Renewing your North Carolina driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your North Carolina driver's license through three routes: online at the DMV website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The online path requires that your current license is not expired, you have not had it suspended or revoked, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person instead.
North Carolina sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is valid, not suspended, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal.
- The online renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card at the time you submit.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal, and your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
- If your license has already expired, you can still renew online within three years of the expiration date, but you pay a $10 late fee on top of the renewal fee.
Renewing online through the NC DMV website
Go to ncdmv.org and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your name, address, and other details.
Review your information carefully. If anything is incorrect — your address, your name spelling, or your height — you cannot fix it online and must renew in person instead. Once you confirm everything is correct, you will choose your license term (four years or eight years) and pay the fee by debit or credit card.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can track its status on the DMV website using your confirmation number.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go online
Mail renewal is available only if you meet the same conditions as online renewal — your license is not expired, not suspended, and your name and address have not changed. Request a mail renewal form by calling the DMV at 919-715-7000 or visiting a DMV office in person.
Once you receive the form, fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the form. Include a photocopy of your current driver's license (front and back). Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet, so send it well before your expiration date.
This method is slower than online renewal and costs the same amount, so most people choose online instead. Use mail renewal only if you do not have internet access or a debit or credit card.
Renewing in person at a DMV office
You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, if your current license is expired by more than three years, or if you want to change any information on your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Visit any DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on ncdmv.org. Many offices use an online check-in system, so you can reserve your spot before you arrive and reduce your wait time.
The in-person renewal fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, the same as online. You pay at the counter when you complete your renewal. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can use it when ready, though you will also receive a duplicate by mail.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. You will pay an additional $10 late fee on top of the standard renewal fee. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
An expired license is not valid for driving, so do not wait to renew. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can face a traffic citation. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.
Choosing between a four-year and eight-year license
North Carolina offers two license terms: four years for $20 or eight years for $40. The eight-year license costs twice as much but lasts twice as long, so you renew less often. Most people choose the term that matches their preference for how often they want to handle renewal.
If you are under 21 years old, your license is valid for four years only, regardless of which term you choose. If you are 21 or older, the choice is yours. You can pick a different term each time you renew — there is no rule that locks you into one or the other.
Tracking your new license and what to do while you wait
After you complete your renewal online or in person, you can track your new license on ncdmv.org using your confirmation number or license number. The tracking system shows whether your license has been mailed and an estimated delivery date. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV mails it.
Your old license remains valid for driving until your new license arrives. You do not need to stop driving or carry any temporary document. When your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for your records — there is no requirement to return it.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the DMV at 919-715-7000 to report it. The DMV can remail your license or issue a replacement if it was lost in transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. The DMV will not renew your license if you have unpaid traffic violations or court-ordered fines. You must pay or resolve the violation first. Contact the court listed on your ticket or call the DMV to find out what you owe and how to pay.
What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?
You cannot change your name online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your legal name change. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo unless you request to keep your old one. You can ask to keep your current photo at the counter.
What if my address changed but I do not have a utility bill to prove it?
You can use a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail dated within 60 days. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents that show your name and address, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a North Carolina DMV office — you cannot renew at a DMV in another state. If you have moved out of state permanently, you should transfer your license to your new state instead of renewing in North Carolina.