Renewing Your North Carolina Driver's License Online, by Mail, or In Person
North Carolina lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. Which one you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license has been suspended or revoked. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but you must renew in person if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing more than one year after expiration.
The online and mail routes take about two weeks from submission to receiving your new card. In-person renewal at a driver license office typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will need your current North Carolina driver's license, proof of residency if you have moved, and payment for the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the North Carolina DMV website is the fastest option if your license expired within the last year and has not been suspended.
- By-mail renewal requires you to submit your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes about two weeks for processing and delivery.
- In-person renewal is required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address.
- The renewal fee in North Carolina is $48 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before renewing if you have moved.
Online Renewal Through the North Carolina DMV Website
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles operates an online renewal system at ncdmv.org. You can renew online if your current license is not suspended or revoked, your license expired within the last year, and you have not changed your address. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card for the $48 fee.
After you submit your renewal online, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number you can use to track your order on the DMV website. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue to drive legally during this time.
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, you will need to complete Form DL-43, which you can read from ncdmv.org or request by calling the DMV at 919-715-7000. You will also need to include your current driver's license, a check or money order for $48 made payable to "North Carolina DMV," and proof of your current address if you have moved.
Mail your completed form, license, and payment to the address listed on the form. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and the entire process usually takes three to four weeks from the time they receive your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to use a credit card online or if you do not have access to a computer. However, it takes longer than online renewal because of mail delivery time in both directions. Keep a copy of your completed form and note the date you mailed it in case you need to follow up with the DMV.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office
You must renew in person at a North Carolina driver license office if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than one year ago, or if you need to change your address. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of your current address if you have moved.
Find your nearest driver license office on the DMV website by entering your county or city. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check your local office's page on ncdmv.org to see if you can reserve a time slot.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You will pay the $48 renewal fee by cash, check, or debit card (credit cards are not accepted at offices). Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it the same day.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than One Year Ago
If your North Carolina driver's license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license by visiting a driver license office in person. You will need to pass a vision test and provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, and current address. The fee for a new license is $48, the same as renewal.
Bring your expired license if you still have it, along with a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID to prove your identity. The office will take a new photograph and issue your license on the spot. If you have moved since your license expired, bring proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease.
Updating Your Address During Renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address before or during renewal. When you renew online, the system will not let you proceed if your address is not current. You will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
For mail renewal, include a copy of proof of your new address with your form and payment. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For in-person renewal, bring the same proof of address to the driver license office.
If you update your address at the office, the new address will be printed on your license when ready. If you renew by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a North Carolina driver's license is $48 for an eight-year license. This is the standard fee for most drivers. If you are renewing in person, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted at driver license offices.
If you renew online, you must pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order made payable to "North Carolina DMV." Do not send cash by mail.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal. The expiration date will be printed on your card. You will receive a reminder notice from the DMV about 60 days before your license expires, though this reminder is informational only and does not extend your important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, you receive your new license when ready and can drive home with it the same day.
What if I do not receive my renewed license after four weeks?
Contact the North Carolina DMV at 919-715-7000 with your confirmation number or reference number. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if it was lost in the mail. Keep your current license until the new one arrives.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, not for online or mail renewal. Your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photograph as part of the process.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. Outstanding traffic tickets or fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if your license has been suspended due to unpaid fines or other violations, you must resolve the suspension before you can renew.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Online and mail renewal will not process if your name does not match your current records.