Renewing Your North Carolina DMV Drivers License

Renewing your drivers license in North Carolina doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re tight on time, unsure about what documents you need, or haven’t been to the DMV in years—we’ve got your back. This guide walks you through exactly what to bring, what to expect, and how to renew with zero confusion.

TL;DR: What You Need to Know

To renew your North Carolina drivers license, bring your current (or expired) license and pass a vision and signs test. If you’ve lost your license, you’ll need 2 approved ID documents. You can also renew by mail if you’re out of state or in the military.

What to Bring to the DMV

Before you go, gather the right documents. If you don’t have your current or expired license, you’ll need 2 forms of ID from the list below:

Acceptable proof of identity includes:

Birth certificate
Social Security card
W-2 or 1099 tax forms
North Carolina motor vehicle record
High school diploma or official school transcripts
U.S. military ID
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
Certified marriage certificate or adoption papers
NC Limited Driving Privilege documentation
Court-issued or government-issued documents

Also bring proof of your Social Security number (if not on file). Acceptable options include:

Social Security card
W-2 or 1099 form
Military DD-214
Payroll record
SSA letter or Medicare/Medicaid card showing your SSN

What You’ll Need to Do at the DMV

Here’s what happens when you show up to renew:

Pass a vision test – Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
Take a traffic signs test – Review Chapter 5 of the NC Driver Handbook to recognize common road signs and their meanings.
Complete a driving skills test (if required) – Not everyone needs this, but be prepared. If it’s been a while since you’ve practiced defensive driving techniques, consider brushing up on safe driving habits.
Pay your renewal fee – Cash, personal check, or money order accepted.

The traffic signs test covers 12 questions, and you need at least 9 correct answers. Most signs focus on regulatory and warning signals, so studying ahead saves time and reduces stress at the DMV.

NC License Renewal by Mail

Yes—if you’re eligible. North Carolina allows temporary mail renewals if you meet one of these conditions:

You’re temporarily living out of state for 30+ days, or
You’re on active duty in the U.S. military and stationed outside North Carolina

In both cases, your renewed license will be temporary, and you’ll need to contact the NC DMV directly to start the process.

Common NC License Renewal Concerns

You might be thinking:

“I lost my license—do I have to start over?” → No. You can still renew. Just bring 2 approved ID documents.
“I haven’t gotten the reminder card yet.” → You don’t have to wait for it. You can renew up to 6 months early.
“I failed the road test before. Will I have to take it again?” → Not necessarily. A driving skills test is only required in certain cases. Understanding how defensive driving saves lives makes this easier—because traffic issues are enough of a headache. Let’s keep your renewal simple.

NC Driver License Renewal FAQs

How early can I renew my North Carolina license?

You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires.

Can I renew online instead of in person?

Maybe. Online renewal is available for some drivers. Visit the NC DMV website to check eligibility.

Do I need an appointment at the DMV?

Not always. Walk-ins are allowed, but scheduling online may save time.

What if I’m out of state when my license expires?

You may be able to renew by mail with a temporary license—especially if you’re military or temporarily living out of state.

The Bottom Line

Your drivers license renewal shouldn’t slow you down. Bring the right documents, brush up on road signs, and check if you’re eligible for online or mail renewal. The sooner you renew, the more you avoid delays, fines, or surprise retests.

Remember, staying current with safe driving practices doesn’t end with license renewal. Whether you’re navigating busy intersections or dealing with defensive driving scenarios, developing better driving habits protects you and everyone on the road.