USA North Carolina Driver License

North Carolina Driver’s License: 2025 Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your North Carolina Driver’s License? Whether you’re a first-time applicant, new resident, or renewing your license, this guide covers the essentials for working with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV).

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How to Get a North Carolina Driver’s License

Step 1: Determine Your License Type
Most applicants need a Class C license, which covers standard passenger vehicles. Other options include:

• Class M for motorcycles
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Learner’s Permit for teens and new drivers

Step 2: Gather Required Documents
To apply, bring the following to an NCDMV license office:

• One document proving identity and date of birth (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
• Social Security card or document with full SSN
• Two documents proving NC residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)
• Proof of lawful U.S. presence (if applicable)

Step 3: Pass the Required Exams
If you are a new driver:

• Pass a vision test
• Take the written knowledge exam
• Pass the road test (by appointment)

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Graduated Licensing for Teen Drivers

Teens under age 18 follow North Carolina’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) system:

1. Limited Learner Permit (15+) — Must pass written/vision test and drive with supervision for 12 months.
2. Limited Provisional License — Drive unsupervised with restrictions after 6 months with a clean record.
3. Full Provisional License — Issued after 12 months of safe driving under the provisional license.

Driver’s education is required for teens.

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New North Carolina Residents

You must apply for a North Carolina license within 60 days of establishing residency.

To transfer your out-of-state license:

• Bring your unexpired license
• Provide required identification, SSN, and residency documents
• Pass a vision screening
• Written and road tests are typically waived if your license is valid

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Renewing a North Carolina Driver’s License

Most NC licenses are valid for 8 years (5 years if age 66+). You can renew:

• Online via myNCDMV.gov
• In person at an NCDMV office
• By mail (if eligible)

You may need a vision screening or a new photo depending on age and license status.

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North Carolina REAL ID

Starting May 7, 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID or a passport to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings.

North Carolina’s REAL ID features a gold star in the top right corner.

To get one, visit an NCDMV office with:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of full Social Security number
• Two proofs of NC residency
• Legal presence documents (if applicable)

REAL ID is optional but recommended.

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North Carolina Driver’s License Fees (2025)

Service	Fee (Approx.)
Class C License (8 years)	$44
License Renewal (8 years)	$44
Learner Permit	$21.50
REAL ID Upgrade	Included at renewal
Duplicate or Replacement License	$14

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Required Documents Checklist

• U.S. passport or birth certificate
• Social Security card or W-2 with full SSN
• Two proofs of North Carolina residency
• Legal presence documentation
• Completed driver license application

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NCDMV Services

• Learner’s permits and road tests
• First-time license applications
• Out-of-state license transfers
• REAL ID processing
• License renewal and replacements
• Name and address changes
• CDL and motorcycle licensing

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For appointments and official information, visit the NCDMV website.