The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) handles all vehicle registrations and driver licensing services for the state of North Carolina. The NCDMV has over 115 locations across the state which provide services like driver license exams, registration renewals, license plate replacements, and more.
Forms
The NCDMV has dozens of forms available for handling vehicle registrations, license renewals, address changes, and other DMV-related needs. All state DMV forms can be downloaded from the NCDMV website or obtained at any DMV office location. Some common forms include:
- License and Theft Bureau Forms – Report lost/stolen licenses, titles, registrations
- Registration and Title Forms – Update vehicle registration, replace titles
- Driver License Forms – Replace lost licenses, update addresses, reinstate revoked licenses
North Carolina DMV Registration Renewal
North Carolina vehicle registrations must be renewed every year. The NCDMV sends renewal notices 45 days prior to your registration expiration. Registrations can be renewed:
- Online – Renew up to 90 days prior to expiration on the NCDMV website
- By Mail – Send in the renewal notice form with payment
- In Person – Visit any NCDMV office location
To renew online or by mail you will need your vehicle registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and insurance information.
Appointment Scheduling
The NCDMV offers appointment scheduling at many DMV office locations across the state. Appointments can be booked online up to 90 days in advance for services like:
- Driver license exams
- Driver license renewals
- Registration issuance and renewals
- Title transfers
- License plate replacements
- And more
Appointments allow you to skip the long wait times at DMV offices. Visit the NCDMV website or contact your local DMV office to schedule an appointment.
Driver Exam Stations
The NCDMV has over 60 driver license exam stations across North Carolina. At these stations, you can take:
- Vision screening
- Knowledge test
- Driving test (basic control skills and on-road tests)
The NCDMV website has a locator to help you find and schedule an appointment at your nearest driver exam station. Tests are administered by NCDMV-certified driver license examiners.
2024 Driver’s Manual of North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
The 2024 version of the North Carolina Driver’s Manual covers all information needed to pass state exams for learner’s permits and driver’s licenses. The manual includes:
- Rules of the road
- Safe driving techniques
- Road signs and signals
- Vision standards
- License application procedures
Download the updated 2024 NC Driver’s Manual or pick up a print copy at your local NCDMV office. Studying this manual can help you pass your exams and become a safe, responsible driver.
License Renewals
North Carolina driver’s licenses are valid for 8 years and must be renewed before expiration to avoid penalties. Licenses can be renewed up to 180 days prior to the expiration date printed on your card. You have 60 days after expiration to renew without having to retake exams. You can renew your NC driver’s license:
- Online – Renew non-commercial licenses online every other cycle
- By Mail – Submit DL-63 form with proper payment
- In Person – Visit your local NCDMV office
- By Phone – Call the NCDMV Contact Center for assistance
To renew, you’ll need a social security card, proof of residency, and possibly updated vision screening results.
License Plates
The NCDMV issues all standard, specialty, personalized, and special registration license plates for North Carolina vehicles. Plates must be replaced if they become damaged, faded or feature an outdated design. You can obtain replacement plates:
- Online – Order replacements online up to 60 days before your plate expires
- By Mail – Submit the Plate Replacement Form plus fee
- In Person – Visit DMV office without an appointment
New North Carolina residents must register their out-of-state vehicles with the NCDMV within 60 days and replace their plates.
Driver’s License
A driver’s license certifies that you have passed necessary exams and meets state requirements to legally operate motor vehicles. For new NC residents, you must obtain an NC license within 60 days of establishing residency. Here are some common driver’s license services:
- Replace lost, stolen or damaged licenses
- Renew expired licenses (every 8 years)
- Transfer out-of-state licenses
- Obtain REAL ID compliant licenses
- Update your address or name
- Reinstate suspended or revoked licenses
Visit your local NCDMV office to handle any driver’s license needs. Make sure to bring the proper identification documents.
Contact DMV
Contact the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles for help with:
- Scheduling appointments
- Finding office locations
- Checking application status
- General questions
Phone Call the NCDMV Contact Center at (919) 715-7000. Spanish assistance is also available.
Online Submit a message through the NCDMV Contact Page and typically get a response within 48 hours.
In Person Visit any DMV office location during business hours. No appointments needed for general information.
Mail
Address letters and application documents to: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the North Carolina DMV:
What documents do I need to renew my NC driver’s license?
To renew your NC driver’s license, you need proof of residency (like a utility bill), your social security card or W-2 form, and possibly an updated vision screening certification if applicable.
How long will my personalized NC license plate take to arrive?
Personalized plates take around 2-3 weeks to manufacture and ship after your application is processed and fees are paid. Check your order status online.
Can I schedule a driving road test appointment online?
Yes, you can schedule driving test appointments up to 90 days in advance online through the NCDMV website. Select your preferred driver license office location when booking.
What is the total cost to title and register my vehicle in NC?
The total cost for obtaining an original NC title and standard vehicle registration is $137 if applying in person. Additional fees apply for special plates.
What documents do I need to transfer my out-of-state driver’s license to NC?
To transfer an out-of-state license to North Carolina, bring your old driver’s license, proof of insurance, 2 documents confirming your North Carolina residency address, and your social security information.
