What You Need to Know Before You Start
North Carolina issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency to obtain one. The state requires proof of identity, proof of North Carolina residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you have a valid passport or national ID from your home country, that counts as proof of identity.
The process takes place at your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a road test. The entire process — from your first visit to receiving your license — typically takes several weeks because road tests often have waiting lists.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina accepts passports, national IDs, and certain other documents as proof of identity; you do not need a Social Security number if you have an ITIN instead.
- You must prove North Carolina residency with a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can request it in Spanish or other languages at most DMV offices.
- You will need to schedule a road test appointment in advance, and wait times vary by location but often run four to eight weeks.
Documents You Must Bring to the DMV
Bring your original passport or national ID card. If your passport is in a language other than English, bring it anyway — the DMV staff can verify it. You do not need a certified English translation.
Bring proof of North Carolina residency. The DMV accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill stating that you live there, plus that person's ID.
Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a Social Security number, bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing it. If you have an ITIN instead, bring your most recent tax return (Form 1040) or an IRS letter showing your ITIN. You do not need both — one is sufficient.
Bring your current out-of-state driver license if you have one. If you do not have one, bring your birth certificate or passport. Bring proof of your legal name if it differs from your passport — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order works.
How to Schedule Your DMV Appointment
Visit the North Carolina DMV website at ncdmv.org and click "Schedule an Appointment." You can choose your preferred DMV office location and select a date and time. The website shows you which offices have appointments available soonest. Some offices fill up weeks in advance, so if your nearest office has a long wait, check offices in neighboring counties.
You can also call the DMV at 919-715-7000 to schedule by phone. Have your documents ready when you call so you can answer questions about your identity and residency. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
If you cannot reach the website or phone line, walk into any DMV office during business hours and ask for an appointment. Most offices accept walk-ins for scheduling, though you will not take your test that day — you will receive an appointment card for a future date.
What Happens at Your First DMV Visit
At your appointment, a DMV staff member will review your documents and enter your information into the system. They will take your photograph for your license. They will also give you a vision test — you will read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test.
Next, you will take the written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 36 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can request the test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, or several other languages — ask the staff member which languages are available at your office. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. Study materials are free on the DMV website.
If you pass the written test and vision test, the staff member will schedule your road test. Road tests are not available on the same day at most offices. You will receive an appointment card with your road test date and time. This is usually two to eight weeks away, depending on how busy your local office is.
Preparing for and Taking Your Road Test
Before your road test appointment, practice driving in North Carolina with a licensed driver in the car with you. You must bring a vehicle to your road test — it must be registered, insured, and in working condition. The examiner will check that the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work. Bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your appointment card and a valid ID. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also take you on local roads to test your ability to follow traffic laws, use turn signals, and respond to other vehicles. The test lasts about 20 minutes.
If you pass, the examiner will tell you that day. You will return to the DMV office within a few days to pay the license fee and receive your license. If you do not pass, you can schedule another road test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Fees and How Long Your License Lasts
A North Carolina driver license costs $20 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. You pay this fee when you receive your license, not when you explore. If you are under 18, the cost is different — ask at your DMV office.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. Renewal is simpler than getting your first license — you do not retake the written or road tests unless the DMV asks you to.
If You Have Questions About Your Immigration Status
The DMV does not share your information with immigration authorities. Your driver license process is separate from any immigration proceedings. Providing your information to the DMV will not affect your immigration case or status.
If you are unsure whether you have the right documents, call the DMV at 919-715-7000 before your appointment. Staff can tell you whether your specific documents will work. You can also email questions to ncdmv@ncdot.gov, though phone calls are usually faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my passport if it is expired?
Yes. The DMV accepts expired passports as proof of identity. Your passport does not need to be valid for travel — it only needs to show who you are. Bring it even if it expired years ago.
What if I do not have a Social Security number or ITIN?
You cannot get a North Carolina driver license without one or the other. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain an ITIN first. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS by filing a tax return, even if you do not owe taxes. Contact a local tax preparation service or community organization for help with the process.
Do I need to pass the written test in English?
No. You can request the test in Spanish or other languages at most DMV offices. Call ahead to confirm your office offers the language you need. The road test does not have a language option — the examiner will speak English, but they are testing your driving, not your English.
What if I fail the road test?
You can schedule another road test appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can retake it as many times as you need. Each attempt costs nothing extra. Most people pass on their second or third try.
Can someone help me fill out the forms at the DMV?
Yes. You can bring a friend or family member to help you understand the process and translate if needed. The DMV staff will speak with you directly, but having someone there for support is allowed. Some DMV offices also have interpreters available — call ahead to request one.