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How to Apply for a New Driver's License in North Carolina

Updated on Thu, 2/9/2012

You can apply for a new driver's license at any driver license office in North Carolina. Obtain a North Carolina Driver's Handbook to familiarize with the driving rules and regulations.

NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS

Following are the basic requirements for applying for a North Carolina driver's license:

  1. Applicants must be 15 years or older.
  2. Any individual under 18 should provide parental consent and must complete the graduated licensing program. For additional details, see Beginner Drivers and/or Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers.
  3. Everyone must pass the vision, written, road sign recognition and road tests. See Practice Tests and Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test.
  4. Applicants must provide two acceptable proofs of identification.
  5. Applicants must provide proof of North Carolina residency and liability insurance.
  6. Applicants must provide the social security card, or letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.
  7. Applicants must provide proof of legal presence in US.

NEW RESIDENTS

North Carolina residents holding a driver's license from another state need to pass all three tests. The road test may be waived at the discretion of the examiner. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification, residency, liability insurance on the car, legal presence and social security number.

Non-US citizens residing in North Carolina may apply for a North Carolina driver's license, as long as they can provide proof that they are legally authorized to be in the United States, and meet all the other requirements. Note that a North Carolina driver's license issued to a foreign national will expire no later than the last date on which they are authorized to be in the United States by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

FEES

The cost for a North Carolina driver's license is $4 per year.

VALIDITY

The validity of a North Carolina driver's license is based on the driver's age at the time the license was issued.

  • For drivers between 18 and 53, the license is valid for 8 years.
  • For drivers 54 and older, the license is valid for 5 years.

LEARNER'S LICENSE

With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in North Carolina with a learner's permit. See more information on learner's permits here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Reviews of How to Apply for a New Driver's License in North Carolina

Submitted by louieb on Thu, 02/09/2012 - 00:05.

My license are suspended in Va. may I obtain a N.C license now that I'm a resident to n.c..

Submitted by Dayung346 on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 17:48.

I am a foreigner, staying in NC using Visitor's Visa because my children are here for study. What is the documents needed for me to get my Drivers License? Please reply by email.

Submitted by maurice jay on Tue, 02/07/2012 - 05:58.

My license are suspended in Va. may I obtain a N.C license now that I'm a resident to n.c..

Submitted by smoochie2882 on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 19:30.

I'm a new resident to NC and my license is suspended in GA can I still get my NC license? Please email me @ shaylaperkins@Hotmail.com

Submitted by sherrybaby123 on Thu, 01/19/2012 - 23:03.

I have a suspended license in florida, I now live in North Carolina. can I get my license here without clearing my florida suspension?

Submitted by legacy2311 on Fri, 11/25/2011 - 17:18.

QUESTION: As a new resident, Is it possible to obtain a NORTH CAROLINA drivers license if you are suspended in another state(VIRGINIA)?

please email me at legacy2311@aol.com. Thanks

Submitted by annetteo on Wed, 11/16/2011 - 01:25.

My husband is Active Duty Army and we are residents of Alaska but he is stationed here in North Carolina. My employer states that I must have a valid NC driver's license. Since we wish to return to Alaska and do not want to give up residency in Alaska how do I get a NC DL with an Alaskan Address? I went to the DMV today and the man at the Fuquay Varina office was extremely rude about it and insisted that it is not possible. However, I have gotten DL's in other states that simply had my Alaska Address on it so I know some states can do it.

Can this be done in North Carolina?

If not, why is this different here than in other states such as Virginia, New Yorn and Washington D.C.?

Submitted by Pareditas81 on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 01:53.

Hello. I have a driving license issued only with my country I.D and with mi ITIN number. Can I renew my license again with my ITIN number? Please let me know if I can. Thank you so much. I really need it!

Submitted by Manar352 on Sat, 10/15/2011 - 06:00.

I'm in Florida and ill be here the next 3 months my NC driver license will expire this October 21 st. What do I need to renovate by mail

Submitted by ehcart on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 23:50.

I have my Georgia restricted license but I moved full-time to North carolina and I want to get my full driver's license. how do I get it and what do I need? I am 18 years old and have a registered vehicle. please email me. heyward.cart@gmail.com my name is Heyward

Submitted by Terps on Wed, 06/29/2011 - 21:19.

Please send information about Driving Eligibility Hardship

Submitted by KDanielM on Fri, 06/03/2011 - 01:10.

I moved to NC from NY and I don't own a vehicle. How can I still convert my license to NC?

Submitted by MsSmalls515 on Sun, 11/13/2011 - 23:08.

I moved to NC from NY and I don't own a vehicle. How can I still convert my license to NC?

Submitted by heatherbotswana on Wed, 05/18/2011 - 11:55.

Hello. We are Americans, but are missionaries in Botswana. Before we went to Africa, we had OH driver licenses. Those expired since we were away - but we no longer had residence there. We will be renting a house in NC and wanted to know what we must do to get a NC license? We cannot surrender our Botswana license, as we are returning there after our furlough in the beginning of 2012. Thank you.

Submitted by any on Fri, 05/13/2011 - 12:03.

If license is suspended in another state (ohio) am I still able to get my nc lisence please reply at MISSTHANG43302@yahoo.com plz

Submitted by Topsale34 on Mon, 06/06/2011 - 00:56.

let me know if anyone has answered your question. My boyfriend has the same issue. We are from Ohio too!

EGay

Submitted by allladders514 on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 00:47.

will i be able to get a north carolina drivers license if my ohio license is suspended? It is because of 2 speeding tickets and no insurance at the time of my stop.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 00:50.

what type of proof of residency do i need

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 05/09/2011 - 19:10.

Can I drive my motorcycle outside the stat of NC with a NC learners permit?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 00:59.

Hello I have a California drivers license that expires on my bday which is Monday. Can you please tell me what I have to do to get a NC license? Do I have to take a written test and how much does it cost? Thank you.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 21:56.

hi, my license is about to expire, can i renew with my ITTN (tax number), since i don't have soc sec. Please answer me to fabiano.nyc@hotmail.com, thank you

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 17:08.

I had my drivers license suspended due to a DWI. This was my first offense and I was issued a limited license so I could work. I did my community service and also completed th ADECS class as ordered by the court. What do i have to do to get my license restored. Also how long does it take to receive the imformation from the DMV.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:27.

hi, my name is Jacqueline and i wanted to know if i could apply for a driver licenses but i dont have a ssn i have my itin could i apply with that one. im living in north carolina greensboro. salassjackie23@yahoo.com

thank you

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/16/2011 - 15:27.

hi, my name is Jacqueline and i wanted to know if i could apply for a driver licenses but i dont have a ssn i have my itin could i apply with that one. im living in north carolina greensboro. salassjackie23@yahoo.com

thank you

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 13:52.

Hello i am trying to apply for my drivers license but i am not eligible for a SSN, i do however have my ITIN, and i was wondering if that, along with a form of proof that i am not eligible for a SSN would be enough for me to get my drivers license. Please e-mail me at bloodschythe@gmail.com

Thank You,

Edward Soto

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 18:38.

I am moving from Delaware to NC i have Delaware licenses what i have to do to get NC licenses? What all do i need when i come to DMV get my NC licenses? Thank you Ms. Cooper.

Submitted by MsSmalls515 on Sun, 11/13/2011 - 23:12.

I am moved from NYC to NC and I have NYC licenses. What i have to do to get NC licenses? What all do I need when I go to DMV get my NC licenses? What is the cost for the replacement/transfer?

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 02/28/2011 - 18:41.

I'm sorry plz e-mail me @ doris.cooper39@yahoo.com

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 02/27/2011 - 18:37.

QUESTION: As a new resident, Is it possible to obtain a NORTH CAROLINA drivers license if you are suspended in another state(VIRGINIA)?

I know some states dont allow you to get a license in their state if you are suspended in another state and some do.

please email me at hotrevolver586@aim.com if you know the answer to this question ! Thanks

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 02/23/2011 - 04:16.

i lost my d.l

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 01/23/2011 - 16:12.

I do have a NC driver's licenses ,i lost it,(i want to reorder one on line without going to the local office.what do i do ...where do i need to go to do that....please help!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 19:21.

I lost my wallet in my drivers licenses was in there.

Submitted by femifaseun on Sat, 03/06/2010 - 15:59.

I am in North Carolina for a short visit from Nigeria. Can I drive with my Nigerian Drivers licence for the next 10 weeks that I am going to be here?

Submitted by HopeRoberts91 on Sat, 02/27/2010 - 13:37.

how much money do you need to take up to the dmv and what kinda of proofs do you need to have of indentification

Submitted by martacarriker on Mon, 12/28/2009 - 15:24.

I just arrived in charlotte from Brazil. how long can i drive with a valid Brazilian driver's license before applying for a NC driver's license?

Submitted by batman233 on Fri, 03/19/2010 - 02:15.

did u move from brazilian the law states that if u in a state for 30 days u have to get a lic in that state

Submitted by david lee on Thu, 06/25/2009 - 03:35.

my north carolina lisence just expired last week can i get it renewed without having to take the written test or can you tell me what i need to do to get it renewed

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/08/2011 - 18:32.

my nc linecses laspsed last week . what do i need to do?

Submitted by Fortunata Ramos... on Mon, 08/24/2009 - 14:59.

Hi i want to know how you apply on line to renew your drivers license?

Submitted by carlosbaza on Wed, 04/29/2009 - 19:22.

My license was suspended but I am currently working in florida and got on state probation. I have another year left here but i was wondering if i could still get my license back. I dont have it anymore and need it for work.

Submitted by FultonTonya on Sat, 02/21/2009 - 14:07.

New Address

Submitted by charris on Mon, 02/23/2009 - 20:01.

i out of town for work and my license is faded where u can not see it is there any way i can order it in online