Time to Renew Your North Carolina Driver's License? Here's Everything You Need to Know

For every driver in the Tar Heel State, renewing your driver's license is a regular and essential task. It's a checkpoint to ensure your photo and information are current and that you continue to meet the basic knowledge and vision standards for safe driving. While this process used to require a trip to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), North Carolina now offers convenient online renewal for many eligible drivers.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the renewal process, from when and how to renew to the required tests, fees, and the important REAL ID upgrade.

When Do I Need to Renew My NC Driver's License?

The validity period of your North Carolina driver's license depends on your age:

Ages 18-65: Your license is typically valid for eight years.
Ages 66 and older: Your license is valid for five years.

The expiration date is printed clearly on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires. The NCDMV will also mail a renewal notice to your address on file as a reminder. This is why it's critical to keep your address updated with the DMV.

What Happens if My License Expires?

It is illegal to drive with an expired license. If your license has expired:

You cannot renew it online. You must make an appointment to renew in person at a DMV office.
If your license has been expired for two years or more, you will be treated as a new driver and must retake the written knowledge test, signs test, vision test, and the road test.

The lesson is clear: Renew on time to avoid significant hassle and re-testing.

The Required Tests for Renewal

Unlike some states, North Carolina requires you to pass two simple tests each time you renew your license, whether you do it online or in person.

Vision Test: You must meet the state's minimum vision standards. If renewing in person, this is done at the DMV. If renewing online, you will complete a self-attested vision test.
Traffic Sign Identification Test: You will be shown a series of road signs and must correctly identify them by their shape and meaning. This tests your ongoing knowledge of traffic sign conventions.

You are typically not required to retake the full written knowledge test or the road test for a standard renewal.

North Carolina License Renewal Options

Option 1: Online Renewal (The Most Convenient Method)

If you are eligible, renewing online is the fastest and easiest way to complete the process.

Who can renew online?

You have a Class C driver's license.
You are between the ages of 18 and 65.
Your license is not suspended or expired.
You do not have any outstanding debts to the DMV.
You received an invitation to renew online.

To renew online:

Visit the official NCDMV online services portal.
You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
You will complete the online vision and sign tests.
Pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
You can print a temporary certificate, and your new license will be mailed to you within 20 days.

Option 2: In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office

You will need to schedule an appointment and renew in person if:

You are not eligible to renew online.
You are 66 years of age or older.
You are upgrading to a REAL ID for the first time.
You need to change your name.
Your license has been expired.

Steps for In-Person Renewal:

Schedule an Appointment: All in-person DMV services require an appointment. Book this through the NCDMV's online scheduling system to avoid long waits.
Gather Your Documents:
- For a standard renewal, bring your expiring license.
- To upgrade to a REAL ID, you must bring your full set of original documents: one proof of identity/birth, one proof of Social Security, and two proofs of NC residency.
Pass the Vision and Sign Tests: These will be administered at the DMV office.
Get a New Photo: Your picture will be updated.
Pay the Renewal Fee.

You will receive a temporary driving certificate before you leave, and your permanent card will arrive in the mail.

Renewal Fees and the REAL ID Upgrade

8-Year License Renewal Fee: $44
5-Year License Renewal Fee (age 66+): $27.50

The NC REAL ID

A REAL ID is a federally compliant driver's license, identifiable by a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID (or another compliant ID, like a passport) to board domestic flights or enter secure federal buildings.

If your current license does not have the gold star, your renewal is the perfect time to upgrade. Remember, you must schedule an in-person appointment to do this and bring all of your original identity and residency documents, even if you've presented them before.

Renewing your license is a straightforward process when you know what to expect. By planning ahead, gathering the right documents, and choosing the most convenient renewal method for your situation, you can keep your license current and stay legally on the road in the Tar Heel State.