License & ID Card Delays
NCDMV is experiencing production delays with the outside private contractor that prints official license and ID cards. It is taking longer than the normal 15 days for customers to receive their credentials in the mail.
The temporary certificate received by customers at the end of their transaction is valid for 60 days. If customers do not receive their card prior to the expiration of this certificate, please call NCDMV Central Issuance at 919-861-3555 for assistance.
Driver License Renewal
Self-Service Kiosks
Make your renewal or replacement more convenient by visiting a self-service kiosk. NCDMV is currently piloting the program at three Harris Teeter locations.
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicle mails drivers a reminder card about 60 days before their license expires. There are several options for renewing or ordering a replacement driver license or ID card.
Drivers can
renew their license up to six months before it expires at any NCDMV driver license office, and in many cases,
online. Licenses can be renewed online up to two years after the expiration date, otherwise renewals must be done in-person at an NCDMV office.
Customers can only renew their license online every other time. If a person renewed online last time, they must renew in-person at a driver license office this time.
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.
Make an Appointment
Skip the line at driver license offices by
making an appointment online. If you do not find an available appointment, please continue to check back as new available appointments are added each day.
Renewing a State ID
Individuals can renew their state ID up to six months before it expires either online or at any NCDMV driver license office. State IDs can be renewed online up to one year after the expiration date, otherwise renewals must be done in-person at an NCDMV office.
Customers can only renew their ID online every other time. If a person renewed online last time, they must renew in-person at a driver license office this time.
IDs issued to adults age 18 to 65 are valid for eight years; IDs issued to adults 66 and over are valid for five years.
Replacing a Driver License or ID
People can
get a replacement license or ID – as long has it has not expired, been suspended or canceled – online or at any NCDMV driver license office.
Please Note: Customers must know their driver license or ID number to be able to order a replacement online. If you do not know the number, you must go to a driver license office to get a replacement.
State-to-State Verification
Renewing or replacing a North Carolina driver license or ID card will cancel any licenses or ID cards from other states through the
State-to-State Verification program.