How to Renew Your North Carolina Driver License

The fastest way to renew in North Carolina

You can renew your North Carolina driver license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the quickest option — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than three years, you have no medical suspensions, and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a DMV office in person. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card in the mail within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through ncdmv.org is available if your license expired less than three years ago and you have no medical holds or address changes.
You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL-44, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.
In-person renewal at any DMV office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, or until age 65 if you are over 57.

Renewing online through the North Carolina DMV website

Go to ncdmv.org and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify that you meet the requirements for online renewal.

Once you confirm your information, you will upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. You then pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $60. After payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because your license expired more than three years ago, you have a medical suspension, or your address has changed. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

read or request Form DL-44 from ncdmv.org. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, date of birth, and license number. You do not need to include a new photo for mail renewal — the DMV will use the photo from your current license.

Write a check or money order for $60 (for an eight-year renewal) and make it payable to "North Carolina DMV." Do not send cash. Include your check with the completed form and mail both to the address listed on the form. Keep a copy of the form for your records.

Mail your renewal to: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 29026, Raleigh, NC 27626-9026. The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. This typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your process, but allow extra time for mail delivery on both ends.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but you can schedule one online at ncdmv.org to reduce wait time.

Go to any DMV office during business hours. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and collect the $60 renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license printed on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within two weeks.

DMV office hours and locations vary by county. Search for your nearest office on ncdmv.org by entering your zip code. Some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days, so check before you go.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than three years

If your North Carolina license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DMV office, a new photo, and proof of your identity and Social Security number.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test. The written test covers North Carolina traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the North Carolina Driver Handbook, which is available free on ncdmv.org. The fee for a new license is $60 for an eight-year license.

Medical suspensions and address changes

If your license has a medical suspension, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. A medical suspension means the DMV has flagged your license because of a medical condition reported by a doctor or because you did not respond to a medical review request. You will need to bring documentation from your doctor clearing you to drive before the DMV will process your renewal.

If you have changed your address since your last renewal, 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. Bring this proof with you if you renew in person, or include a copy if you renew by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew my North Carolina driver license?

A standard eight-year renewal costs $60. If you are 65 or older, you can renew for a shorter period — a four-year renewal costs $30. You pay the fee online, by check or money order if you renew by mail, or in cash or card at a DMV office.

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes. If your license expired less than three years ago, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person. If it expired more than three years ago, you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a vision test, and a written knowledge test.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

For online renewal, you can use your current photo or upload a new one. For mail renewal, the DMV uses your current photo automatically. For in-person renewal, the DMV takes a new photo. If you want a new photo for mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

What if I move to a different address before my new license arrives?

Contact the North Carolina DMV before you move and provide your new address. You can update your address online at ncdmv.org, by phone at 919-715-7000, or in person at any DMV office. The DMV will mail your new license to your updated address.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. If you are 57 or older at the time of renewal, your license expires on your 65th birthday instead. After that, you will need to renew again.

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.