North Carolina driver's license fees
A North Carolina driver's license costs $20 for an eight-year license if you are between 18 and 66 years old. If you are 67 or older, the license costs $10 and is valid for five years. Drivers under 18 pay $20 for a four-year license.
These are the base fees charged by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You may also pay additional fees depending on your situation — for example, if you need a replacement license, a name change, or if you are renewing early. Some transactions at the DMV also charge a separate service fee of around $5 to $10, depending on which office you visit and what you are doing.
You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at most DMV locations. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all, so call ahead if you plan to use one. Online renewal (when available for your situation) typically accepts debit or credit cards.
Key Takeaways
- A standard North Carolina driver's license for adults 18 to 66 costs $20 and is valid for eight years.
- Seniors 67 and older pay $10 for a five-year license, and drivers under 18 pay $20 for a four-year license.
- Replacement licenses, name changes, and other transactions may add $5 to $10 in service fees on top of the base cost.
- You can renew your license online if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting an office in person.
When you need to pay the full fee versus a reduced fee
You pay the full license fee when you get your first license, renew an expired license, or renew a license that is about to expire. If your license is still valid and you only need a replacement (for example, because it was lost or damaged), North Carolina charges a separate replacement fee, which is typically less than a full renewal.
If you change your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you will need a new license with your updated name. This also costs the full renewal fee, not just a replacement fee. The DMV will ask you to bring a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Some drivers are may be able to access for a reduced fee or no fee at all. For instance, if you are renewing your license within a certain window before it expires, you may be able to renew online at no extra charge beyond the base fee. Military members on active duty may also may have access to for fee reductions in some cases. Contact your local DMV office to ask whether your situation qualifies for a reduced rate.
How to renew your license and avoid unnecessary trips
North Carolina allows online renewal for many drivers, which means you do not have to visit an office in person. To renew online, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, a current North Carolina address, and a license that is not expired or suspended. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires.
If you renew online, you pay the base fee ($20 for most adults) using a debit or credit card. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest and cheapest option if you are only renewing and not changing your address, name, or other information.
If you cannot renew online — for example, because your license is already expired, you need to change your address, or you are getting your first license — you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license (or birth certificate if you do not have one), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will pay the fee at the office and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Getting your first license as a new driver
If you are getting your first North Carolina driver's license, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person. The cost is $20 for drivers under 18 or $20 for drivers 18 to 66. You will also need to pass a written test and a driving test (unless you are transferring a license from another state).
Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and two documents showing your current address (such as a utility bill and a bank statement). The DMV office will take your photo and fingerprints on the spot. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office, depending on how busy it is.
Some DMV offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. Check the DMV website to see if your local office offers this option.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office. A replacement license costs less than a full renewal — typically around $5 to $10, depending on your age and the office. You do not need to take a new photo or pass any tests; the DMV will use your existing photo and information.
Bring your current license if you still have it, or bring your birth certificate and proof of your Social Security number if you do not. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police first and bring a copy of the police report, though this is not required by the DMV.
You can also request a replacement by mail if you prefer not to visit an office. Fill out the appropriate form on the North Carolina DMV website, include a check or money order for the replacement fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. The new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and resolve the issue that caused the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction.
The DMV office can tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension. This might involve paying a fine, completing a court-ordered program, or providing proof that you have resolved the underlying issue. Once you have done that, you can renew your license at the office and pay the standard renewal fee.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call your local DMV office or check the North Carolina DMV website, which allows you to look up your driving record online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my DMV fee online before I go to the office?
No, you cannot pre-pay your DMV fee online. You must pay at the office when you complete your transaction. If you are renewing online, you will pay the fee as part of the online process using a debit or credit card.
Do I have to pay the full $20 if I renew my license early?
You pay the full renewal fee whenever you renew, whether you renew early or close to your expiration date. However, if you renew online within one year before your license expires, you may avoid an extra service fee that some offices charge for in-person renewals.
What if I move out of North Carolina — do I get a refund?
No, the DMV does not refund license fees if you move to another state. You will need to get a license in your new state and pay that state's fee. You can keep your North Carolina license as a form of ID, but you cannot drive with it in another state.
Is there a fee to take the written or driving test?
The written test and driving test are included in the $20 license fee for new drivers. You do not pay a separate test fee. If you fail a test and need to retake it, you typically do not pay again, but call your local DMV office to confirm.