North Carolina Driver's License FAQs

To get a North Carolina driver’s license, you must visit an NCDMV office. You'll need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test. Our North Carolina driver’s practice test can help you to pass these tests easily. Bring documents that prove your identity, residency, and legal presence in the U.S.

If you need a duplicate driver’s license, you can request one online through the NCDMV website or visit a local DMV office. You'll need to provide personal information like your license number and pay a fee.

If you’re under 18, you must hold your learner’s permit for at least 12 months and log 60 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night) before you can get your provisional license.

A North Carolina driver's license is typically valid for 8 years if you’re under 66 years old. If you’re 66 or older, it’s valid for 5 years.

You must bring proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, North Carolina residency (like a utility bill or lease agreement), and legal presence in the U.S. if applicable.

You can change your address online through the NCDMV website or by visiting a DMV office. You’ll need to update your address within 60 days of moving.

A North Carolina driver’s license has a color photo of you, your name, address, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. The design includes the state's outline and iconic elements like the Wright Brothers’ plane.

The driver’s license number is located near the top of the license card, usually under your name or photo.

If you’re under 18, North Carolina requires that you be enrolled in school to get and keep your driver’s license. Dropping out could result in your license being suspended.

You can get your learner's permit at 15 years old in North Carolina. Check our North Carolina License Guide for further license information.

You can get a provisional license at 16 years old, but only if you've held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months and met all the supervised driving requirements.

Yes, if you’re 18 or older, you don’t need a learner's permit. You can go straight for a full driver’s license, but you’ll still need to pass the written, vision, and road tests.

Yes, you can get a provisional license at 16.

The cost for a standard driver’s license in North Carolina is $5.50 per year. So, for an 8-year license, it would be $44.

Transferring an out-of-state license to North Carolina costs $5.50 per year, just like getting a new license. For an 8-year license, you’ll pay $44.

Renewing your driver’s license in North Carolina costs as much as getting a new license.

To renew your driver’s license, you’ll need your current or expired license, proof of your SSN, and proof of residency (like a utility bill). If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written and road tests.

You shouldn’t drive with an expired license in North Carolina. While there’s no grace period, if caught, you could face fines or penalties. It’s best to renew your license before it expires or as soon as possible after.

If you lose your driver’s license, you can request a duplicate online through the NCDMV website or visit a DMV office in person. You’ll need to provide personal information and pay a fee to get a replacement.

Yes, you can drive in North Carolina with an out-of-state permit, but you must follow North Carolina's permit restrictions. Additionally, you’ll need to have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old seated beside you.

Yes, you can drive out of state with a North Carolina permit, but you must follow the driving rules and restrictions of North Carolina and the state you’re driving in. It’s a good idea to check the specific requirements of the state you’ll be driving in before you go.

Yes, you can drive in North Carolina with a foreign license as a temporary visitor. However, if you become a resident, you must get a North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days.

To transfer your driver’s license to North Carolina, you’ll need to visit an NCDMV office and bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, your Social Security card, and two documents proving North Carolina residency (like a utility bill or lease agreement). You’ll also need to pass a vision test and pay the fee.

To transfer your CDL to North Carolina, you must:

• Visit an NCDMV office.
• Bring the required documents, including your:
  • Out-of-state CDL
  • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
  • Social Security number proof
  • Two proofs of North Carolina residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)
  • Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT medical card)
  • Proof of legal presence (if not a U.S. citizen)
• Pass the required tests:
  • Vision test
  • Knowledge tests (if needed)
• Pay the required transfer fee.
• Surrender your out-of-state CDL.
• Complete HazMat endorsement requirements.

To get a motorcycle license in NC, you must:

• Start by getting a motorcycle learner’s permit if you’re under 18.
• Complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course to waive the skills test requirement.
• Pass a written knowledge test and a road skills test if you haven’t completed an MSF course.
• Bring your current driver’s license, proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.
• Pay the required fee.

Study the NC driver's manual to pass your motorcycle license test easily.

Yes, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license or a separate motorcycle license to legally ride a motorcycle in North Carolina.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a motorcycle learner’s permit and at least 18 years old to get a full motorcycle license. If you're under 18, you’ll need parental consent and must hold the learner’s permit for at least 12 months.

To get a North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate (TDC), you must:

• Visit an NCDMV office.
• Pass the written knowledge test, vision test, and (if applicable) the road skills test.
• Bring the necessary documents, including:
  • Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
  • Social Security Card
  • Proof of NC residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
  • Proof of legal presence in the U.S. (if applicable)
• Pay the fee for your driver’s license.
• Receive the Temporary Driving Certificate.

The TDC is valid for 20 days. Your permanent license should arrive before the certificate expires.