A North Carolina drivers license change of address procedure must be completed by motorists who relocate to another address within the state. Licensees can complete the process of changing drivers license address information either via the internet or in person.

Regardless of the method chosen to change drivers license address in NC, applicants must complete this procedure with the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within a certain time period after their move. Learn how to change drivers license address data in North Carolina by reading the sections outlined below.

Instances Where You Must Change Your Address on Your North Carolina Drivers License

The process of changing a driving license address in North Carolina is typically finalized when a driver’s address changes from the one displayed on his or her official NC license to drive. The procedure to change address on drivers license must also be completed when a motorist relocates within the state with a valid out-of-state license.

In rare situations, you may also be issued an invalid credential containing an error in your address. If that is the case, you will required to notify the division and complete the address change procedure.

North Carolina Drivers License Address Change Time Limits

Drivers must complete the NC DMV license change of address and obtain a replacement credential within a certain number of days of any changes in their address. Failure to change your driving license address within this timeframe may lead to certain adverse consequences.

For example, operating a motor vehicle with an incorrect credential is a violation of the law, and you may be ticketed for doing so. Also, if the division does not have your current address on file, you may not receive certain important DMV correspondences regarding your driving record.

Online Drivers License Address Changes in North Carolina

Changing your DMV license address in North Carolina via the internet is the best method of updating your information with the division. Note that motorists will be unable to initiate the driving license change of address online if their license is suspended or they have outstanding debts with the DMV. To successfully change your driving license address online in NC, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Log on to the system by entering your driving license number, date of birth and Social Security Number or a U.S. Visa number.
  2. Enter your new residential and/or mailing address.
  3. Review your order and provide the fee payment with a valid debit or credit card.
  4. Enter your contact information.
  5. Print your receipt (if you have need of it).

After processing your request to change the address on your driving license, the division will manufacture you a new credential and mail it your address on file within a few days.

How to Change Your Address on Your North Carolina Drivers License in Person

Motorists who are unable to complete the North Carolina driving license change of address via the internet can always submit their request in person through a local driver licensing office. When changing a drivers license address in person, applicants will only be required to bring their original credential and pay the fee for the replacement license. Note that customers may also be required to fill out a certain application form.

During the in-person drivers license change of address in NC, licensees also have the option of upgrading a standard credential to one that meets the requirements of the federal REAL ID Act, provided they have not yet done so. In such cases, drivers will be required to submit the full set of REAL ID supporting paperwork, which includes proofs of identity, date of birth, state residency, lawful U.S. presence and Social Security Number (SSN).

How to Transfer Your Drivers License as a New North Carolina Resident

Drivers with out-of-state credentials will change their driving license address in North Carolina when they apply for their first license to drive. Note that new state residents must change the address on their DMV licenses and transfer their current licenses within two months of their move. The standard application procedure to convert an out-of-state credential in North Carolina includes the following steps:

  • Visit a nearby DMV location.
  • Surrender your current license and fill out a request form (if required to do so).
  • Pass the vision and the road signs test.
  • Pass the road skills and written exam if you are transferring a license that has been expired for longer than two years.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pay the applicable fees.

After receiving your application for an original North Carolina driver’s license, the state DMV will issue you a temporary certificate, which can be used until your credential arrives by mail within three weeks.

North Carolina DMV Address Change Fees

To successfully change an address on a driving license in North Carolina, customers will be required to arrange the payment for a replacement credential. New state residents applying for their first license will be required to pay the standard licensing fees. The fee for updating your driver’s license is $13.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 3 2020.