What you need to do to renew in North Carolina
North Carolina lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Most people can use mail or online renewal if their license is not expired more than three years, they have no medical restrictions, and their name and address have not changed. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
The fastest route is online through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles website — you can complete it in about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes once you are called, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the NC DMV website is the fastest option for most people and takes 7 to 10 business days from approval.
- You can renew by mail if your license expired less than three years ago, but the process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- You must renew in person if your license expired more than three years ago, you have medical restrictions, or your name or address changed.
- Your new license costs $20 for a four-year renewal or $40 for an eight-year renewal, and you choose the term when you renew.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to any in-person renewal appointment.
Online renewal through the NC DMV website
Go to ncdmv.org and click the "Online Services" link, then select "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against the DMV database and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
If you are may be able to access, you will choose whether to renew for four years ($20) or eight years ($40), then pay by debit card or credit card. You do not upload a new photo — the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. Once your payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you will see the reason on the screen. Common reasons include an expired license more than three years old, a name change, or an address change. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal using the paper form
Request a renewal form by calling the NC DMV at 919-715-7000, or read the form from ncdmv.org. The form is called the "process for Renewal of Driver License" (DL 43). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $20 (four-year) or $40 (eight-year) to the address shown on the form.
Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your current address. Mail the envelope to the DMV office address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your form, and your new license will be mailed to you.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system. You cannot choose a new photo by mail — your current photo will be used on your renewed license.
In-person renewal at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than three years ago, your name or address has changed, you have medical restrictions on your license, or the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access. Visit ncdmv.org, click "Find a License Plate Agency," and enter your county to find the nearest office and its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online first — check your local office's page.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired more than three years ago, you may need to pass a vision test and answer questions about your medical history.
The renewal fee is $20 for four years or $40 for eight years, paid by cash, check, or card at the office. You will have a new photo taken at the office. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license expired less than three years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process described above. The DMV does not charge a penalty for renewing a license that is already expired, as long as you renew within three years of the expiration date.
If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a vision test, and proof of identity and residency. The process is more involved than renewal and takes longer. Call 919-715-7000 or visit ncdmv.org to find out what documents you need for a new license process.
Choosing between four-year and eight-year renewal
When you renew, you choose whether your new license is valid for four years ($20) or eight years ($40). The eight-year license costs twice as much but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. The four-year license is cheaper but requires you to renew more often.
Some people choose the four-year option because they expect their address or name to change soon, or because they prefer not to pay the larger fee upfront. Others choose eight years to avoid the hassle of renewing frequently. There is no penalty for choosing either option — it is purely a matter of what works for your situation and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved to a different address?
If you moved within North Carolina, you can renew online or by mail as long as you update your address during the renewal process. If you moved out of state, you cannot renew your North Carolina license — you must obtain a license from your new state. If you moved out of state but still live in North Carolina part-time, contact the DMV at 919-715-7000 to discuss your options.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person at a DMV office if your name changed. Bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. The in-person process takes about 30 minutes and includes a new photo.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed to you and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after your online renewal is approved. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail in the same timeframe. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your form.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?
No. If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a vision test, and proof of identity and residency. Contact the DMV at 919-715-7000 or visit ncdmv.org to find out what documents you need.
Do I need a new photo when I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.