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 at any DMV office without having a driver's license. The process takes about 30 minutes in person, and the card costs $13.50 and is valid for eight years.

You will need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The DMV accepts a range of documents for each category — you do not need a passport or birth certificate specifically, though either works. If you do not have all three types of proof, the DMV website lists acceptable alternatives for each one.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you are 18 or older, you can go alone. The DMV does not require an appointment for ID cards, though you can schedule one online to skip the wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You need three types of documents: proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID from another state), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • The card costs $13.50, takes about 30 minutes to receive in person, and is valid for eight years.
  • You can walk into any DMV office without an appointment, or schedule one online to reduce wait time.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.

Documents You Must Bring

The DMV groups required documents into three categories. You need at least one document from each group.

Proof of identity: A valid driver's license from another state, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a state ID from another state all work. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card is the fastest option. If you do not have it, bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. A paystub with your full Social Security number also works.

Proof of current address: A utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check all count. The document must show your name and current North Carolina address. A cell phone bill does not count. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Where to Go and How to Schedule

The DMV operates about 70 license plate offices across North Carolina. You can find the nearest one on the DMV website by entering your zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days.

You do not need an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, though wait times vary. If you want to avoid a long wait, you can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website. Appointments typically reduce your wait to 15 minutes or less. You can schedule up to 30 days in advance.

If you cannot get to an office in person, you cannot get an ID card by mail. The DMV requires you to appear in person for the photo and signature. Some counties offer mobile DMV services at community centers or libraries — check your county's DMV website to see if this is available near you.

What Happens When You Arrive

Bring all three types of documents, your Social Security number, and your current address. A DMV staff member will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your signature. They will ask you to confirm your address and other basic information. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

You will receive your ID card on the spot. The card is printed at the office and handed to you before you leave. If the DMV finds a problem with your documents — for example, if your address proof is older than 60 days — they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Cost and Card Validity

A standard North Carolina ID card costs $13.50 and is valid for eight years. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card at the office. If your card is lost or stolen, a replacement costs $13.50 and takes the same 30 minutes to receive.

If you turn 18 while your ID card is valid, you do not need to renew it early. Your card remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. When it expires, you can renew it by mail for $13.50 without going to an office, or you can go in person if you want a new photo.

If You Are Under 18

A parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV office. They must bring their own valid ID — the same types accepted for adult applicants. The parent or guardian does not need to bring proof of address or Social Security number, only their ID.

If you are 16 or 17, you can renew your card by mail when it expires, but you must get your first card in person. If you are under 16, you must renew in person as well.

If You Do Not Have All Required Documents

If you are missing one of the three types of documents, the DMV has a list of alternatives for each category on its website. For example, if you do not have a Social Security card and cannot get a tax return, you can request a Social Security statement from ssa.gov — it arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport and cannot get one quickly, a military ID or tribal ID counts as proof of identity. If you do not have a recent utility bill, a lease agreement or mortgage statement dated within 60 days works for address proof.

If you are still missing documents after checking the alternatives, call your local DMV office. Staff can tell you what other documents might work in your situation. Some offices can make exceptions for people who have a documented reason they cannot get a standard document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an ID card if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. North Carolina law requires proof of a Social Security number to issue any ID card. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard ID card. You may be able to get a limited-purpose ID if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but this is a separate process — call the DMV to ask.

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

You cannot get an ID card by mail. The DMV requires you to appear in person for your photo and signature. You must go to a DMV office. However, if you already have an ID card and it is expiring, you can renew it by mail without going in person.

What if I moved to North Carolina recently and still have an ID from another state?

Your out-of-state ID counts as proof of identity. Bring it along with proof of your new North Carolina address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and proof of your Social Security number. You can get a North Carolina ID card at any DMV office.

Do I need an ID card if I have a driver's license?

No. A driver's license serves the same purpose as an ID card for most situations. You only need a separate ID card if you do not drive or do not want a driver's license. Some people get an ID card because it is cheaper than a driver's license or because they prefer not to have driving privileges on their ID.

Can I renew my ID card before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your card at any time before it expires by going to a DMV office with the same documents you brought for your first card. There is no penalty for renewing early, though you will pay the full $13.50 fee again.