What You Need to Know About NC License and Plate Renewal
North Carolina handles driver's license renewal and vehicle registration renewal as two separate processes, even though you may need to do both around the same time. Your driver's license and your license plates expire on different schedules, and you renew them through different offices — the DMV for your license, and the Division of Motor Vehicles (which operates through county register of deeds offices) for your plates.
You can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an NC DMV office. You can renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or at your county register of deeds office. Both processes require you to have the right documents and to meet basic requirements like having a valid Social Security number and a clean driving record (for license renewal) or proof of vehicle inspection and insurance (for registration renewal).
Key Takeaways
- Your North Carolina driver's license and vehicle registration expire on different dates — check both expiration dates on your current license and registration card.
- You can renew your driver's license online through the NC DMV website if you have a valid Social Security number, current address on file, and no medical conditions that need review.
- Vehicle registration renewal requires proof of a current vehicle inspection and proof of insurance before you submit your renewal.
- The county register of deeds office handles vehicle registration renewal, not the DMV — find your county office at the NC Secretary of State website.
- Both renewals can be done by mail or online, but in-person renewal at an NC DMV office or register of deeds office is fastest if you need your documents when ready.
How to Renew Your North Carolina Driver's License Online
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need review, and your address on file with the DMV is current. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card).
Go to the NC DMV website and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the main menu. You will enter your license number and Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will show you your current information and ask you to confirm or update your address. You will pay the renewal fee (currently $48 for an eight-year license for drivers 18 and older, though this amount can change). Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, you will need to renew by mail or in person. This usually means your license is expired by more than five years, your address needs to be updated in the system, or you have a medical condition or restriction that requires an in-person review.
Renewing Your Driver's License by Mail or In Person
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by requesting an process form from the NC DMV website or by calling 919-715-7000. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current license (front and back), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
In-person renewal at an NC DMV office is the fastest way to get a new license if you need it when ready. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee. You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the NC DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to pass a vision test or written test in addition to the renewal fee. The DMV office staff will tell you what is required when you arrive.
How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration and License Plates
Vehicle registration renewal is handled by your county register of deeds office, not by the DMV. Before you renew, you must have a current vehicle inspection (passed within 12 months) and proof of liability insurance. Your insurance company will provide proof of insurance — you can use a printed card, a digital copy on your phone, or a letter from your insurance company.
You can renew online through the NC Secretary of State's online registration system if you have your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration card, and proof of inspection and insurance ready. The online system will guide you through the renewal and charge your payment method. Your new registration card and license plates (if needed) will arrive by mail.
You can also renew by mail by sending your current registration card, proof of inspection, proof of insurance, and payment to your county register of deeds office. Find your county office address on the NC Secretary of State website. Mail processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal at your county register of deeds office is the fastest option if you need your new registration when ready. Bring your current registration card, proof of inspection, proof of insurance, and payment. Most offices accept cash, check, or card. You can usually walk in without an appointment, though some counties offer appointment scheduling.
What Happens If Your License or Registration Expires
Driving with an expired license or registration is illegal in North Carolina. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can face a citation and a fine. An expired license is a Class 3 misdemeanor, and an expired registration is a traffic violation.
If your license has expired, you can still renew it using any of the methods above — online, by mail, or in person. There is no additional penalty for renewing a license that is past its expiration date, as long as you renew it before you drive again. If your registration has expired, renew it when ready through your county register of deeds office or online.
If you have been driving with an expired license or registration and have received a citation, you may be able to have the charge dismissed if you show proof that you have since renewed. Contact the court listed on your citation to ask about your options.
Scam Alert: Fake Renewal Notices and Phishing Emails
Be cautious of emails, texts, or letters claiming to be from the NC DMV or your county register of deeds office and asking you to click a link or provide personal information. The NC DMV and register of deeds offices do not send unsolicited emails or texts asking you to renew your license or registration. If you receive such a message, do not click any links or provide any information.
Scammers sometimes send fake renewal notices that look like official documents and ask you to pay a fee to a third-party website or to call a phone number. The official NC DMV website is ncdmv.dot.gov, and the official online registration system is through the NC Secretary of State website at sosnc.gov. If you are unsure whether a notice is real, go directly to one of these websites or call the DMV at 919-715-7000 to confirm.
Never give your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information to anyone who contacts you unsolicited about a renewal. The DMV and register of deeds offices will never ask for this information by email or phone.
Fees and Payment Methods for NC License and Registration Renewal
Driver's license renewal fees vary by age and license type. A standard eight-year license for drivers 18 and older currently costs $48. A four-year license costs $24. A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs more — check the NC DMV website for current CDL fees, as they vary by endorsement type.
Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and type. Most passenger vehicles cost between $30 and $50 per year. You can find the exact fee for your vehicle by entering your VIN on the NC Secretary of State online registration system before you complete your renewal.
Both the DMV and register of deeds offices accept payment by debit card, credit card, check, or cash. Online renewals accept debit and credit cards only. If you are renewing by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license and registration at the same time?
No — you renew them at different places. Your driver's license is renewed at an NC DMV office or online through the DMV website. Your vehicle registration is renewed at your county register of deeds office or online through the Secretary of State website. You can do both in the same day if you visit both offices in person, but you cannot do them in one transaction.
What if my address has changed since I got my current license?
You can update your address during online renewal if you are renewing your license. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). For vehicle registration, you can update your address online or in person at your county register of deeds office.
Do I need a new inspection before I renew my registration?
Yes — your vehicle must have a current inspection (passed within the last 12 months) before you can renew your registration. You cannot renew online or by mail without proof of a current inspection. If your inspection has expired, visit an inspection station first, then renew your registration.
How long does it take to get my new license or registration in the mail?
Both typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your renewal. If you renew in person at an NC DMV office, you may receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 days. For registration, in-person renewal at your county register of deeds office usually means your new registration card is printed on the spot.
What if I lost my current license or registration card?
You can still renew online or by mail using your license number or registration number. If you do not have your current card, call the NC DMV at 919-715-7000 (for license renewal) or your county register of deeds office (for registration renewal) to get your number. You can also renew in person at either office without your current card.