What You Need to Get a North Carolina ID

North Carolina issues two types of identification: a standard ID card and a driver's license. Both require you to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. You cannot get an ID entirely by mail or online — you must show up with original documents and have your photo taken.

The state ID card is for people who do not drive or do not want a driver's license. A driver's license lets you operate a vehicle and serves as ID. Both cost money, take about 30 minutes to an hour at the DMV office, and are valid for eight years (or five years if you are under 18).

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 U.S. or outside it, and whether you have ever held an NC ID or license before.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DMV office in person with original documents — there is no online or mail-only option for getting your first ID.
  • A standard ID card costs $20 and is valid for eight years; a driver's license costs more but lets you drive legally.
  • You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular report), proof of your Social Security number, and proof you live in North Carolina.
  • DMV offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and wait times vary by location — calling ahead or checking online can tell you the current wait.
  • If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or visa; if you were born in the U.S., a certified birth certificate works.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

North Carolina groups required documents into three categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You need at least one document from each group, and they must be original documents or certified copies — photocopies do not work.

Proof of identity means one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born), a consular report of birth abroad, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a current ID from another state. If you were born outside the U.S., your passport or visa is the fastest option.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document showing your number — some bank statements or insurance papers work, but call your local DMV office first to confirm what they will accept.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current North Carolina address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a paycheck stub, a property tax bill, or a government letter addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address is not enough on its own.

Where to Find Your Nearest DMV Office

North Carolina has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you on the NC DMV website at ncdmv.org. The site has a location finder where you enter your county or city and see all nearby offices, their hours, and their phone numbers.

Some offices are busier than others. If you live near a major city, the downtown office may have longer waits than a suburban location. Calling ahead or checking the DMV website can tell you the current wait time at your chosen office — many offices post this information online or by phone.

Hours vary by location, but most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some closing for lunch. A few offices have Saturday hours. Check your specific office's schedule before you go, because some close earlier than others or have different hours on certain days.

The Step-by-Step Process at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV office, you will check in at the front desk or take a number from a machine. Have your documents ready and organized — staff move faster when they do not have to search through a pile. Tell the staff member you are getting a state ID or driver's license for the first time.

The staff will review your documents to make sure they are original and meet the requirements. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what else you need. If your documents are in order, they will ask you to fill out an process form — for a state ID it is the DL 44 form; for a driver's license it is also the DL 44. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other basic information.

Next, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your ID for eight years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, and the background is always plain. After the photo, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt with your process number.

Your ID will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. The receipt you get at the DMV is temporary proof of identity until your card arrives. Keep it in a safe place. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can ask the DMV about a temporary driving permit on the same day.

Cost and Payment Methods

A North Carolina state ID card costs $20. A driver's license costs $20 for the license itself, plus an additional fee if you want a REAL ID-compliant license (which is required for federal buildings and air travel). The REAL ID upgrade is $10, making the total $30 for a REAL ID driver's license.

The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on which cards they take, so bringing cash is the safest option. If you cannot pay at the time of your visit, you cannot get your ID that day — you will need to reschedule.

If you are under 18, the cost is the same, but your ID will be valid for only five years instead of eight. You will need to renew it sooner, but the process is the same.

Special Situations: Name Changes, Corrections, and Renewals

If your name has changed since your last ID or birth certificate — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order works. The DMV will update your name on your new ID at no extra cost.

If there is an error on your birth certificate or other identity document, you cannot fix it at the DMV. You will need to contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a corrected certificate. Once you have the corrected document, you can return to the DMV with it.

If you already have an NC ID or driver's license and it is expiring or expired, the renewal process is different and faster. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation. Check the NC DMV website for renewal instructions, as they are separate from getting your first ID.

What to Do If You Lose Your Documents Before Your Visit

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states allow you to order online or by mail, and it usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. Search "[your state] vital records" to find the office and ordering process.

If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card takes about 2 weeks.

If you do not have proof of residency, a utility bill in your name is the easiest to get. Contact your electric, water, or gas company and ask them to mail you a recent bill, or check if you can view and print a bill online. If you rent, ask your landlord for a copy of your lease or a letter confirming your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you need an original identity document like a birth certificate, passport, or consular report. If you do not have a birth certificate, you must order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born before you can go to the DMV. This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a North Carolina ID without a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you must explore for one first through the Social Security Administration. This is a separate process from getting an ID and takes several weeks.

Do I need a REAL ID, or is a regular state ID enough?

A regular state ID works for most purposes. You need a REAL ID-compliant license only if you want to use your ID to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. If you just need ID for everyday use, a standard state ID or driver's license is fine.

How long does it take to get an ID after my visit?

Your ID arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days. The receipt you get at the DMV is temporary proof of identity until your card arrives. If you need to drive before your license arrives, ask the DMV about a temporary driving permit on the same day.

What if I moved to North Carolina from another state?

You can get a North Carolina ID even if you just moved here. Bring your out-of-state ID or driver's license as proof of identity, plus proof of your new North Carolina address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The process is the same as getting your first ID.