What to bring when you renew in person
North Carolina requires you to bring four things to a DMV office to renew your driver's license: your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your North Carolina residency, and a completed process form. You do not need to bring all four items in separate documents — some documents count as more than one proof.
Your current driver's license serves as your identity document. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The process form is Form DL-43, which you can fill out before you arrive or complete at the DMV office.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without this, you cannot renew under a different name.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of North Carolina residency from the last 60 days, and a completed DL-43 form.
- If your name has changed, you must bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- You can renew in person at any DMV office, and the process takes about 30 minutes once you are called.
- Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 5 to 7 business days after you complete your renewal.
- If you are over 60, you may renew by mail instead of going to an office, but you still need the same documents.
How to fill out Form DL-43
Form DL-43 is the North Carolina Driver License process. You can read it from the North Carolina DMV website before you go, or pick one up at the office. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether your vision or medical conditions have changed since your last license.
Answer the medical history questions honestly. If you have been diagnosed with a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or a condition that causes sudden loss of consciousness — you must disclose it. The DMV may ask you to have your doctor fill out a separate medical form, or they may restrict your license (for example, requiring corrective lenses or daytime driving only).
Sign and date the form before you hand it to the DMV clerk. An unsigned form will be rejected, and you will have to fill it out again.
What happens at the DMV office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the clerk your documents and completed form. The clerk will verify that you have brought everything required and that your documents are valid. If anything is missing or expired, they will tell you what you need to bring back.
If everything is in order, you will be called to a station where a DMV officer will take your photograph and scan your documents. The officer will ask you to confirm your address and any other information on your form. This is your chance to correct any errors before your new license is printed. Once the officer confirms everything, your renewal is complete.
You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Keep this paper license with you while you drive — it is your proof of a valid license until the plastic card arrives.
Renewing by mail if you are 60 or older
If you are 60 or older and your license has not been suspended or revoked, you can renew by mail instead of visiting an office. You still need to send in the same four documents: your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and a completed DL-43 form.
Mail these documents to the address listed on the DMV website for mail-in renewals. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license back to you within 5 to 7 business days. You will not receive a temporary paper license with a mail-in renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
If the DMV finds any problems with your documents or process, they will mail you a letter explaining what is missing. You will then have to either mail the missing documents back or visit an office in person to complete your renewal.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for a North Carolina driver's license depends on how long your new license will be valid. A standard eight-year renewal costs one amount, while a four-year renewal (available if you are between 60 and 70) costs less. The DMV office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive, or you can find the current fee on the North Carolina DMV website.
At the DMV office, you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order — the DMV does not accept credit cards or debit cards by mail. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the DMV can match your payment to your process.
When your new license arrives
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 7 business days from the date you completed your renewal at the DMV office. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the North Carolina DMV to report it.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old license by cutting it in half. This prevents someone from using your old license as a fake ID. Your temporary paper license is no longer valid once your plastic license arrives, so do not carry both.
If your new license is damaged when it arrives, or if you notice an error on it, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring your damaged or incorrect license and proof of your identity. Some replacements are free, while others have a small fee.
What to do if your documents are expired or missing
If your proof of residency is older than 60 days, the DMV will not accept it. You will need to bring a newer utility bill, bank statement, or other may have access to document. If you do not have a current residency document, ask your utility company or bank for a recent statement, or contact your landlord or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead showing your current address.
If you cannot find your Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return instead. If you do not have any of these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you renew your license — this usually takes one to two weeks.
If you have lost your current driver's license, you can still renew. Bring the same documents you would normally bring, and tell the DMV clerk that your license is lost. The DMV will process your renewal the same way, and your new license will be mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
North Carolina does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail if you are 60 or older. Some states offer online renewal, but North Carolina requires you to provide a new photograph and have your documents verified in person or by mail.
How long is my temporary paper license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you complete your renewal at the DMV office. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, contact the DMV. Do not drive without a valid license once the 30 days are up.
What if I moved since my last license?
You must provide proof of your new address on your DL-43 form and bring a residency document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address. Your new license will be mailed to this address, so make sure it is correct before you submit your process.
Do I need a new photograph for my renewal?
Yes. The DMV will take a new photograph of you at the office during your in-person renewal. If you are renewing by mail, you do not have a new photograph taken, and your license will show your previous photograph.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the DMV. Contact the North Carolina DMV to find out what you need to do before you can renew.