Get a REAL ID in North Carolina

Online or in person

No, first REAL ID in person · One visit to a driver license officeYour first North Carolina REAL ID can't be obtained online. Once you have one, you can renew it online, but a second online renewal in a row is allowed only if you had an in-person visit with a new photo since your last renewal. Walk in any time the office is open (until it reaches capacity), or book an appointment up to seven days ahead.

Cost

No extra REAL ID feeWithin six months of expiration you pay the regular renewal fee. Earlier, it's processed as a replacement, which costs $16.75.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity and date of birth
     With your full name. Photocopies of a birth certificate are not allowed unless certified by the issuing agency. Digital passports are not accepted.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certified birth certificate (from a county Register of Deeds or the state Vital Records Office; issued in the U.S., a U.S. territory or Canada. Puerto Rico certificates must be issued July 1, 2010 or later)
     • U.S. Report of Consular Birth Abroad
     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
     • Valid, unexpired foreign passport (with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa and an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record)
     • Valid, unexpired REAL ID driver license or ID card from a REAL ID-compliant state
   • Proof of Social Security number
     With your full name and full Social Security number. No photocopies, laminated cards or metal or plastic replicas of the card. Medicare cards, DD-214 forms, military records and other Social Security Administration documents can't be used for a REAL ID.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • 1099 tax form (no other IRS form is acceptable)
     • W-2 form
     • Payroll record
   • Two proofs of North Carolina residency · 2 different documents
     With your current physical address. You can bring printed documents or securely upload digital copies during your visit.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Document from the State of North Carolina, an N.C. county or city, or the federal government
     • NC vehicle registration card, insurance policy or title
     • NC voter precinct card
     • Military orders or military documents
     • Utility or cable bill
     • Lease or housing contract, mortgage statement, or property or income tax statement
     • Preprinted financial statement
     • School records
     • Letter from a homeless shelter
   • Proof of liability insurance
     Coverage from a provider licensed to do business in North Carolina. Not required for a learner's permit. Each driver must be listed on the document when applying as a new driver.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Insurance policy (showing when it was issued and when it expires)
     • Insurance card (with your name, policy number, and effective and expiration dates)
     • DL-123 insurance form
     • Insurance binder
     • Form letter following the DL-123 form

2. Book an appointment or walk in

   Driver license offices take walk-ins all day, until the office reaches capacity. You can also book an appointment up to seven days ahead and pick Driver License – First Time, Driver License Duplicate, Driver License Renewal or ID Card in the scheduler. Confirm the booking within 15 minutes or the slot is released.

   Driver license appointments on ncdot.gov ↗

3. Visit a driver license office

   Bring your documents and a payment method to any driver license office. Staff review your original identity, citizenship and legal presence documents, and your documents are scanned and stored in your NCDMV record. Expect a new photo; within six months of expiration you also take a vision test.

   Find a driver license office on ncdot.gov ↗