Documents and Information 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 state accepts specific documents for each category, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with the raised seal, not a photocopy from a hospital. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number.
Proof of residency means a document showing your current North Carolina address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government notice addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office box does not count as proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, military ID, or tribal ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or pay stub), and proof of North Carolina residency dated within 60 days.
- A certified birth certificate has a raised seal and comes from the vital records office; a hospital birth certificate or photocopy will not be accepted.
- Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days — utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a driving test before the license is issued.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
Before you can take the driving test, you must pass a written test on North Carolina traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the North Carolina Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website or in print at any DMV office.
During the same visit, you will have your vision screened. The DMV checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to take the driving test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor before you return.
The Driving Test and Road Skills
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you will take the driving test with a DMV examiner. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current.
The examiner will watch for safe driving habits: checking mirrors, signaling turns, maintaining speed, and stopping at red lights and stop signs. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb during parking, failing to signal, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting a cone during the test course. You can take the test again if you do not pass, but you must wait at least one day before retesting.
Age Requirements and Learner's Permits
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in North Carolina, and at least 16 years and 6 months old to take the driving test for a full license. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get a learner's permit. The course can be taken online or in person through a school or private driving school.
Once you have your learner's permit, you must hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting beside you in the front seat. If you are under 18 and driving alone, you will lose your license.
Fees and How Long It Takes
A North Carolina driver's license costs $20 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the license costs $13.50 and expires when you turn 18. You pay the fee when you pass your driving test and receive your license.
Your license is issued on the same day you pass the driving test. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while the permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the DMV to check the status.
Renewing or Replacing a License
If your license is expiring, you can renew it online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address. If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DMV office in person.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you did when you first got your license. A replacement license costs $20 and is issued the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hospital birth certificate instead of a certified one?
No. The DMV requires a certified birth certificate with a raised seal from the vital records office in the county where you were born. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy will not be accepted. You can order a certified copy from the vital records office online or by mail.
What if I don't have a Social Security card?
You can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a recent pay stub that shows your full Social Security number instead. The document must be an original or certified copy. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DMV.
Do I have to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?
If you are moving to North Carolina and have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a North Carolina license without taking the driving test. You will still need to pass the written test and vision screening. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can take the test again after waiting at least one day. There is no additional fee for retesting. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening unless your vision has changed or your learner's permit has expired.
Can I get a license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can get a new license. Contact the DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.