- Nc Driver's License New Resident
- North Carolina Drivers License New Resident
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- North Carolina Driver's License Requirements For New Residents
To get a North Carolina driver license for the first time, an individual must be at least 18 years old and apply in person at an N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles driver license office. Note: Individuals at least 18 years old may also apply first for a learner permit.Teens 15 to 17 years old must apply for a limited learner permit as a part of a graduated licensing process. Learn more about the N.C. REAL ID, how to get one and how it will make traveling more convenient under new federal regulations. State of North Carolina: N.C. REAL ID Driver License & IDs Skip to main content.
1. Get Started Online With New Drivers License Assistance
Getting a License. To apply for a North Carolina driver license, new residents must visit an NCDMV driver license office with the following: Out-of-state license or one document (with full name) proving identity and date of birth; Social Security card or other document proving Social Security number. Steps to Get a New Drivers License in North Carolina (Younger Than 18) Much of the drivers license information listed in the section titled “Applying for a New Drivers License in North Carolina as an Adult” applies to minors, as well. You will need to go in person to receive the application and fill out. The Class C license is the license most North Carolina drivers need. You'll apply for Class A and Class B licenses the same way you'd apply for a Class C license, except you must bring the appropriate vehicle for the license type to your road test. See “Apply for Your NC Driver's License' below. New NC Driver's License Eligibility Requirements.
New drivers licenses cannot be obtained online or by mail. Instead, you must apply for a new license in person at a local DMV. While there, you must pass a vision screening, a written exam and a skills test. To make sure that you are prepared, download our informative online drivers license guide. Our guide contains everything you need to know to complete this application easily and quickly. In it, you will get in-depth details on how to complete other important licensing transactions, such as updating personal information on your license, renewing your license and replacing a lost one.
2. In Person at the DMV
To obtain a new drivers license at the DMV, you must submit identification documents and pass mandatory tests. A birth certificate or passport can verify your name and age, and a utility bill can prove your state residency. Generally, you must pass a written knowledge exam and a road skills test. You must also fill out a drivers license application form and pay the applicable fees. However, you may not know which forms to complete or if you are already eligible to take your exams. Arriving at the DMV unprepared may result in long wait times and potential mistakes, which could mean having to redo the process.
A North Carolina drivers license is required for all residents of the state who want to drive on public roads. To get a DMV license in North Carolina as an adult, you simply need to pass the required tests and provide documentation proving you are who you say you are. However, the process is more extensive for minors.
If you are younger than 18 years of age, you will need to complete driver’s education and undergo periods of limited driving privileges. Only then will you be able to apply for full driving privileges. In this article, you will learn how to get a DMV drivers license in North Carolina no matter your age or residency. You will learn about the fees you will need to pay, the information you will need to provide on your application and more.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in North Carolina as an Adult (18 or Older)
If you are at least 18 years old, you will not need to get a permit before you can get your license. However, when it comes to North Carolina license requirements for adults, you need to be a resident of the state who is legally allowed to be in the United States in order to apply. Citizenship is not required, and all adults meet the age requirements for getting a license.
Furthermore, though you can renew your drivers license online in North Carolina, you need to go to a DMV office in order to get your initial license. This is because the DMV needs to look at your documentation and verify your identity.
Office hours vary from one location to the next, with most being open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations open an hour early or open Saturday morning, so you will want to check with the DMV offices in your area if you cannot get your license during work hours. You cannot book an NC DMV schedule appointment online.
The North Carolina driving license application is also not available online, so you will need to complete it at the office. This form will ask you basic information about yourself, such as your name, address and Social Security Number.
What documents do I need to bring to get a North Carolina drivers license?
Once you have finished filling out the form, you must submit the documents needed for North Carolina drivers license requests to the DMV. Here is what you need to bring when you apply for a drivers license in North Carolina:
- A document showing that you are allowed to be in the US
- A document showing your SSN
- A document showing you are a resident of North Carolina
- A document showing you have vehicle insurance coverage
To prove that they are allowed to be in the US, citizens will often show either a US passport or a birth certificate. Applicants without US citizenship can show their Permanent Resident cards, foreign passports, Employment Authorization certificates or any other document that shows their ability to be in the US.
If you are a citizen, you will then need to provide Social Security documentation. This is often a Social Security card, though if you have a W-2, 1099 or another government-issued document that shows both your legal name and SSN, this may also be used.
The document showing your residency does not need to be issued by the US government. This means it can be bills, bank correspondence or insurance documentation. You may also use government documentation, such as a voter registration card.
The document showing that you have liability insurance can be either an insurance card or an FS-1 form. Your insurance plan need to be from a North Carolina-approved provider.
REAL ID Drivers License Requirements in North Carolina
These drivers license requirements will allow you to get your license, but what do you need to get your license in North Carolina if you want a REAL ID? REAL IDs are federally approved. Though you will be able to use a non-REAL ID compliant license for federal identification through September 2020, by October 2020, it will no longer be accepted as ID by federal agencies.
For most people, this will come up most frequently when trying to board a domestic flight. In order to get a REAL ID, you need to provide one additional document showing that you are a resident of North Carolina.
If you cannot determine whether or not your DMV drivers license is REAL ID compliant, you will need to look at your license. A REAL ID will have a star in the upper righthand corner. A drivers license that is not REAL ID-compliant will state “NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION”.
North Carolina Driving Test Requirements
Once you have submitted the required forms and documentation, there are four North Carolina driving tests you will need to complete:
- Two written tests, one of which tests your knowledge of driving laws, the other of which tests your ability to recognize road signs
- An eye exam, which determines whether you can drive without glasses
- A skills test, which requires you to drive with an instructor and exhibit safe driving habits
You can prepare yourself for the NC drivers license test by taking a driver’s license practice exam online.
Getting a North Carolina Drivers License as a New Resident
Once you understand how to get a drivers license as a resident, you will essentially understand how the process works when you are moving to North Carolina and applying for a drivers license. Although you may be able to waive the required tests, waivers are granted at the discretion of the DMV employee you speak with at the office. You will still need to complete the application and provide the three documents explained above when you transfer your license to NC.
Once you have established yourself as a North Carolina resident, you have 60 days to get the state’s driver’s license. The DMV will perform a search for your name in the National Sex Offender Public Registry, unless you are a resident for 12 months before you apply for the license.
How to Apply for a Drivers License in North Carolina as a Teen (Younger Than 18)
Drivers license documentation requirements are similar for minors and adults, but minors are required to go through a graduated licensing program. This means that, along with driver’s education, they will need to have a permit and several limited licenses before they can get their adult drivers licenses. Learn about the requirements below.
What do you need to get your license in North Carolina as a teen?
Drivers license eligibility requirements include that you must be at least 15 years old in order to get your permit, though you may start a driver’s course when you are 14 and a half years old. You also need to be a resident of North Carolina who has completed a driver’s education course.
FAQ: Can you get your license at 17 without a permit in North Carolina? To obtain a full license when you are 17 years of age, you must have gone through the previous steps in the graduated licensing program, including maintaining a limited learner permit and limited provisional license. Find out more answers to frequently asked questions by visiting our North Carolina FAQ page.
Drivers Ed Requirements to Get a Drivers Permit in North Carolina
The most important drivers license services in North Carolina for minors are the driving license courses, because you must take one of these courses before you can get your official North Carolina learner’s permit. You will need to spend 30 hours learning material that will be covered in the written tests for a drivers permit. Once you complete a course, you will be given a Drivers Education certificate.
This is not to be confused with the Driving Eligibility certificate, which is used to show that a minor is enrolled in school, or that they are exempt from the enrollment requirements.
Steps to Get a New Drivers License in North Carolina (Younger Than 18)
Much of the drivers license information listed in the section titled “Applying for a New Drivers License in North Carolina as an Adult” applies to minors, as well. You will need to go in person to receive the application and fill out. This application will ask for basic information, such as your name and Social Security Number. You will not be able to make an appointment with the NC DMV online.
That said, there are a few important differences. The first is that the documentation requirements vary based on which permit or license you are getting. There are three different types of driving privilege you can apply for before you are eligible to get your full driver’s license at 18. They are:
- The limited learner permit, which you can get once you turn 15.
- The limited provisional license, which you can get once you have had your permit for a year.
- The full provisional license, which you can get once you’ve driven with the limited license for six months.
To get a limited learner permit, you will need to provide proof of your SSN, North Carolina residency and your legal presence the US. You will also need to take an eye exam and knowledge tests.
Once you have driven with your permit for 60 hours, you will then be able to take the skills test required for your limited provisional license. You will also need to prove your liability insurance.
Additional documentation or testing will not be required to get a DMV license for minors, otherwise known as a full provisional license. You can get your North Carolina drivers license when you turn 18.
How much does it cost to get your license in North Carolina?
Drivers license cost in North Carolina vary based on the amount of time your license is valid for. Permits have a set rate that does not vary based on their validity period. Costs can be paid with cash, money order, check, debit card or credit card. They include:
- $5 for every year a driver’s license is valid for.
- This includes full provisional licenses issued to minors.
- $20 for limited learner permits and provisional licenses.
North Carolina Drivers License Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Graduated Licensing from NCDOT.gov
- New Drivers from NCDOT.gov
- Driver License Tests from NCDOT.gov
Getting a New North Carolina Driver's License
You must have a North Carolina driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads and highways.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) explains how to apply for a new license if you're new to North Carolina, have never had a license before, or are a non-citizen.
NOTE: This page is for drivers 18 years old and older. If you're a teen who needs to go through the GDL process or has just moved to the state, visit our Teen Drivers page.
North Carolina REAL ID Driver's License
The NCDMV issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2020, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.
You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license—we'll walk you through the requirements below. For more detail, visit the NCDMV's guide to REAL IDs.
New to North Carolina?
Just Moved? Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.
If you have a valid out-of-state license and want to continue to drive legally, apply for a NC driver's license within 60 days of establishing permanent residence in the state.
You will need to bring proof of identity, residency and social security number when you apply. You must pass the vision exam, written test, and road signs tests. Once you pass, you'll receive a Temporary Driving Certificate; your permanent North Carolina driver's license should arrive by mail within 20 days. You may be exempt from the written and road tests if you surrender your valid out-of-state license.
If you don't have a valid out-of-state driver's license*, you'll apply for a first-time driver license in North Carolina. See “Obtain a North Carolina Learner's Permit' and “Apply for Your NC Driver's License' below.
* If you do have an out-of-state license but it's been suspended, revoked, or canceled, you must meet your former state's reinstatement requirements before getting a NC driver license. See our section on Suspended Licenses and choose your former state for details.
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Types of North Carolina Driver's Licenses
This page outlines how to obtain a first-time driver license in North Carolina for drivers 18 years old and older.
Before continuing, determine whether you need to visit any of the following pages instead:
- Teen Drivers
- Our Teen Drivers section outlines how to work through the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program and eventually obtain your full NC driver license.
- Motorcycle License
- We explain how to get a motorcycle endorsement on your provisional driver license, regular driver license, or commercial driver license (CDL).
- Applying for a New CDL
- Learn the state and federal requirements to obtain a CDL and legally operate commercial vehicles.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers the following noncommercial driver licenses for drivers 18 years old and older:
- Class A*
- This license allows you to drive combinations of noncommercial vehicles with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) of fewer than 26,001 lbs OR one including a towed unit weighing at least 10,001 lbs.
- Class B*
- This license allows you to drive any one noncommercial vehicle with a GVWR of at least 26,001 lbs OR while towing a unit weighing fewer than 10,001 lbs.
- Class C:
- This license allows you to operate regular passenger cars and trucks. The Class C license is the license most North Carolina drivers need.
* You'll apply for Class A and Class B licenses the same way you'd apply for a Class C license, except you must bring the appropriate vehicle for the license type to your road test. See “Apply for Your NC Driver's License' below.
New NC Driver's License Eligibility Requirements
Again, this page instructs you on how to get a new North Carolina driver's license if you're 18 years old or older; otherwise, refer to our Teen Drivers section.
You can apply for a new driver's license in NCsuspensions, revocations, or cancellations.You haven't been deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the NC DMV or a court. Out-of-state NC college or university students. Salespeople** who live in other states but travel to North Carolina. ![License License](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124865468/648123499.png)
You do not need a NC driver's license if you're a non-resident*. NC considers the following people non-residents:
- They must have valid out-of-state licenses.
- See “Military Drivers in NC' below.
* The NC DMV doesn't consider non-residents the same as non-citizens. For information about non-citizens, see “Non-Citizens and NC Driver's Licenses' below.
** If you live in another state but conduct business in North Carolina and aren't sure whether that qualifies you as a non-resident, contact the NC DMV. South park episodes 200 201.
Obtain a North Carolina Learner's Permit
The North Carolina DMV doesn't require you to obtain a learner's permit, but it does make them available should you want to practice driving before applying for your new Class C driver's license.
Most North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices offer appointments. Call ahead for hours and days of operation, as these vary by office.
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To apply for a NC learner's permit, visit your local NC DMV and:
- Provide the appropriate documents.
- See “Document Requirements' under “Apply for Your NC Driver's License' below.
- Pass the vision exam.
- Pass the written exam:
- Study the state's driver handbook and take a practice test or two to prepare.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pay the $20 fee.
- You must pay with cash, a personal check, or a money order.
Because learner's permits are optional, you do not have to keep your permit for any specific length of time.
Nc Driver's License New Resident
You'll receive a Temporary Driving Certificate at the DMV and your learner's permit will arrive by mail typically within 20 days.
Apply for Your New NC Driver's License
How you apply for a new North Carolina driver's license will depend on whether you obtained a learner's permit.
Permit Holders
If you have a learner's permit:
- Call your local DMV office for a driving test appointment. Some, but not all, DMV offices offer appointments.
- Show the appropriate documents (see “Document Requirements' below).
- Take and pass the driving test.
- Under normal circumstances, the DMV won't require any other tests; however, if you've experienced a change in vision you might be required to pass another vision exam.
- You'll need to bring your own registered and insured vehicle.
- Pay the applicable fee (see “NC Driver License Fees' below).
Non-Permit Holders
If you didn't obtain a learner's permit, you'll take a few more steps.
- Call your local DMV office and ask if appointments are available.
- Visit the office with required documents. The DMV provides full lists of acceptable documents for:
- REAL ID licenses.
- Non-compliant licenses.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pass a written exam.
- Expect questions on traffic signs and motor vehicle laws. You can study the state's driver handbook and take a few practice tests to prepare.
- Take and pass the driving test.
- Call your local DMV for appointment information.
- You'll need to bring your own registered and insured vehicle.
- Pay the applicable fee (see “NC Driver License Fees' below).
Once you pass the driving test, you'll receive a Temporary Driving Permit. Your permanent NC driver's license should arrive by mail within 20 days.
Document Requirements
Whether you're applying for a permit or a new driver's license, you'll be required to proof of your:
- Age and identity—1 document.
- Social Security number—1 document.
- NC residency:
- 2 documents for a REAL ID-compliant license.
- 1 document for a non-compliant license.
- Legal U.S. presence (1 document) if you are a non-citizen.
- Car insurance—1 document.
The DMV offers lists of acceptable documents for both REAL ID licenses and non-compliant licenses.
The NC DMV reserves the right to make copies of these documents, so you might not have to show them again if you've shown them once (for example, during your application for a permit). Call ahead if you're not sure.
New NC Driver License Fees
Class A, B, and C driver licenses cost $5 per year; your exact fee depends on how many years you have before it's time to renew, and that time period depends on your age:
- Ages 18 to 65 years old: 8 years.
- Ages 66 years old and older: 5 years.
Military Drivers in NC
Military personnel and their dependents do not need to apply for North Carolina driver licenses; they are considered non-residents.
However, if you're in the military or a dependent or a military member and your license expires, you must apply for a new North Carolina driver's license IF your home state:
- Won't renew your out-of-state license while you're in NC.
- Hasn't granted you a military extension.
You'll apply for your license the same way NC residents apply. See above.
North Carolina Drivers License New Resident
Non-Citizens and NC Driver's Licenses
Moving To North Carolina Driver's License
Non-citizens apply for their North Carolina driver's licenses the same way U.S. citizens apply, except for the following document requirements:
If you have been assigned a Social Security number, you must show:
- Either your Social Security Card OR proof of your SSN, such as:
- W-2 Form.
- DD-214 Form.
- Property tax records.
Whether or not you've been issued a SSN, you must show legal presence documentation issued by the U.S. government, such as:
- I-551 Permanent Resident Card.
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- I-766 Employment Authorization Card.
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) provides a list of acceptable residency documents for non-citizens.
International Driver Licenses
![License License](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124865468/648123499.png)
North Carolina doesn't honor international driver licenses; you must have a license government-issued in North Carolina or your home state to legally drive in NC.
For more information specific to your situation, contact the NC DMV.
Moving To Nc Vehicle Registration
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