Where to get your North Carolina driver's license in Jacksonville
The DMV office that serves Jacksonville is the Onslow County Division of Motor Vehicles, located at 1431 Western Boulevard in Jacksonville, NC 28540. This is the only full-service DMV location in Onslow County, so it handles all driver's license transactions for the area — new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.
You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary by season. Call ahead at the office directly to confirm current hours before you go, since staffing changes can affect when they open or close.
If you cannot visit Jacksonville, you can also renew your license online through the North Carolina DMV website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than three years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- The Onslow County DMV office at 1431 Western Boulevard in Jacksonville handles all driver's license services for the area and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- You will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- First-time driver's license holders must pass a written test, vision test, and road test at the DMV office — you cannot do these online.
- If you are renewing a license that expired within the last three years, you may be able to renew online instead of visiting in person.
- Bring your current license or ID if you have one, as it speeds up the process and helps staff locate your record.
Documents you need to bring
North Carolina requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all three from each category — one from each is enough.
For identity, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate plus a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Naturalization. If you have an existing North Carolina driver's license or ID card, bring that instead — it counts as proof of identity and speeds up the process.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current North Carolina address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
What happens during your first visit for a new license
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell staff you are explore for a new driver's license. You will fill out Form DL-44, the North Carolina process for a driver's license. Staff will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee.
You will then take a written test covering North Carolina traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study the North Carolina Driver's Handbook online before you go, which is the same material the test covers.
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.
Finally, you will take a road test with a DMV examiner. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) and watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. If you pass all three tests, your license is issued the same day. If you fail the road test, you can schedule another attempt, usually within a few days.
Fees and how long it takes
A new North Carolina driver's license costs $20 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $16 and is valid for five years. Payment is cash or card at the DMV office.
If you pass all tests on your first visit, you receive your license when ready — you do not have to wait for it to arrive in the mail. The entire process from check-in to receiving your license usually takes two to three hours, depending on how busy the office is.
If you fail any test, you can retake it. The written test can usually be retaken the same day or within a few days. The road test typically requires scheduling a new appointment, which may be a week or more away depending on the office's schedule.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your North Carolina driver's license expired within the last three years and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the DMV office. Online renewal is faster — it takes about two weeks — and costs $20 for an eight-year license.
To renew online, go to the North Carolina DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to upload a new photograph or use the photo from your current license.
If you prefer to renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Onslow County DMV office or read it from the state website. Mail it with your fee and a new photograph to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks.
What to do if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, visit the Onslow County DMV office and request a replacement. Bring your documents (birth certificate, Social Security proof, and residency proof) just as you would for a new license. A replacement costs $20 and is issued the same day.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. Having a police report can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently.
Changing your address on your license
If you moved within North Carolina, you can change your address online through the DMV website without visiting the office. Go to "Change Your Address" and enter your license number, date of birth, and new address. The change takes effect when ready and is free.
If you moved from out of state and now live in North Carolina, you must visit the DMV office in person to get a North Carolina license. Bring your out-of-state license, your documents, and your fee. The process is the same as getting a new license, including the written, vision, and road tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. The written test, vision test, and road test must all be taken in person at the DMV office. Only license renewals for people who already hold a valid license can be done online or by mail.
What if I fail the road test?
You can retake it. The DMV office will schedule your next attempt, usually within a few days to a week. You pay the full license fee again when you retake the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
The Onslow County DMV office accepts walk-ins, but you can also call ahead to ask about wait times. During busy times, wait times can be an hour or more. Calling first helps you decide whether to go when ready or come back later.
What if I moved to Jacksonville from another state?
You must get a North Carolina license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, your documents, and your fee. You will take the written, vision, and road tests just like a first-time driver, even if you have been driving for years.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than three years ago?
No. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must visit the DMV office and retake the written, vision, and road tests. You cannot renew online or by mail once it has been expired that long.