Documents and identification you'll bring to the DMV
North Carolina requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency when you explore for a driver's license. The specific documents accepted vary depending on whether you're a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or here on a visa.
For proof of identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you're explore for the first time and don't have a passport yet, a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born is the most straightforward option. You can order one from the vital records office in that state.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.
For proof of North Carolina residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency counts as well.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a certified birth certificate or passport for identity, your Social Security card or a tax form for your SSN, and a recent utility bill or lease for proof you live in North Carolina.
- If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need to show proof of lawful status, such as a green card, visa, or work permit.
- The DMV charges a fee that varies by license type; a standard four-year license costs less than a Real ID-compliant license.
- You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV, and you cannot use a phone or notes during the test.
- If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person.
Real ID versus standard North Carolina license
North Carolina offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. If you plan to fly within the U.S. after May 2025, you'll need either a Real ID license or a passport.
A Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. The fee for a Real ID license is higher than a standard license. A standard four-year license currently costs $20, while a Real ID four-year license costs $32. These fees can change, so check the North Carolina DMV website before you go.
Both licenses are valid for four years if you're between 18 and 65, and eight years if you're 65 or older. You renew them at the same DMV office where you got them.
The written test and vision screening
Before the DMV issues your license, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
The written 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 cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials during the test. The DMV provides the test on a computer or on paper, depending on the location.
You can study for the test using the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, which the DMV publishes online for free. Many people take practice tests online before going to the DMV. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.
Fees and processing time
The cost of a North Carolina driver's license depends on the type of license and how long it's valid. A standard four-year license costs $20. A standard eight-year license (for drivers 65 and older) costs $32. A Real ID four-year license costs $32, and a Real ID eight-year license costs $48. The DMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
The DMV issues your license the same day you pass the test, so you walk out with a temporary paper license. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some DMV offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.
If you were born outside the United States
If you were not born in the U.S., you must show proof of lawful status to get a North Carolina driver's license. Acceptable documents include a green card, a valid visa, an employment authorization document (EAD), a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, or a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) approval notice.
You still need to bring all the other documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. If your visa or work permit is expiring soon, bring it anyway—the DMV will issue a license valid only until your status expires.
If you have a visa that allows you to work but not to drive, you cannot get a North Carolina driver's license. Contact the DMV directly if you're unsure whether your visa allows you to drive.
If you're under 18
If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV. They do not need to bring documents of their own, but they do need to be present when you explore. If your parents are divorced or separated, bring a custody order or birth certificate showing who has legal custody.
North Carolina also has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You start with a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the car. After holding the permit for at least 12 months and staying ticket-free, you can take the road test and get a provisional license. A provisional license has restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can have.
What to do before you go to the DMV
Gather all your documents before you visit the DMV. Make copies of everything and keep the originals in a safe place. Check the North Carolina DMV website to find the office nearest you and see the current wait times.
Many DMV offices allow you to book an appointment online. Booking an appointment usually cuts your wait time in half. If you can't book an appointment, go early in the morning or on a weekday—Saturdays and the end of the month are busiest.
Bring a list of any name changes you've had, such as from marriage or divorce. If you've changed your name, bring the court order or marriage certificate that proves it. The DMV will not issue a license under a new name without proof of the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a North Carolina license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. North Carolina law requires a Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you don't have one and are not may be able to access for one, you cannot get a standard license. You may be able to get an ID card instead, which does not require a Social Security number.
What if I lost my birth certificate and can't get another one?
You can use a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead of a birth certificate. If you don't have any of those, you can order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states mail them within two to four weeks.
Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?
If you're moving to North Carolina and have a valid license from another state, you do not have to take the written test. You still must pass the vision test. Bring your out-of-state license and all the other required documents.
What happens if I fail the vision test?
If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue a license. You can get glasses or contacts and come back to retake the test. Some DMV offices have an optometrist on site who can do a quick exam and help you get corrective lenses the same day.
How long does it take to get a North Carolina license?
The DMV issues your temporary paper license the same day you pass the test. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you book an appointment, the whole process at the DMV usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.