What You Need to Get a North Carolina ID Card

North Carolina issues ID cards through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can get a standard ID card, a REAL ID card (which meets federal travel requirements), or a Real ID card with a gold star. The process requires you to visit a DMV office in person with specific documents — you cannot complete this by mail or online.

The DMV will not issue an ID card without proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency. You must also pass a vision test at the office. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign the process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with a valid passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID to prove who you are.
  • Bring a Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
  • Proof of North Carolina residency requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address.
  • Standard ID cards cost $20 and are valid for eight years; REAL ID cards cost $30 and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days; you will receive your card by mail at the address you provide.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The DMV accepts a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a previous North Carolina driver's license or ID card. A photocopy or a birth certificate ordered online without a raised seal will not work.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself works, but so does a W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

For proof of North Carolina residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a piece of mail from a government agency all work. A credit card statement does not count. If you recently moved and do not have a document in your name yet, bring an affidavit of residency, which you can get from the DMV office itself.

Steps to Follow at the DMV Office

First, find your nearest DMV office on the North Carolina DMV website and check its hours. Some offices take walk-ins; others require an appointment. You can book an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling the office directly. Walk-in wait times vary widely depending on location and time of day.

Arrive with all your documents and be ready to take a vision test. The DMV will check your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will sign the process in front of the DMV staff. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and sign as well.

After you finish, the DMV will give you a receipt. Your ID card will be mailed to the address you provided within about 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, some DMV offices can issue a temporary paper ID on the spot, though this is not standard at all locations — ask when you visit.

Choosing Between Standard ID and REAL ID

A standard North Carolina ID card costs $20 and is valid for eight years. It works for most everyday purposes, such as proving your age at a store or entering a state building. However, it is not accepted for federal purposes.

A REAL ID card costs $30 and is also valid for eight years. It has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security. You will need a REAL ID card to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or visit a military base. Starting May 7, 2025, a standard ID card will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel — you will need either a REAL ID card, a passport, or another federally approved document.

The documents you bring are the same for both types. The main difference is the fee and what the card is accepted for. If you travel by air or enter federal buildings, get the REAL ID card now to avoid problems after May 2025.

ID Cards for People Without a Social Security Number

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an ID card. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. This letter must be original or certified. The DMV will process your process the same way, and your card will be valid for the same length of time.

If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, bring your passport and visa or other immigration document along with the Social Security Administration letter. The DMV accepts ID cards for people in various immigration statuses, but you must have valid documentation of your status.

What Happens If Your Documents Are Expired or Incomplete

An expired passport or driver's license can still work as proof of identity — the DMV does not require it to be current. However, a birth certificate must be certified (with a raised seal from the vital records office) or original. A photocopy will not be accepted, even if it is notarized.

If you arrive at the DMV without all required documents, the staff will tell you what is missing. You will need to go home, gather the missing items, and return. This is why checking the DMV website before you go is worth the time — it lists exactly what counts as proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number in North Carolina.

ID Cards for Minors and Guardianship

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV office and sign your process. Bring the same documents you would bring as an adult — proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. The parent or guardian must also bring a photo ID to prove who they are.

If you are in foster care or have a court-appointed guardian, bring the court order or foster care paperwork along with the guardian's ID. The DMV staff can help you understand what documents you need in your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an ID card if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a previous North Carolina driver's license or ID card instead. If you have none of these, you can order a certified birth certificate from the North Carolina vital records office or the vital records office of the state where you were born.

How long does it take to get an ID card in the mail?

The DMV typically mails your card within 10 business days of your visit. Delivery by mail takes a few more days depending on where you live. Some DMV offices can issue a temporary paper ID at the time of your visit, though this is not available everywhere.

What if I moved to North Carolina recently and do not have a utility bill in my name yet?

Bring any document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address — a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. If you have none of these, the DMV office can provide an affidavit of residency form that you fill out and sign in front of staff.

Do I need a REAL ID card or a standard ID card?

If you fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you need a REAL ID card starting May 7, 2025. If you only use your ID for everyday purposes like proving your age, a standard card works. A REAL ID costs $10 more and is valid for the same eight years.

What if I lost my ID card or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement by visiting the DMV with your documents again. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency just as you did for your first card. The DMV will issue a new card with a new number and photograph.