How to check your license status in North Carolina
You can find out whether your North Carolina driver's license is suspended by checking with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) directly. The fastest way is to call their license status line at 919-715-7000 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
You can also check online through the North Carolina DMV website. Go to ncdmv.org, select "License Status Check," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will tell you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or revoked. This online check is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A third option is to visit a DMV office in person. Bring your driver's license or state ID, and staff can look up your status on the spot. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead can help you plan your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Call the North Carolina DMV at 919-715-7000 or check your status online at ncdmv.org to learn about your license is suspended.
- Common reasons for suspension in North Carolina include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, unpaid taxes, and accumulating too many points on your driving record.
- If your license is suspended, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the reason and what you must do to restore it.
- Restoring your license usually requires paying outstanding fines or fees, completing a required course, or resolving the underlying issue that caused the suspension.
- Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension period.
Common reasons your license might be suspended
North Carolina suspends driver's licenses for many different reasons. The most common are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to pay child support, unpaid taxes owed to the state, and accumulating too many points on your driving record from traffic violations.
Other reasons include being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), failing to maintain car insurance, not paying a judgment from a traffic accident, or failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket. Some suspensions are automatic — for example, if you are convicted of DUI, your license is suspended when ready.
You may also have a suspension if you were under 18 when you received a traffic ticket and did not pay it, or if you failed to complete a required defensive driving course. The reason for your suspension will be stated in the notice you receive from the DMV.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know your license is suspended, the first step is to read the notice you received from the DMV carefully. It will explain exactly why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it. Different reasons require different actions.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you will need to pay the full amount owed. You can pay online through the North Carolina DMV website, by phone at 919-715-7000, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Once payment is received and processed, your license is usually restored within one to three business days.
If the suspension is related to child support, you will need to contact the North Carolina Child Support Enforcement office or work with your child support case worker to resolve the arrears. If it is related to unpaid taxes, contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue. For other reasons, follow the specific instructions in your suspension notice.
How long a suspension typically lasts
The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Some suspensions are temporary and last only until you pay what you owe or complete a required action. Others last for a set period, such as 30 days, 90 days, or one year.
For example, a suspension for unpaid fines may last only until you pay, while a suspension for a DUI conviction typically lasts at least one year. A suspension for accumulating too many points may last 30 to 90 days depending on how many points you have. Your suspension notice will tell you the length of the suspension and when it will end.
If you complete the required action before the suspension period ends — such as paying fines or finishing a defensive driving course — your license may be restored early. Contact the DMV to confirm that your suspension has been lifted before you drive.
Restoring your license after suspension
To restore your license after a suspension ends or after you have completed the required action, you may need to take additional steps. Some suspensions are lifted automatically once the underlying issue is resolved, while others require you to request reinstatement.
If your suspension was due to unpaid fines and you have paid them, your license is usually restored automatically within a few business days. If your suspension was due to a DUI, you may need to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $200), provide proof of insurance, and possibly install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
For other types of suspensions, check your suspension notice or call the DMV at 919-715-7000 to find out what steps are needed. Once your license is restored, you will receive a new license in the mail or can pick it up at a DMV office.
Driving with a suspended license in North Carolina
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in North Carolina and carries serious consequences. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on a suspended license, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. A first offense typically results in a fine of $100 to $200 and possible jail time of up to 20 days.
A second offense within three years carries a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. A third or subsequent offense within three years can result in a fine of $500 to $1,000 and up to 60 days in jail. Additionally, your suspension period will be extended, and you may face other penalties such as vehicle impoundment.
If you need to drive during a suspension for work or other essential reasons, you may be able to request a limited driving privilege from the court that issued the suspension. This allows you to drive only for specific purposes, such as getting to work or medical appointments. Contact the courthouse in the county where your case is handled to learn about this option.
What happens if you ignore a suspension notice
If you receive a suspension notice and do nothing about it, the consequences grow over time. Your suspension remains in effect, and driving during that time is illegal. If you are caught, you face criminal charges and additional fines.
An ignored suspension can also affect other areas of your life. Your vehicle registration may be suspended along with your license, making it illegal to register your car. You may have trouble getting car insurance, and your insurance rates may increase significantly. Some employers check driving records, and a suspended license could affect your job.
The best course of action is to address the suspension as soon as you become aware of it. Contact the DMV or the agency listed in your suspension notice to understand what you owe and how to resolve it. Taking action quickly is almost always less costly and less complicated than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while my license is suspended?
North Carolina does not issue temporary licenses during a suspension. However, you may be able to request a limited driving privilege from the court that allows you to drive for specific purposes like work or medical appointments. Contact the courthouse in your county to ask about this option.
Will my suspension show up on a background check?
A suspended license may appear on a background check depending on what type of check is run and what caused the suspension. Criminal background checks typically show suspensions related to DUI or criminal convictions. Employment background checks may show any suspension. It is best to resolve your suspension before explore for a job.
What if I moved out of North Carolina — does my suspension still explore?
Yes. North Carolina suspensions are reported to the National Driver Register, which means other states will recognize the suspension. You cannot straightforward move to another state and get a new license while your North Carolina license is suspended. You must resolve the suspension first.
How do I know if my license was suspended without getting a notice?
Sometimes people do not receive their suspension notice in the mail, or it arrives after they have already been stopped by police. Check your status online at ncdmv.org or call 919-715-7000 to find out when ready. If you discover a suspension you were not aware of, contact the DMV right away to find out what caused it and what you need to do.
Can I dispute a suspension if I think it was issued by mistake?
Yes. If you believe your suspension was issued in error, contact the DMV at 919-715-7000 or visit a DMV office to explain your situation. You may also be able to request a hearing to dispute the suspension, depending on the reason. Your suspension notice will include information about how to request a hearing if that option is available to you.