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north carolina drivers license renewal - NC

Renew your North Carolina Drivers license. Prepare all your DMV info. Get all the forms, rules and steps required for your NC drivers license renewal. North Carolina drivers have two options for processing a renewal. You must either show up In Person at a north carolina dmv office or submit your application by mail. Please note that the renew by mail option is not available to everyone. You must meet a specific set of criteria, which we will cover in detail below. You may also sign up to our site, and we'll provide you with a renewal checklist. We’ll also give you all the required rules, forms, and procedures. Please continue reading below to get started with your North Carolina license renewal.

North Carolina Drivers License Renewal Information

Expiration Date

Most drivers in the Old North State will have their regular driver's license expire after a certain number of years depending on your age.

  • If license was issued when you were age 18-65, it would be valid for eight (8) years.
  • If license was issued when you were older than 66, it would be valid for five (5) years.
  • If license was issued when you were 16, it would be valid for five (5) years.
  • If license was issued when you were 17, it would be valid for four (4) years.

If you are not sure when your license expires, double check the front part of your card. Please note that it will always expire on your birthday.

Renewal Notice

Approximately two (2) months before your expiration date, the NC DMV will send you a renewal notice to your mailing address. The last known mailing address will be used. If you have moved or changed addresses, please notify the DMV as soon as possible. The notice will inform you of your renewal date and give you instructions on what to do. Don't worry if you did not receive it, because it is not a requirement to renew. Please be attentive of when your license expires, as you will be responsible for doing it on time.

When To Renew

It is recommended that you take advantage of the early renewal procedure. North Carolina allows all drivers to renew up to one hundred and eighty (180) days before their license expires. This will enable you to plan ahead and visit the DMV at its least busiest times. Don't allow your license to go over the expiration date as it will expire. 

Expired North Carolina License

Please do not drive with an expired license. Go to your nearest DMV office as soon as possible to avoid greater penalties or driving tickets. If your license has been expired for over one (1) year you will lose the ability to renew by mail. If you are a military driver, you may not renew by mail if it has been expired for over two (2) years. Regardless of whether your license is expired, when renewing, always bring it with you because it will serve as proof of identification. Otherwise, you will be required to show extra documents. 

Following the law is crucial in preventing your license from being suspended. For instance, if you are in high school and decide to drop out, you will lose your driving privileges. If you are suspended from school for more than 10 days, your license will be suspended. Other violations such as accumulating points on your record, manslaughter, speeding, or assault with a car, can lead to suspension.  

In order to recover from a suspended license, you must meet the conditions of your suspension and finish the process of reinstatement. This requires paying a fee of at least $50 (depending on the violation it could be greater), and applying for a driver's license as a new applicant. Insurance prices will increase as a result of this. We can help you get the best rates for your situation. Just visit our free Car Insurance Guide.

Renew North Carolina Drivers License Online

You may renew online.

Please visit the following official webpage https://edmv.ncdot.gov/DriverLicenseRenewal

Requirements to Renew Online

  • You must have an active and valid drivers license
  • You must have the last four (4) digits of your social security number and date of birth
  • You must supply an email address
  • Your vision must not have changed in the past six (6) months

North Carolina Drivers License Renew by Mail

This option is not allowed for most North Carolina residents. You must be away from the state. Please read below for further requirements.

Requirements to Renew By Mail 

  • If you are above the age of seventy two (72) you cannot renew by mail. 
  • You may not renew a commercial driver's license by mail. 
  • You must be away from the state for more than thirty (30) continual days. 
  • You must have a social security number on file with the DMV. If not, the DMV must have proof of your legal presence.
  • You must be a resident of North Carolina and show proof of a North Carolina address.
  • Your picture should be stored in the DMV's systems, and cannot be older than five (5) years.
  • You will be required to submit an eye test.
  • Note: You will only be allowed to renew twice in a row via mail, only once in your life.

STEPS

  1. Send the NC DMV an email via their website to renew by mail. You will be required to enter your customer number, birth date, name, phone, email, and the reason for your inquiry (please state that you would like to renew by mail because you are away from the state). 
  2. Alternatively, you may call the DMV directly at the following number: (919) 715-7000


If successful, you will be given a renewed license which is only temporary. It will expire just sixty (60) days after returning to North Carolina. You must still go In Person and renew your license.

North Carolina Drivers License Renewal for Military Drivers

If you are currently enlisted in the U.S. military, you and your dependents (and spouse), may renew early In Person up to one (1) year before your license expires. However, if your license expires during active duty, you will be given an automatic extension for up to sixty (60) days upon returning to North Carolina. 

Requirements to Renew By Mail for U.S. Military Drivers

  • You must give proof of an address in North Carolina. If you do not have one, you may use a host family's address. 
  • Your license cannot have expired over two (2) years ago.
  • You must have a social security number on file with the DMV. If not, the DMV must have proof of your legal presence.
  • Your picture should be stored in the DMV's systems, and cannot be older than eight (8) years.
  • An eye test report is required unless you are in a war zone.
  • You cannot be older than sixty nine (69) years of age.
  • Note: You will only be allowed to renew twice in a row via mail, only twice in your life.

STEPS

  1. You must show a copy of your military ID (copy of front face and copy of back) AND a copy of your military orders.
  2. Send the NC DMV an email via their website to renew by mail. You will be required to enter your customer number, birth date, name, phone, email, and the reason for your inquiry (please state that you would like to renew by mail because you are away from the state). 
  3. Alternatively, you may call the DMV directly at the following number to ask them about your military renewal options: (919) 861-3330
  4. Or you may visit the NC Military website for the latest information.


Upon termination, and your return to North Carolina, you may wait until your expiration date to show up in person to renew your license. 

Renew North Carolina Drivers License In Person

All North Carolina drivers are encouraged to visit a DMV office in order to renew in person.

STEPS

  • Prepare to show your Identification Document. This document must show your name and birth date. The mostly commonly used item is your expiring or expired driver's license. If you do not have it, please bring your other Proof of Identity document, which is discussed in the section below. 
  • Bring your social security card. If the DMV already has your number, you do not need to bring this. 
  • Visit any north carolina dmv office.
  • Every driver renewing their license must pass the Vision exam, and Traffic Signs exam. If the DMV employee finds it necessary, you might be required to pass a Driving Test as well.
  • Bring money to pay for the Cost of renewal. Only forms of payment accepted are personal checks, cash and money orders.


Your new license will be given to you. 

 

North Carolina Drivers License Renewal Documents

Please prepare to show the following when showing up In Person.

List of Documents

  • You must show one (1) document that shows your complete name and birth date. Examples that can be used:
    • Current driver's license or ID card or learner permit. It must have your photo. 
    • Birth Certificate (must be certified). 
    • Military ID.
    • Passport.
    • For the latest list of documents, please click Here.
  • You must show proof that you have a social security number. Any of these documents may work.
    • Social Security Card
    • 1099
    • W-2
    • For the latest list of documents, please click Here.

Auto Insurance

Without proof of liability insurance on your vehicle, you will not be allowed to get a driver's license. On top of that, you will not be allowed to register your vehicle. Once the North Carolina DMV is notified that you do not have the minimum amount of car insurance, your license plate will be taken away for thirty (30) days. Please follow the law and get some form of financial responsibility while driving and owning a vehicle. Our free Insurance Center will help you get a quote instantly.  

 

Other Driver License Topics in the State of North Carolina

  • New Driver's License
  • Renew Driver's License
  • Change of Name
  • Learner's Permit