How to Renew Your North Carolina Driver's License

What you need to do to renew in North Carolina

North Carolina lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in about 15 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification. If you need to update your address or name, or if your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person or by mail.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains a renewal code you will need for the online process. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew online using your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 15 minutes and costs $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, with no office visit required.
You can renew by mail using the renewal notice that arrives 60 days before expiration, and the DMV will mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your address or name has changed, your license has been expired for more than three years, or you want a REAL ID-compliant license.
North Carolina charges different fees based on license type and duration: standard licenses cost less than REAL ID licenses, which cost less than commercial licenses.
Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you start the renewal process early.

Renewing online through the DMV website

Go to ncdmv.org and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your renewal code (from the notice the DMV mailed you). If you do not have the renewal code, the website will let you proceed without it.

Answer the questions about your address, name, and whether your vision has changed. Review your information carefully — any errors will appear on your new license. Pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office.

Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, your address and name match DMV records, and you have not had any medical suspensions or restrictions added to your license. If any of these do not explore to you, use the mail or in-person option instead.

Renewing by mail

Use the renewal notice the DMV sent you. Fill out the form on the back, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current driver's license if the notice asks for one.

The DMV will process your renewal within 7 to 10 business days of receiving it and mail your new license to the address you provided. Your old license remains valid until the expiration date, so you can continue driving while you wait. If you have lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the DMV at 919-715-7000 or visiting ncdmv.org.

Renewing in person at a DMV office

Visit your local DMV 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). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your name has changed. If you are renewing a REAL ID license, bring a passport, passport card, or birth certificate as well.

Check the wait times at ncdmv.org before you go — some offices are busier than others. You can also schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the type of license.

Understanding renewal fees and license types

A standard driver's license costs $20 for four years or $40 for eight years. A REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star) costs $28 for four years or $56 for eight years. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires a separate test. You choose the length and type when you renew.

REAL ID licenses are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you do not have one and want to get one, you must renew in person and bring the documents listed above. Standard licenses work for driving and state ID purposes but not for federal facilities.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV may require you to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in North Carolina. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you realize your license has expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before the expiration date?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The DMV will mail your new license, and it will be valid starting on the expiration date of your current license, not the date you receive it. This means your old license and new license will overlap by a few weeks.

What if my address has changed since I got my license?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you can update your address as part of the renewal. If your address change requires verification (for example, if you moved out of state and back), the DMV may ask you to renew in person instead. You will know this when you start the online process — the website will tell you if you need to visit an office.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The DMV typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days of processing your renewal. If you renew in person, you may receive your license when ready or have it mailed to you, depending on the office and the type of license. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive while you wait.

Do I need a REAL ID license?

You need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 2025. If you only drive and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose which type when you renew. REAL ID licenses cost more but last the same length of time.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online without the renewal code — just use your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you prefer to renew by mail, call the DMV at 919-715-7000 to request a new renewal notice, or visit ncdmv.org to request one online.

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.