What documents and information you need to bring

North Carolina requires you to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your North Carolina residency when you explore for a driver's license. You do not need to have all three categories covered by separate documents — some documents count for more than one requirement.

For identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID card. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy or hospital record. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of identity on its own.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. You can also bring a document from a government agency that shows your number, such as a benefit statement. If you cannot provide proof of your Social Security number, you can sign an affidavit at the DMV office stating that you do not have a Social Security number.

For North Carolina residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and your current North Carolina address, and it cannot be more than 60 days old. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or tax document), and proof of North Carolina residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).
  • Your residency document must show your name and current address and cannot be older than 60 days at the time you explore.
  • If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to bring proof of legal presence, such as a visa, green card, or employment authorization document.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about North Carolina traffic laws before you receive your license.
  • If you are under 18, you must also bring a parent or guardian and proof that they are your parent or guardian.

Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers

You must be at least 16 years old to get a North Carolina driver's license. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a learner's permit first, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. You do not have to get a learner's permit — you can go straight to a full license if you pass the tests — but most new drivers under 18 start with a permit.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV office. Bring a document that proves the relationship, such as a birth certificate, adoption papers, or a court order naming them as your guardian. If your parent or guardian cannot come with you, they can sign a notarized consent form, but you will still need to bring proof of the relationship.

North Carolina has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. A learner's permit holder cannot drive alone and must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat. Once you pass the road test and get your full license, you can drive alone, but there are restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving until you turn 18.

Vision and knowledge test requirements

You must pass a vision screening at the DMV office before you take the written test. The screener will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can take the vision test while wearing them. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to take the written test that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision certificate back to the DMV.

The written knowledge test covers North Carolina traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and it is available in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

If you are 18 or older and explore for your first license, you must also pass a road test. A DMV examiner will ride with you in your car and watch you drive on public roads. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. If you are under 18, you may be able to skip the road test if you complete a driver education course approved by North Carolina.

Proof of legal presence for non-citizens

If you were born outside the United States, you must bring proof that you are legally present in the country. Acceptable documents include a valid visa, a green card, an employment authorization document (EAD), a refugee travel document, or a document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing your legal status.

If you are a citizen of a foreign country and have a valid visa, bring your passport and visa. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you have work authorization, bring your EAD card. If you have any other immigration status, bring the document that USCIS or the State Department gave you showing that status.

North Carolina does not issue driver's licenses to people who are in the country illegally. If you cannot provide proof of legal presence, you will not be able to get a license, but you may be able to get a limited-purpose ID card instead, which can be used for some purposes but not for driving.

Where to go and what to bring on the day of your appointment

You must go to a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to explore for your license. Find the office nearest you on the DMV website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Booking ahead usually means a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies are not accepted. Bring your proof of identity, your Social Security proof, your residency proof, and your proof of legal presence if you were born outside the United States. If you are under 18, bring your parent or guardian and their ID. Bring your current license or ID if you have one, even if it is expired.

Bring a completed process form if you want to save time. You can read the form from the DMV website and fill it out before you arrive, or you can fill it out at the office. The form is called the process for North Carolina Driver License or Learner Permit (Form DL-43).

Bring payment for the license fee. As of 2024, a regular driver's license costs $20 and is valid for eight years. Fees can change, so check the DMV website before you go. The DMV accepts cash, check, and card payments.

How long the process takes and when you get your license

The entire process at the DMV office usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is and whether you have all your documents. If you book an appointment, your wait time is usually shorter than if you walk in.

After you pass the vision and knowledge tests, the DMV will take your photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test. If you fail the road test, you must schedule another appointment to retake it, and there is a fee each time you take the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a North Carolina license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a North Carolina license without taking the written or road test, as long as your out-of-state license is valid and you pass the vision screening. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the DMV office.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

You can use a valid passport, military ID, or state ID card instead. If you have none of these, you can order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. The process takes one to four weeks depending on where you order from.

Do I need to pass a road test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you are exchanging an out-of-state license for a North Carolina license, you do not need to take the road test. You only need to pass the vision screening and bring your documents. If you are explore for your first license ever, you must take the road test unless you completed an approved driver education course.

What happens if my residency document is older than 60 days?

The DMV will not accept it. You will need to bring a newer document that shows your name and current North Carolina address dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, you can ask your utility company, bank, or landlord for a recent statement.

Can I take the knowledge test in a language other than English or Spanish?

The DMV offers the test in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact your local DMV office to ask about other options. Some offices may be able to provide an interpreter, but you should call ahead to arrange this.