How to Renew Your North Carolina Driver's License

North Carolina driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at an NC Division of Motor Vehicles office, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal

The fastest route for most people is the online renewal portal at ncdmv.org, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $10 for a four-year license or $20 for an eight-year license. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you are between 18 and 70 years old. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew by mail or in person.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on which term you choose at renewal. North Carolina sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at ncdmv.org takes 10 minutes, costs $10 or $20 depending on license term, and works if you are 18 to 70 and have not changed your name or address.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV address listed on the renewal notice.
In-person renewal at a local DMV office takes 30 to 60 minutes and is required if you are over 70, have an expired license, or need to update your name or address.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive.
A renewed license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or two to three weeks for mail renewal.

Online renewal through the NC DMV website

Go to ncdmv.org and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current North Carolina driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Choose your license term: four years ($10) or eight years ($20). You can pay by debit card or credit card. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if you are over 70, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you have moved and need to update your address. In those cases, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal by sending documents to the DMV

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, it includes a prepaid envelope and a form you can fill out and send back. If you did not receive a notice, read form DL-44 from ncdmv.org or call the DMV at 919-715-7000 to request one by mail.

Include your current driver's license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $10 (four-year license) or $20 (eight-year license) made payable to "NC DMV". Mail everything to the address shown on your renewal notice or form. Do not send cash. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks of receipt.

Mail renewal works for anyone whose license is not yet expired and who does not need to change their name or address. If your address has changed, you must renew in person or update your address online at ncdmv.org before mailing in your renewal.

In-person renewal at a local DMV office

Visit your nearest Division of Motor Vehicles office with your current driver's license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The DMV website shows current wait times at each office.

Tell the staff member you are renewing your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your payment ($10 or $20 depending on the term you choose). The entire visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if you are over 70, if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to update your photo before the standard renewal date. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary license you can use when ready.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your 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, a vision test, and proof of identity and residency. Contact your local DMV office or visit ncdmv.org for the full list of documents you need.

If your license expired within the last three years, you can still renew it by mail or in person, but not online. The process and cost are the same as a standard renewal. Bring your expired license with you or include it with your mail renewal. You do not face any penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for a few months, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, you must update your address before or during the renewal process. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. At an in-person visit, the staff will update your address in the system and print it on your new license at no extra cost.

If you have changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. This also costs the standard renewal fee ($10 or $20).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

If your license expired more than three years ago, you must explore for a new license, not renew. If it expired between one and three years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online. Bring your expired license with you or include it with your mail renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, contact the DMV to request a temporary license by mail.

What if I do not have a utility bill or bank statement to prove my address?

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you have none of these, call your local DMV office to ask what other documents they will accept.

Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?

Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. A new photo is taken only if you renew in person at a DMV office. You can request a new photo during an in-person renewal at no extra cost.

What happens if my license is lost or stolen before my renewal arrives?

Contact your local DMV office when ready to report it. You can request a replacement license, which costs $10 and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a temporary paper license in person the same day.

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.