What You Need to Get a North Carolina ID

North Carolina issues two types of identification: a driver's license (which lets you drive) and a non-driver ID (which is for identification only, with no driving privileges). Both are issued by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can get either one in person at a DMV office, and the process is the same whether you are getting your first ID or renewing an expired one.

You will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and North Carolina residency. The exact documents depend on whether you were born in the United States, are a U.S. citizen, and whether you have a Social Security number. DMV staff can tell you which documents you need before your visit if you call ahead or check the DMV website.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency to get an ID.
  • A non-driver ID costs $20 and is valid for eight years; a driver's license costs $20 and is valid for eight years.
  • You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the North Carolina DMV website before you go.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a non-driver ID by bringing a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

The DMV requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of North Carolina residency, and a completed process form. You must bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If a document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a visa, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card (green card) as well.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number and are not may be able to access for one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that fact.

For proof of North Carolina residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government-issued document. A piece of mail from a government agency counts. A credit card statement does not.

How to Find Your Local DMV Office and Make an Appointment

North Carolina has DMV offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the North Carolina DMV website at ncdmv.org. The website shows which offices are open, their hours, and how long the wait is right now—this changes throughout the day.

You can walk in without an appointment, but making one ahead of time will save you hours of waiting. To schedule an appointment, go to ncdmv.org, click "Schedule an Appointment," and choose your county and preferred time. You will receive a confirmation number by email or text. Bring that confirmation number with you when you go.

If you cannot get to an office during regular hours, some DMV locations stay open late one evening per week. Check the website for your county office to see which day that is.

What Happens When You Arrive at the DMV

Bring all your documents, your confirmation number if you made an appointment, and a completed process form. You can fill out the form at home before you go—the DMV website has the form to read, or you can fill it out on a tablet at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and whether you want a driver's license or non-driver ID.

A DMV staff member will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. For a non-driver ID, the fee is $20. For a driver's license, the fee is also $20. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. If you are getting a driver's license, you will also take a written test on North Carolina traffic laws and a driving test (unless you are renewing and already have a valid license).

Your ID will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper ID at the office that you can use right away while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Special Situations: No Social Security Number or Non-U.S. Citizen

If you do not have a Social Security number and are not may be able to access for one, you can still get a non-driver ID. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access. You will not be able to get a driver's license without a Social Security number.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have a valid visa or green card, you can get a non-driver ID. Bring your passport and visa or green card along with the other required documents. A non-driver ID for a non-citizen is valid only as long as your visa or green card is valid—it will expire on the same date your immigration document expires.

If you are a U.S. citizen but were born outside the United States, bring your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport along with your birth certificate. The DMV will verify your citizenship before issuing your ID.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Visit

The most common mistake is bringing documents that are not originals or certified copies. Photocopies, even if they are notarized, will not be accepted. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, order a certified copy from the county or state where you were born before you go to the DMV.

Another common mistake is bringing a document that does not show your current address for the residency requirement. A utility bill from six months ago will not work—it must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved, bring a lease or mortgage statement with your new address.

Do not forget to bring your Social Security card or another document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have one of these, the DMV cannot issue your ID that day and you will have to come back.

Renewing or Replacing an Expired or Lost ID

If your North Carolina ID has expired, you can renew it by mail if it expired less than five years ago and you have not changed your name or address. Go to ncdmv.org, read the renewal form, and mail it with your expired ID and a check for $20 to the address on the form. Your new ID will arrive in 5 to 10 business days.

If your ID was lost or stolen, you must go to a DMV office in person. Bring your documents the same way you would for a new ID. The fee is $20. If you need to report the ID as stolen for fraud protection, contact the DMV office directly—they can flag it in the system right away.

If you changed your name after your ID was issued, you must go in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The fee to update your name is $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a North Carolina ID?

Your plastic ID card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper ID at the DMV office that day, which you can use right away for most purposes. Some businesses may not accept the paper ID, so ask if you need the plastic card for something specific.

Can I get a North Carolina ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can bring a foreign passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization instead of a birth certificate. You must bring one of these documents as proof of identity. If you cannot find any of these, contact your DMV office to ask what other documents they will accept.

What if I do not have proof of North Carolina residency?

You must bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a letter from your employer with your address will work. Call your DMV office ahead of time if you are unsure whether a document will be accepted.

Can I get a driver's license without taking a driving test?

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to North Carolina without taking a test. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents. If you do not have a valid license from another state, you must pass both a written test and a driving test to get a North Carolina driver's license.

What if I am under 18?

You can get a non-driver ID at any age with a parent or guardian's permission. For a driver's license, North Carolina allows you to get a learner's permit at 15 and a full license at 16. You will need a parent or guardian to sign your process. Bring the same documents as an adult, plus a signed parental consent form.