Official NCDMV: New Drivers

How do I get a driver license as an adult?

To get a North Carolina driver license for the first time, you must be at least 18 years old and apply in person at an N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office.

You must successfully complete required knowledge, road sign recognition, vision and driving tests and take the following required documents to an NCDMV driver license office.

Note: If you are at least 18 years old, you may also apply first for a learner permit. Teens 15 to 17 years old must apply for a limited learner permit as a part of a graduated licensing process.

1. Find a convenient driver license office

Before you head to an office, make sure to bring the following documents with you:

One document (with full name) proving identity and date of birth
A Social Security card or one document proving you have a Social Security number
One document verifying physical address in North Carolina (two are required if getting an NC REAL ID)
If you were not born in the U.S., one document (with full name) proving legal presence/lawful status
One printed document (images on a mobile device will not be accepted) proving liability insurance coverage from a provider licensed to do business in North Carolina (not required for a learner permit)

Note: Your name must match the name on the documents above. Otherwise, you must provide a proof of name change, such as a certified marriage license or certificate, divorce decree or document from the courts or Register of Deeds.

Download Document Checklist

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.

You will provide your documentation and complete the following tests:

Written knowledge
Traffic signs
Vision

Driving skills

3. Your license will arrive in the mail within 20 business days.

What other details do I need to know?

Applicants receive a Temporary Driving Certificate to use until their permit or license arrives.
Applying for a North Carolina driver license will cancel any licenses from other states through the State-to-State Verification program.
You must pay a fee to be issued a North Carolina driver license. The amount depends on the type of license and endorsements. View a list of licenses and fees.
When getting a license for the first time, you may also register to vote, sign up to be an organ donor or register for Selective Service.
NCDMV offers drivers the option of getting a deaf or hard of hearing designation added to their license.
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.

What additional requirements and restrictions are there?

Additional requirements may apply, depending on the type of license and individual needs.
An individual who does not own or drive a currently registered vehicle can still apply for a license but might be restricted to driving only fleet vehicles. To remove the restriction, they must present proof of financial liability insurance and pay a duplicate-license fee.
NCDMV might not license an individual who suffers from a mental or physical condition that might keep them from driving safely. A person with a disability might be issued a restricted license, provided the condition does not keep them from driving safely.

Learn More

11/20/2025 3:12 PM

Get a License as an Adult Driver

​​​​​​​​​​How do I get a driver license as an adult?