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Renew My License or ID

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Where can I renew my license or ID?​

​​​​Using online services or a self-service kiosk is the easiest and fastest way to renew your license or ID.​

​Before you decide how you want to renew, let’s see if you’re eligible to renew online or by kiosk by entering your license or ID number.

​​​​
​​How ​to renew​

How do I renew if I'm in the military?​

If you're active in the military, you may still be able to renew online​. If not eligible, you'll need to renew a different way.

Military Renewal

What if my license or ID was lost or stolen?

You’ll need your license or ID number to renew online. If you’re not sure what the number is, here are some places you can check:

  • Vehicle registration card
  • Car insurance company
  • Employer, school, or university records​
  • Doctor’s office
  • Rental or lease agreement​
  • Bank or credit union
  • Tax preparation services

Online

Non-REAL ID driver licenses can now be renewed online two times in a row.

REAL ID driver licenses can also be renewed online a second consecutive time if they had an in-person transaction where a new photo was taken since their last renewal.

At this time, State IDs can only be renewed online every other time.
(By mid-December 2025, State ID cards will be able to be renewed like driver licenses as described above.)

​Not able to get your license or ID number? Let’s prepare you for an office visit.​​​ ​

​​​

Renew ​​Online​

1. ​​​Check​ for restrictions

Before you get started, do any of these restrictions apply to you?
Restrictions for licenses:
  • You have a suspended license or outstanding debt with NCDMV
  • You have a restriction other than "Corrective Lenses" on your driver license and/or “24” on your full provisional license
  • You need to renew a commercial driver licenses, regular Class A or B driver license, limited provisional license, limited learner permit or learner permit
  • You have a U.S. government document indicating legal presence​

If any restriction above applies to you, please prepare to make a trip to a driver license office.

In-Person Renewal​

​​ Restrictions for IDs:

  • Your state ID may be renewed six months before expiring or up to one year after expiration.
  • You have a U.S. government document indicating legal presence

If any restriction a​bove applies to you, please prepare to make a trip to a driver license office.​

In-Person Renewal​
​
​2. Gather your documents and re​new onlin​e

To start an online renewal, make sure you have these items handy:

  • Driver license or ID card
  • Your social security number

Continue by clicking the button below.

Renew Now ​
3. ​Your new license/ID will arrive in the mail within 20 business days.

Renew ​​In-Person​​​

You can also renew your driver license at an N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office by passing any required driver license tests.

1. Find a convenient driver license ​office location

Make sure to bring your current or expired driver license or ID for the visit.

​Find an Office​

​Renewing a Lost or Stolen License or ID?

Bring the following documents:

2. Complete your office visit

Every driver license office serves walk-in customers from open to close, or until the capacity for that location has been reached.

First, check in with your cell phone at the office. You can wait in your vehicle or at a nearby business while you watch your place online from your phone.

Once there is room in the lobby, you will be asked via text to come into the building.

3. ​Your new license/ID will arrive in the mail within 20 business days.​ ​​

Renew on a ​Self-Service Kiosk

1. ​​​Check​ for other restrictions​

Before you get started, do any of these restrictions apply to you?
Restrictions for licenses:
  • You have a suspended license or outstanding debt with NCDMV
  • You have a restriction other than "Corrective Lenses" on your driver license and/or “24” on your full provisional license
  • You need to renew a commercial driver licenses, regular Class A or B driver license, limited provisional license, limited learner permit or learner permit
  • You have a U.S. government document indicating legal presence

If any restriction above applies to you, please prepare to make a trip to a driver license office.

Restrictions for IDs

  • Your state ID may be renewed​ six months before expiring or up to one year after expiration.
  • You have a U.S. government document indicating legal presence

​If any restriction above applies to you, please prepare to make a trip to a driver license office.

2. Visit a kiosk​ 

Bring your current or expired driver license or ID to self-service kiosk near you. If your license or ID has been lost or stolen, you’ll need your DL/ID number to be able to renew at a kiosk. If you don’t have your number, you’ll need to renew in-person.

Find a Kiosk Location

​3. ​Your new license/ID will arrive in the mail within 20 business days.​

​Can I renew by mail?​

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11/2/2025 12:12 PM

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