Driver License Renewal

Self-Service Kiosks

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Make your renewal or replacement​​​ more convenient by visiting a self-service kiosk. NCDMV is currently piloting the program at select Harris Teeter locations. 

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​Learn More​​

The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicle mails drivers a reminder card about 6 months before their license expires. There are several options for renewing or ordering a replacement driver license or ID card.

Drivers can renew their license up to six ​months before it expires at any NCDMV driver license office, and in many cases, online or at a kiosk​. Licenses can be renewed online up to two years after the expiration date, otherwise renewals must be done in-person at an NCDMV office.

Customers can only renew their license online every other time. If a person renewed online last time, they must renew in-person at a driver license office this time.

Licenses issued to adults age 18 to 65 are valid for eight years; licenses issued to adults 66 and over are valid for five years.

Make an Appointment

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Skip the line at driver license offices by making an appointment online​. If you do not find an available appointment, please continue to check back as new available appointments are added each day.

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Renewing a State ID

Individuals can renew their state ID up to six months before it expires either online​, at a kiosk or at any NCDMV driver license office​.​​ State IDs can be renewed online up to one year after the expiration date, otherwise renewals must be done in-person at an NCDMV office.

Customers can only renew their ID online every other time. If a person renewed online last time, they must renew in-person at a driver license office this time.

IDs issued to adults age 18 to 65 are valid for eight years; IDs issued to adults 66 and over are valid for five years.​

Replacing a Driver License or ID

People can get a replacement license or ID – as long has it has not expired, been suspended or canceled – online, at a kiosk​ or at any NCDMV driver license office.

Please Note: Customers must know their driver license or ID number to be able to order a replacement online.​ If you do not know the number, you must go to a driver license office to get a replacement.

State-to-State Verification

Renewing or replacing a North Carolina driver license or ID card will cancel any licenses or ID cards from other states 

Follow These Steps to Obtain a Driver’s License

1. Download and study the Driver’s Handbook. You will have to take a written test and a driving test even if you already have an International license. If you have never had any Driver’s Education classes, or have never had a license in your home country, you should consider attending a driving school. You may find information about local schools on the internet.
2. Gather your identification documents. You must have:
   
   • a proof of identity such as a birth certificate (if born in the U.S.) or your passport
   • I-20
   • I-94; click here to obtain an I-94
   • In addition, you must have proof of residency, such as your official HPU transcript (obtainable at the Registrar’s office) or a bank statement sent to your HPU address. These must be ORIGINAL documents – no copies.
     If you have an F-1 status visa and are living on campus, you may obtain a letter of proof from Julie Fleming (DSO) in lieu of these documents.
3. Take the written test at the local DMV office: 1914 E Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28150, (704) 480-5408 or 596 Withrow Rd, Forest City, NC 28043, (828) 286-2973. Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., M-F. Applicants must arrive before 3 p.m. if you plan to take the driving test that day. Making an appointment one week before you plan to take the test is advisable. It can cut down on the wait time. Call the DMV office to schedule your appointment.

   WARNING: There is usually a line at the DMV, and it is not uncommon to wait an hour or two before being called. This process will take a couple of hours at least, so don’t plan to go on a morning when you have a class before 11 a.m. We recommend that you arrive no later than 7:45 a.m. in order to be at the front of the line.

4. DMV Driving License Applicants 18 Years of Age and Older: To obtain a North Carolina driver license for the first time, applicants must provide the NCDMV with proof of their full name and date of birth, state residence, legal presence and evidence of a Social Security Number. Additionally, drivers license applicants must submit proof of vehicle liability insurance. Furthermore, DMV drivers license applicants must provide the NCDMV with the following:
   
   • Two proofs of age and identity (such as a learner permit, ID card, certified birth certificate or an original Social Security card)
   • One proof of Social Security Number (such as a Social Security card, W-2 or 1099 form, DD-214, Medicare or Medicaid card, or a payroll record)
   • One proof of North Carolina residency (such as a utility or cable bill)
   • One proof of legal presence in U.S., if applicable (such as a permanent resident card)
   • Proof of automobile liability insurance coverage (such as an insurance binder, Form DL-123 or a policy card)