What You Need to Get a North Carolina Driver's License

What documents and information North Carolina requires

To get a North Carolina driver's license, you need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your North Carolina residency to a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter — you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test.

North Carolina does not issue licenses to people without a valid Social Security number, so that is your first hurdle. If you do not have one, you will need to get one from the Social Security Administration before you can proceed with the DMV.

Key Takeaways

You must bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2 form), and one document proving you live in North Carolina (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
All applicants must pass a vision screening and a written test on North Carolina traffic laws at the DMV office; you cannot take these tests online.
If you are under 18, you must complete a North Carolina-approved driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take a road test.
The fee for a North Carolina driver's license is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license; you can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.

Documents that prove your identity

North Carolina accepts one document from this list to prove who you are: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. The document must have your name and date of birth on it. If your birth certificate is not certified (meaning it does not have an official seal or raised emblem), the DMV will not accept it.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring two secondary documents instead — such as a high school diploma, a college transcript, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order showing a name change. Secondary documents must show your name and be issued by a government agency or school.

Documents that prove your Social Security number

Bring your original Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement. The document must show your full name and your complete nine-digit Social Security number. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not acceptable — it must be the original card.

If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have another document with your number on it, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DMV. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Documents that prove you live in North Carolina

Bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and your current North Carolina address. The DMV accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, or government mail. The document must be an original or official copy — a photocopy or screenshot is not enough.

If you have just moved to North Carolina and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a signed letter from your landlord or a property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease. Some DMV offices also accept an affidavit of residency, which is a sworn statement you sign in front of a notary. Call your local DMV office to ask whether they accept affidavits, because policies vary by location.

The vision test and written knowledge test

At the DMV office, you will take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to get a license until you see an eye doctor and bring a corrective lens prescription to the DMV.

You will also take a written test on 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 study using the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. Some DMV offices offer the test in languages other than English — call ahead to ask what languages your local office supports.

Age-specific requirements for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction before you can get a learner's permit. This course covers classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Many high schools offer driver education, and private driving schools also offer it. The course usually takes several weeks to complete.

After you finish the course, you can go to the DMV to get a learner's permit. You must hold this permit for at least 30 days before you can take a road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. Once 30 days have passed, you can schedule a road test with the DMV. If you pass, you will get a provisional license, which has restrictions on when and where you can drive until you turn 18.

Fees and how to pay

A North Carolina driver's license costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. You can pay with cash, a check, or a debit or credit card at most DMV offices. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm. The fee is non-refundable if you do not pass the tests.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $10. If you need to change your name or address on your license, there is no fee — you just need to bring proof of the change (such as a marriage certificate or a utility bill with your new address) and your current license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No. You must go to a DMV office in person to take the vision test and the written knowledge test. You cannot take either test online or by mail. You can study the material at home using the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, but the actual test must be taken at the office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they study the handbook between tries.

Do I need a road test to get my first license?

If you are 18 or older and have never had a license, you do not need a road test — you only need to pass the vision and written tests. If you are under 18, you must pass a road test after holding your learner's permit for at least 30 days.

What if my documents are in a different name than the one I use now?

Bring the document that shows your old name, plus an official document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will issue your license in your current legal name.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV office that day, valid for 30 days. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, contact the DMV to report it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.