• About Us
  • Help Center
  • Safe Driving Tips
  • Log In
I Drive Safely
Over 9 Million Satisfied Students
  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Log In
  • Tickets & Violations
    • Defensive Driving
    • Traffic School
    • Driver Improvement
  • Drivers Ed
  • Driving Lessons
  • Resources
  • Trending
Home > DMV > North Carolina DMV Guide > Drivers License Renewal

Renewing Your North Carolina DMV Drivers License

There are several steps you’ll need to follow in order to renew your driver license. It’s important that you don’t ignore your license expiration. Luckily, the North Carolina DMV reminds drivers when it’s time for your NC drivers license renewal. You should receive a reminder card in the mail (note that you don’t need to wait until you get this card to renew your license).

What Do I Need to Bring to the DMV?

So, what do you need to renew your license in NC? Before you head to the DMV, you’ll need to gather the proper documents. You will need:

Proof of Identity

If you don’t have your current or expired license when it’s time to renew, you’ll need to bring 2 documents from the following list to prove your identity. The documents must show your full name and your birth date.

  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Tax forms (W-2 or 1099)
  • Your North Carolina Motor Vehicle Record
  • School documents (like school transcripts, high school diploma, etc.)
  • U.S. military ID
  • Valid, unexpired passport
  • Certified marriage certificate
  • North Carolina Limited Driving Privilege
  • U.S. government documents
  • Court documents such as adoption papers

Proof of Social Security Number

If your Social Security number is not on file with the North Carolina DMV, you must bring your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number. You can prove your SSN with one of these documents:

  • 1099 form or W-2 form
  • Payroll record
  • DD-214 form
  • Military Record that has your Social Security number
  • Social Security document that has your Social Security number
  • Medicaid/Medicare card that has your Social Security number

What Do I Need to Do at the DMV?

At the DMV, you will need to pass some tests and pay certain fees in order to renew your North Carolina driver license.

  • Vision test: You will need to pass a vision test, so if you wear glasses or contacts, be sure to wear them to the DMV.
  • Sign test: You will need to be able to recognize traffic signs and what they mean. Study Chapter 5 of the North Carolina Drivers Handbook before taking the test.
  • Driving skills road test (this may or may not be required): This is a behind-the-wheel test that proves you have the necessary skills to be a safe driver.

To pay your fees, you will need to use cash, money order, or a personal check.

Can I Renew By Mail?

You must be eligible for your North Carolina license renewal through the mail. The renewed license will be temporary. To be eligible you must be either:

  • Residing outside of North Carolina temporarily (for 30 days or more), or
  • On active duty in the armed forces and stationed outside of North Carolina

You can contact the DMV for more information on renewal by mail.

Share this article:

Facebook Logo Twitter Logo Linkedin Logo Google Plus Logo Email Logo

Find Courses and Products

Related Articles
  • North Carolina DMV Appointments
  • North Carolina DMV Forms
  • How Do I Replace a Lost Drivers License in North Carolina?
  • How to Register Your Car in North Carolina
  • North Carolina License Suspension & Suspended License Support NC

SAVE BIG
On Auto Insurance!

Get a Quote
Credit Cards
McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams
I Drive Safely LLC BBB Business Review
Apple Pay
Google Pay
I Drive Safely

Business Hours: 6:30 am - 3:00 pm PDT

Phone: (800) 990-2814

Products
  • Drivers Ed
  • Defensive Driving
  • Traffic School
  • Driver Improvement
Company Info
  • About Us
  • Help Center
  • Safe Driving Tips
About This Site
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Sitemap

© 2023 · I Drive Safely®
I Drive Safely®
Top Over 9 Million Satisfied Students We Build Safer Drivers