, but you cannot use the online renewal option. You must renew by mail or in person at a DMV office. The process is the same as renewing a license expired less than five years ago — you do not need to retake the written or road test.