How to Get a Driver's License in North Carolina

New to the Charlotte area or just a first time driver? Here are all the things you need to know to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License, including testing requirements, fees and required documents.

After I move to Charlotte from out-of-state, how long do I have to obtain my North Carolina Driver's License?
A new resident has 60 days after establishing residence to obtain a North Carolina driver license or learner permit. A vehicle owner must register his or her motor vehicle with the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Where do I go to get my license?
You need to apply in person at the nearest driver's license office.

Where are the Charlotte area driver's license offices?

• East Charlotte
  6635 Executive Circle, Suite 130
  Charlotte, NC 28212
  Ph: (704) 531-5563
  Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30
  
• North Charlotte
  8446 North Tryon Street
  Charlotte, NC 28213
  Ph: (704) 547-5786, (704) 547-5787
  Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30
  
• South Charlotte
  201-H West Arrowood Road
  Charlotte, NC 28217
  Ph: (704) 527-2562 , (704) 527-2563
  Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30
  
• West Charlotte
  6016 Brookshire Boulevard
  Charlotte, NC 28216
  Ph: (704) 392-3266 , (704) 392-3267
  Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00
  
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What documents do I need to bring with me to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License?

You need to bring each of the following with you:

• Proof of Residency: You will need to provide any document issued by the State of North Carolina or any of its political subdivisions (county, city, tax district, etc.) or by the federal government, an apartment lease, housing contract, or mortgage statement, a utility bill (ie. power bill, cable bill, water bill, etc.) or a Matricula Consular issued by the Mexican consulate.
• Proof of Age: You will need a total of TWO documents from this category, one of which must show your date of birth. If you recently moved, an unexpired "out-of-state" driver license with photo counts as one form of identification.
• Proof of Liability Insurance
• Proof of Social Security Number: You will need your Social Security Card, a computer generated W-2 tax form or other computer-generated document from the IRS or a state or county revenue department OR a payroll stub

Will I need to take any written or road tests?
If you already have a license from another state, you will be required to take a written road sign recognition and vision tests. A road test may be required. It's an excellent idea to study the North Carolina DMV Driver Handbook.

How much does it cost to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License?

• Class A, B or C License: $4.00/ yr
• Motorcycle Endorsement: $1.75/ yr
• Duplicate License/ID: $10.00
• Learner Permit: $15.00/
• Motorycycle Learner Permit: $15.00