Renew and Replace ID Cards in NC
The North Carolina state ID renewal and the DMV ID replacement are procedures offered by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to state residents who were issued an official ID card. While renewing ID card credentials is a transaction that must be completed on a regular basis, the process of obtaining copy of ID card is generally completed in the event of a damaged, stolen or lost ID card in NC.
Learn more about the methods available to renew or replace ID card documents in North Carolina by reading the sections outlined below.
How to Renew Your ID Card in North Carolina
Renewing ID cards in North Carolina is a process that can only be completed through limited application methods. The option to renew ID card online, for instance, is not yet available to state residents, as the division only allows holders of standard NC driver’s licenses to complete the internet renewal.
The mail-in license renewal option is also typically offered to state residents who are renewing a driving license while temporarily outside of the state. The standard procedure to renew ID card credentials requires the applicant to visit a nearby DMV licensing office and submit the necessary items in person.
In order to prepare applicants for their NC DMV ID renewal, the division typically sends out individual renewal notices up to two months prior to the document’s expiration date. However, nondrivers may be able to renew ahead of time in order to ensure they receive their new card before their current credential expires.
Note: To learn whether or not you can renew ID cards in NC with a method other than the in-person ID card renewal, contact the state DMV.
How to Renew ID Cards in North Carolina in Person
Prior to initiating the procedure to renew identification cards in NC, nondrivers are encouraged to carefully study their renewal notice, as it may contain valuable information on what to bring during their office visit.
When renewing ID cards in person, applicants will generally be able to finalize the procedure by submitting their current identification card, proof of a Social Security Number (if not on file) and the fee payment. However, during the NC state ID renewal applicants also have the option of upgrading their standard ID card to a REAL ID credential, which complies with the standards of the federal REAL ID Act.
In such circumstances, nondrivers will be required to submit the following documentation:
- Two proofs of state residency
- One document confirming legal U.S. presence (if required)
- One proof of identity and birth date
- Evidence of a Social Security Number (if enrolled in the Social Security program)
Note: Contact the division to inquire about the list of acceptable REAL ID documents for both U.S. citizens and noncitizens.
After the DMV processes your DMV ID renewal application, it will submit an official request for the manufacturing of a new credential. Renewed cards generally arrive by mail within 20 days of the acceptance of the fee payment.
How to Replace Your ID Card in North Carolina
North Carolina DMV ID replacement is a transaction can be completed both online and in person, unlike the state ID renewal, which can currently only be finalized in person. However, in order to utilize the choice to replace ID card online in NC, nondrivers will be required to meet certain requirements. You can successfully obtain a copy of ID card via the division’s internet services website only if you:
- Are not required to update your photo that is currently on file with the DMV.
- Do not have to submit your Social Security Number.
- Have a valid email address and a debit or credit card for payment purposes.
- Are not upgrading a standard ID card to a REAL ID credential.
- Do not have outstanding debts with the state DMV.
How to Replace ID Cards in North Carolina Online
If you meet the above requirements to replace ID cards via the internet, you can easily access the online ID card replacement application through the division’s internet services portal. You will initiate the application procedure for an online North Carolina copy of ID card after you enter your ID card number, Social Security Number, date of birth and last name.
Then, after following several prompts and completing several steps, the system will ask for the fee payment. To finalize the transaction for a duplicate ID card you will be required to provide the information of an acceptable debit or credit card. The division will manufacture and mail you a replacement card with the most recent photograph on your file.
How to Replace ID Cards in North Carolina in Person
If you are unable to obtain a copy of ID card in North Carolina via the internet, you can always do so by visiting a local DMV site. Prior to making your office visit to finalize the in-person DMV ID replacement, contact the division to inquire which specific items you are required to submit in your current circumstances.
For example, if you are completing the process of replacing ID card credentials due to a damaged card, then you may be able to finalize the procedure just by submitting the original credential and the fee payment. However, if you are replacing a lost or stolen ID card in NC, you will generally be required to submit other proofs of identification.
If you would like to obtain a replacement ID card that complies with the REAL ID Act, and you have not done so before, you will be required to submit the full set of REAL ID supporting paperwork. After paying the applicable fee with cash, check, money order or a debit or credit card, the DMV will process your request.
North Carolina ID Card Renewal and Replacement Fees
An important step in the North Carolina DMV ID renewal and replacement procedures is paying the applicable fee, as set forth in the current DMV fee schedule. Both the procedure to renew ID cards and obtain an NC copy of ID card can be completed by paying the standard ID card fee of $13.
However, certain groups of applicants may be eligible to obtain a renewed or a duplicate ID card free of charge. Legally blind individuals, senior applicants older than 69 years of age and homeless residents will be eligible for a free-of-charge credential if they submit the corresponding proof of eligibility.