Once licensed, you still have deadlines: moving to NC, renewing, changing your name or address. Most of them are 60 days. Here's how renewal, duplicates and ID cards work.
New residents: time to get an NC license or learner permit after establishing residence
Handbook p. 14 ↗New residents with a CDL: time to get an NC commercial license
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
A new resident applying for Class C may be tested on knowledge, vision and traffic signs, plus a driving test if the examiner deems it necessary.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Examples of nonresidents:
- People from other states traveling through NC
- Out-of-state college students who will return home after school
- Armed forces members stationed in NC who will return to their home states
- Spouses of nonresident armed forces members stationed in NC
Know the rule
Licenses are made centrally. After testing you get a temporary driving certificate valid 60 days, and the new license arrives by mail within 60 days.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Know the rule
Drivers under 21 get a vertical card. Under 18: red and yellow bars marking the 18th and 21st birthdays. Under 21: one red bar marking the 21st birthday.
Handbook p. 15 ↗License duration (expires on your birthday)
| Age at issuance | Valid for |
|---|---|
| 18–65 | 8 years |
| 66 and older | 5 years |
Know the rule
Renew anytime within 180 days before expiration. A reminder card comes about six months ahead, but you don't need it. In-office renewal includes a vision test.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Know the rule
Online renewal is allowed every other renewal. It isn't available for first licenses or first REAL IDs, restrictions other than corrective lenses, medical review, CDLs, state IDs, or expired suspended or revoked licenses.
Handbook p. 4 ↗Renewal by mail (out of state 30+ continuous days):
- Temporary license; expires 60 days after you return to NC or at its printed expiration
- Class C license not expired more than two years
- Photo on file from within the last five years (eight years for active-duty military)
- Physician-signed vision statement and National Sex Offender Affidavit
- Not older than 72; every other renewal cycle; not for CDL or full provisional
Other license changes
| Change | Rule |
|---|---|
| Address change | Notify DMV within 60 days; get a duplicate |
| Name change | Notify in 60 days; visit SSA at least 24 hrs before |
| Duplicate license | $16.75 fee |
| State ID under age 17 | $16.75 (free if 17+, legally blind or homeless) |
Know the rule
Qualified veterans can add "VETERAN" to a license or ID by showing a DD-214 (or DD-215) at their next renewal at no extra charge.
Handbook p. 15 ↗Put it into practice
You move from Georgia to Raleigh on March 1. You have until about April 30 (60 days) to get your NC license. If you drove a truck on a Georgia CDL and want to keep it, you have only 30 days.