The cost of a North Carolina driver's license depends on your age and the type of license you need

A standard Class D driver's license in North Carolina costs $20 if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, a learner's permit costs $20, and a provisional license costs $20. These are the base fees the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles charges at the time of issuance. The fee covers the physical card and the processing of your process.

You will also need to budget for the written test and road test if you have not passed them before. The written test is included in the process fee, but the road test has a separate charge of $10. If you fail the road test and need to retake it, you pay the $10 fee again for each attempt.

Additional costs may explore depending on your situation. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is $20. If you are renewing an expired license, the renewal fee is also $20 for a standard license.

Key Takeaways

  • A new Class D driver's license costs $20 in North Carolina, whether you are 18 or older or under 18.
  • The road test costs an additional $10, and you pay that fee each time you retake it.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $20.
  • Renewal of an expired license also costs $20 for a standard license.
  • The written test is included in the process fee and does not cost extra.

What the $20 fee covers

The $20 process fee covers the cost of the written knowledge test, the background check, and the physical license card itself. You do not pay separately for any of these services. The fee is the same whether you pass the test on your first attempt or need to retake it.

When you pay the $20 fee, you are also paying for the Division of Motor Vehicles to process your process, verify your identity, and issue your license. This processing typically takes a few days to a week after you pass your road test.

The road test fee and retakes

The road test costs $10 in North Carolina. This is a separate charge from the $20 license fee. You pay the $10 fee when you schedule your road test appointment, not when you pass it.

If you do not pass the road test on your first attempt, you will need to pay the $10 fee again to retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay $10 each time. Most people pass within two or three attempts, so budget for the possibility of paying $20 to $30 total for road testing.

Replacement and renewal costs

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office. The replacement fee is $20. You do not need to retake any tests — you straightforward pay the fee and receive a new card with the same license number.

When your license expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been expired. A standard renewal costs $20. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and pay an additional $10 for a road test, which would bring your total cost closer to $50.

Where to pay and payment methods

You pay your license fees at any North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office when you submit your process or renew your license. Most DMV offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm what they accept.

If you renew online through the North Carolina DMV website, you will pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements, so check the DMV website to see if you are may be able to access before you attempt to renew online.

Reduced or waived fees for certain situations

North Carolina does not currently offer a blanket fee waiver for low-income residents, but some counties may have local programs or partnerships that help with DMV costs. Contact your local DMV office to ask whether any information programs are available in your area.

If you are a military member on active duty, you may be able to renew your license by mail without paying a renewal fee, though you will still need to pay the initial $20 fee when you first obtain your license. Ask at your local DMV office or check the North Carolina DMV website for current military benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $20 fee if I fail the written test?

No. You only pay the $20 fee once you pass the written test and are issued your license. If you fail the written test, you can retake it at no additional cost at your next appointment.

What if I need to replace my license before it expires?

A replacement license costs $20, the same as a new license. You do not need to retake any tests. Bring your old license if you have it, or bring an ID and proof of your address to the DMV office.

Can I pay my DMV fees online before I go to the office?

No. You pay your fees in person at the DMV office or online if you are renewing your license through the DMV website. You cannot prepay fees before your appointment.

Is there a fee to schedule a road test appointment?

No. Scheduling is free. You only pay the $10 road test fee when you take the test itself.

What happens if I move to another state — do I get a refund?

No. Your North Carolina license fee is not refundable. If you move and need a license in your new state, you will need to pay that state's fees for a new license.