Documents and identification you must bring

North Carolina requires you to present specific documents in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You cannot renew or obtain a license by mail or online, and you cannot send someone else to do it for you — the applicant must appear.

You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency. The state accepts a narrow list for each category. For identity, bring a valid passport, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a state ID from another state. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document showing your name and current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process. Bring their ID as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a DMV office with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and North Carolina address.
  • Acceptable identity documents include a passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or another state's ID.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process form.
  • You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the DMV office on the day you explore.

The written test and vision screening

At your appointment, the DMV will give you a written test covering North Carolina traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study the official North Carolina Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website.

You will also take a vision screening at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form signed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a driver's license in North Carolina depends on the type and length of validity. A standard Class D license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs $20 for an 8-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the fee is $13.50 for a 4-year license. Commercial licenses and other classes cost more.

The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they take, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

Getting a learner's permit first

If you are under 18 or have never held a license, you can get a learner's permit before taking the full driving test. A permit costs $13.50 and is valid for one year. You must pass the written test and vision screening to get a permit, but you do not take a driving test.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone. The permit is a stepping stone to a full license — after holding it for a certain period and practicing, you can return to the DMV to take the driving test and get your license.

If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can skip the permit and go straight to the full license test, which includes the written test, vision screening, and a road test with a DMV examiner.

The road test and driving examination

To get a full driver's license, you must pass a road test administered by a DMV examiner. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parking, turning, stopping, and merging.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current. If the vehicle fails inspection — for example, if a brake light is out or the windshield is cracked — you will not be allowed to take the test that day.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is a fee of $10 for each retake.

Renewal and replacement licenses

If your license is expiring, you can renew it in person at the DMV. Bring your current license and proof of residency. You will need to retake the vision test and written test unless you are renewing online or by mail, which is available in limited circumstances — check the DMV website to see if you may have access to.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the DMV. Bring your proof of identity and residency. A replacement license costs $13.50.

Special licenses and restrictions

North Carolina offers several types of licenses for different purposes. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle. A taxi or for-hire vehicle endorsement is needed if you drive for a rideshare or taxi company. Each has its own test and fee.

If you have medical conditions or take medications that affect your driving, the DMV may place restrictions on your license — for example, corrective lenses only or daylight driving only. These restrictions will be printed on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my North Carolina license online?

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. You must have a valid email address on file and cannot have had your license suspended or revoked. Check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm whether you are may be able to access before attempting to renew online.

What if I moved to North Carolina from another state?

You must get a North Carolina license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency. You will take the written test and vision screening but may not need to take a road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at no charge, or you can schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Study the North Carolina Driver's Handbook between attempts to improve your score.

Do I need an appointment to go to the DMV?

Many DMV offices now require appointments, though some accept walk-ins. Check the DMV website or call your local office to see whether you need to book a time slot. Scheduling an appointment in advance usually reduces wait times.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

Bring your glasses or contacts with you to the DMV. If you fail the vision test even with correction, you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a signed vision correction form before you can get your license.