How to Renew Your North Carolina Driver's License or ID Card

What You Need to Renew in North Carolina

North Carolina allows you to renew your driver's license or ID card online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation and how much time you have. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if you meet the requirements — but not everyone is may be able to access. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DMV office is when ready but requires a visit.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal number, which you will need for any renewal method. If you have lost the notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DMV website takes minutes and costs $10 for a license or $8 for an ID card, but you must have a valid Social Security number on file and cannot have certain violations or address changes pending.
Mail renewal requires mailing your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo (if your license is more than eight years old) to the DMV, and takes two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at any DMV office is when ready and required if you need a new photo, have had a name change, or do not meet online requirements.
Your renewal notice contains your renewal number; if you have lost it, use your driver's license number instead to look up your renewal status online.
North Carolina charges $10 to renew a driver's license and $8 to renew an ID card, regardless of renewal method.

Online Renewal Through the DMV Website

The North Carolina DMV website at ncdmv.org offers online renewal for driver's licenses and ID cards. You will need your renewal number (from your notice) or your driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system verifies your information against DMV records and takes about five minutes to complete.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you have unpaid traffic violations, if your address has changed since your last renewal, or if you need a new photo. You also cannot renew online if your license expired more than three years ago. If any of these explore to you, use mail or in-person renewal instead.

The fee is $10 for a driver's license or $8 for an ID card, paid by debit or credit card during the online transaction. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice

To renew by mail, send your renewal notice, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($10 for a license, $8 for an ID card), and a new photo (if required) to the address printed on your renewal notice. The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and the turnaround is typically two to three weeks.

A new photo is required if your current license is more than eight years old or if your appearance has changed significantly. If a new photo is required, your renewal notice will state this. You can use any color photo that meets standard ID photo requirements — a passport photo from a pharmacy works. Do not send your old license with the process; keep it until your new one arrives.

Make a copy of your renewal notice before mailing it, or write down your renewal number. If your process is lost in the mail, you will need this information to file a trace with the DMV. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license.

In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You can renew your license or ID card in person at any DMV office in North Carolina. Bring your current license or ID card, your renewal notice (or your driver's license number if you have lost the notice), and proof of your current address if you have moved since your last renewal. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days works.

In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or do not meet the requirements for online renewal. The DMV takes your photo at the office, and you receive your new license when ready. The fee is $10 for a driver's license or $8 for an ID card, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and make an appointment online at ncdmv.org. Many offices offer walk-in service, but scheduling an appointment reduces your wait. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. The fee remains $10 for a license or $8 for an ID card. However, if your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew; you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a vision test.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in North Carolina, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have renewed (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mail renewal), but this does not may provide you will not be cited. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this risk.

Checking Your Renewal Status Online

You can check the status of your renewal at any time on the DMV website at ncdmv.org. Click the "Check License Status" link and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show whether your renewal has been received and processed.

If you renewed online, you will see a confirmation when ready. If you renewed by mail, the status will update once the DMV receives and processes your process, usually within one to two weeks. If you renewed in person, your new license is issued on the spot, so there is no status to check.

If your renewal has been pending for more than three weeks and you renewed by mail, contact the DMV at 1-888-275-6311 to file a trace. Have your renewal number or driver's license number ready.

Address Changes and Other Updates

If your address has changed since your last renewal, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days). When you renew by mail, include a letter stating your new address along with your renewal notice and payment.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV will take a new photo and issue your license with the updated name.

If you need to update your license class (for example, if you want to add a motorcycle endorsement), you must renew in person and may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on the endorsement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 1-888-275-6311 or visit ncdmv.org to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew using your driver's license number instead of your renewal number. Use the same method (online, mail, or in person) and provide your license number and date of birth. If you are renewing by mail, write a note explaining that you lost your renewal notice and include your driver's license number with your payment.

How long does my renewed license take to arrive if I renew online?

Your renewed license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online transaction. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your license expires before the new one arrives, you are driving illegally, so renew at least two weeks before your expiration date.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

A new photo is required if your current license is more than eight years old. If your license is newer than eight years, you do not need a new photo unless your appearance has changed significantly or the DMV requests one. Your renewal notice will tell you if a new photo is required.

What if I move out of state before my license expires?

You do not have to renew your North Carolina license if you move. You can obtain a license in your new state instead. If you want to keep your North Carolina license, you can renew it by mail or online as long as you have a valid mailing address where the DMV can send your new license.

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.