How to Renew a North Carolina Driver's License [2024]

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Renew Your Driver License in North Carolina

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In Person

The DMV will send you a reminder card around 60 days before your license expiration date. You may renew your license in person up to 180 days before your license expiration date or within 2 years of your license expiration.

If you are not eligible to renew online, you must renew in person and pass vision and sign tests.

Plan of Action:

1. Stop by any DMV office or schedule an appointment by calling (919) 715-7000.

2. Bring required documentation: If you want to get a REAL ID (recommended) provide proof of the following:

   • Your identity and date of birth and legal presence (one document)
   • Your social security number (one document)
   • Your current NC address (2 documents)

   Check this list to choose your documents correctly.

   If you want to get a standard driver license, you will need to present your current license.

   If your current has been lost or stolen, present 2 documents to verify your identity and a Social Security Card.

3. Pass the sign recognition test: You should be able to identify regulatory and warning signs by color and shape and explain what they mean.

4. Pass the vision test: You must meet vision standards for driving in North Carolina. Your license will show if you need corrective lenses.

5. Pay the fee of $5.50 per year: You may get the license for 5-8 years depending on your age.

6. Get your temporary license: Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 20 days.

Find a DMV office near you

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By Mail

You may renew by mail only if:

• You are a resident of North Carolina but living outside the state for at least 30 continuous days. You may do it every other renewing cycle. (Note that your new license will be temporary and you will be required to renew it in person no later than 60 days after your return to North Carolina) OR
• You are on active duty with the US Armed Forces.

You mustn’t be older than 72 years of age to be eligible for mail renewal. Provisional licenses cannot be renewed by mail.

Plan of Action:

1. Download and complete the OSRPacket.pdf application following the instruction provided with it.
2. Get a vision statement signed by a licensed physician or a driver license examiner in the state in which you temporarily reside.
3. Sign and date the Sex Offender Affidavit.
4. Add a check or money order for the renewal fee ($5.50 per year).
5. Send the packet to the DMV.

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Online

You may renew online up to 6 months before your license expiration date or within 2 years of your license expiration.

You may not renew online if:

• Your current driver license is a standard one, but you want to get a REAL ID.
• You are renewing a provisional license or learner’s permit.
• You have a restriction other than “corrective lenses.”
• You need to change your address.
• Your current license is suspended.
• You have an outstanding debt with DMV.
• You have a U.S. government document indicating your legal presence.

Plan of action

1. Go to the DMV Renewal Service.
2. Provide your current driver license number and the last 4 digits of your SSN.
3. Provide your valid email address.
4. Pay the fee of $5.50 per year by credit/debit card.
5. Your receipt will be sent to your email.
6. Get your new driver license within 20 days in your mail.

Renew Online

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