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No More Sticker!
New Electronic Inspection Program

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Vertical Licenses
For Young Drivers

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Vehicle Insurance Coverage Lapses:
Cost More July 1

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DMV Requires U.S.DOT Number
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License Plate Agency Application Form
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Motorcycle Helmet Law
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Replacing Licenses
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Fees For DMV
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Identity Theft
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License Suspension

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  DRIVER SERVICES >  Driver's Handbook >  Chapter 1
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Chapter 1: Renewal and Duplicate Licenses

Previous Section Handbook Table of Contents Next Section


Renewal:
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The DMV will mail you a reminder card approximately 60 days before expiration of your license listing the number of years it will be valid. It is not necessary to have the reminder card in order to renew your driver license. A driver license may be renewed anytime within 180 days prior to expiration. If you do not have your current or expired license at renewal, you will be required to show the examiner two documents of identification as outlined on page 19. .

The vision and traffic sign recognition tests are always required for a license renewal.

Note: Military personnel, their spouse and dependent children who are temporarily residing out of state may renew their licenses by mail provided the following requirements are met:

  • Must have a North Carolina Driver License that has not expired more than one year.
  • Must have a color image captured and processed by NCDMV in DMV's image database that is accessible to the Division.
  • NCDMV must have a record of your Social Security Number or a document issued by the United States Government indicating legal presence.
  • Must have a permanent North Carolina verifiable residence address.
  • A Commercial Driver License cannot be renewed by mail.


Duplicate:
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If your license is lost or stolen, go to the nearest driver license office and apply for a duplicate. To replace a lost or stolen license, you must show the examiner two documents of identification approved by the DMV. This type transaction may also be completed online. (See page 4)



Address Changes:
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A person whose address changes from the address stated on a driver license must notify the Division of the change within 60 days after the change occurs and obtain a duplicate license. A person who does not move, but whose address changes due to a governmental action, may not be charged with violating this law. This type transaction may also be completed online. (See page 4)



Name Changes:
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A person whose name changes from the name stated on a driver license must notify the Division of the change within 60 days after the change occurs and obtain a duplicate driver license stating the new name. Name changes can be completed with your Social Security card (reflecting new name) along with:

  • A marriage certificate issued by a U.S. governmental agency.
  • Documented proof from the courts or the Register of Deeds establishing that the name change was officially accomplished
  • Divorce decrees which include the name change.

Duration of License
Age at Time of issuance Duration
165 years
174 years
18-538 years
54 and older5 years

 
 
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Attention
Ready, Set, Renew

Central Issuance of Driver Licenses
Lillington Pilot Project

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Did You Know?


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