North Carolina driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard North Carolina driver's license costs $20 for an eight-year license or $13.50 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, a four-year license costs $13.50 and an eight-year license is not available — you must renew when you turn 21. These prices are set by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles and do not change based on where in the state you live.

The fee covers the cost of the card itself, the background check, and the processing. You pay this fee whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Some transactions cost more — for example, if you need to change your address or name on an existing license without renewing the full card, that costs $5.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year North Carolina driver's license costs $20; a four-year license costs $13.50.
  • Drivers under 21 can only get a four-year license for $13.50 and must renew when they turn 21.
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs the same as renewing — $20 for eight years or $13.50 for four years.
  • You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at any North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office.

What happens when you renew your license

When your North Carolina license expires, you can renew it in person at any DMV office or by mail if you meet certain conditions. Renewing by mail costs the same as renewing in person — you still pay the full $20 or $13.50 fee. You cannot renew online in North Carolina, even though some other states allow it.

If you renew in person, bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will take a new photo and issue a new card on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. If you renew by mail, you send in your expired license along with a renewal form and the fee; processing takes longer, usually two to three weeks.

Replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you pay the same fee as a renewal — $20 for an eight-year replacement or $13.50 for a four-year one. You do not pay extra for the replacement itself. You will need to go to a DMV office in person because they need to take a new photo and verify your identity.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a second form of ID if possible. If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DMV at the time you explore for the replacement, and they will flag it in their system so no one else can use it.

Changing your address or name without renewing

If you move to a new address or change your name but your license is not expiring soon, you can update it without getting a full renewal. This costs $5 and you do this in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and if you changed your name, a document showing the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

The DMV will issue you a new card with the updated information. This does not extend the expiration date of your license — your license still expires on the same date it would have without the change.

Payment methods and where to pay

You can pay the license fee in cash, by check, or by debit card at any North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office. Credit cards are not accepted. If you are renewing by mail, you can send a check with your process.

Find your nearest DMV office on the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to make an appointment ahead of time. Call ahead or check online to see what your local office requires, because wait times vary widely depending on the location and time of day.

Special licenses and higher costs

A standard driver's license costs $20 or $13.50, but some drivers need different types of licenses that cost more. A commercial driver's license (CDL) for truck drivers costs more and requires additional testing. A motorcycle endorsement adds to the cost of your regular license. If you need a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights — the cost is the same as a standard license, but you need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and citizenship.

If you are a military member or veteran, North Carolina offers a free military designation on your license, but this does not reduce the base fee. You still pay $20 or $13.50 for the license itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license without paying the full fee?

No. The $20 or $13.50 fee is required for all driver's licenses in North Carolina. There are no reduced-fee or free options based on income or other circumstances. You must pay the full amount at the time you explore.

Do I have to pay if I renew early?

Yes. If you renew your license before it expires, you still pay the full $20 or $13.50 fee. The new license will have a new expiration date eight years (or four years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I lose my license and find it later?

If you already paid to replace it and then find your old license, you cannot get a refund. You now have two valid licenses with the same number. Contact the DMV to report that you found the original so they can note it in their system, but the replacement fee is not refundable.

Is the cost different if I get my license at a different DMV office?

No. The fee is the same at every North Carolina DMV office — $20 for eight years or $13.50 for four years. The location does not change the price.