What You Need to Know Before You Go

North Carolina issues two types of ID cards: a standard ID card and a Real ID-compliant ID card. The standard card costs $20 and is valid for eight years. The Real ID card costs $30 and is also valid for eight years, but meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. Both are issued by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

You do not need a driver's license to get an ID card. The card serves as proof of identity and age for people who do not drive or who want a second form of identification. You can explore in person at any DMV office across the state.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with your original documents — you cannot explore by mail or online.
  • Bring proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or valid out-of-state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency.
  • A standard ID card costs $20 and a Real ID card costs $30; both are valid for eight years.
  • You will receive your card by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your DMV visit.

Documents You Must Bring

North Carolina requires original documents, not copies. Bring one document from each of these three categories.

Proof of identity: Your original birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, valid passport card, valid military ID, valid tribal ID, or a valid ID card from another state or country. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy with a raised seal or embossed seal.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a benefit statement from Social Security, SSI, or SSDI. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number.

Proof of North Carolina residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count.

Steps to explore at the DMV

Find your nearest DMV office on the North Carolina DMV website. You can search by county or city. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others take appointments. Check your local office's hours and appointment policy before you go.

Arrive with all three categories of documents listed above. At the office, tell the staff member you want to explore for an ID card and specify whether you want a standard card or a Real ID card. The staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee ($20 or $30).

You will receive a receipt with a confirmation number. Keep this receipt. Your card will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied.

Standard ID Card vs. Real ID Card

A standard ID card proves your identity and age. It works for most everyday purposes: entering bars or clubs, buying age-restricted items, and opening a bank account. It is not valid for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

A Real ID card meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You can use it to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base. The process process is identical to the standard card, but the fee is $10 more. Real ID cards have a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you are unsure which card you need, choose the Real ID card. It works for everything a standard card does, plus federal purposes. The extra $10 is worth the flexibility.

What Happens If Your Documents Are Missing or Expired

If your birth certificate does not have a raised or embossed seal, you cannot use it. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $15 to $30.

If your out-of-state ID is expired, you can still use it as proof of identity. The DMV accepts expired IDs as long as they are not more than five years past expiration. If your ID is older than that, use your birth certificate or passport instead.

If you do not have a Social Security card and cannot find another document showing your number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card. This takes about two weeks.

ID Card Renewal and Replacement

Your ID card is valid for eight years. When it expires, you must visit a DMV office in person to renew it. The renewal process is the same as the initial process: bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency, and pay the fee.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DMV office. Bring the same documents as you would for a new card. A replacement card costs $20 (standard) or $30 (Real ID) and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Finding Your Local DMV Office and Hours

Visit the North Carolina DMV website and use the office locator tool. Search by county or city to find the office nearest you. The website lists each office's hours, phone number, and whether it accepts appointments or walk-ins only.

Some offices are busier than others. If you can, visit early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a Saturday. Call ahead if you have questions about which documents to bring or whether your specific situation requires anything extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or valid ID from another state instead. You still need proof of your Social Security number and North Carolina residency.

How long does it take to get my ID card?

The DMV visit takes about 30 minutes. Your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some DMV offices offer expedited service for an extra fee — call your local office to ask.

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

Bring any document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address: a lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A post office mail forwarding notice does not count.

Can I use my ID card to fly on an airplane?

Only if you have a Real ID card. A standard ID card is not valid for domestic air travel. If you have a standard card and want to fly, you will need a passport or other federal ID instead.

What if I lost my ID card after I got it?

Visit any DMV office and request a replacement. Bring the same documents you brought for your original card. The replacement costs $20 or $30 and arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.