Moving to a new state can be an exciting adventure that includes a new job, new house, new friends, and new places to explore and discover. North Carolina has huge appeal, with the Great Smoky Mountains, the Outer Banks, and the urban excitement of the Charlotte and Raleigh areas. But moving has its downside, and one of those negative issues is having to get a new driver's license. Here's the inside skinny on how to do that as painlessly as possible in North Carolina.

North Carolina Department Of Motor Vehicles
Location North Carolina Driver License Requirements
North Carolina Driver License Restriction Codes

New residents have 60 days to apply for a North Carolina driver's license. Licenses in North Carolina are valid for five to eight years depending on your age. Those who are 18 to 65 get a license that is good for eight years; those 66 and older get a five-year license. New drivers under 18 are licensed in a graduated manner with provisional licenses.

Documentation

Get directions, reviews and information for North Carolina DMV in Durham, NC. Or read below to see what types of services the North Carolina DMV has to offer. NC DMV Office Services. In North Carolina, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is in charge of all things driving-related, from the personal paperwork you need to hit the road to. Getting Your Full North Carolina Driver’s License Those with the patience to go through NC’s graduated licensing program can apply for their unrestricted (“adult”) license at age 18. This includes having passed multiple tests, show driving responsibility, completed a driver’s education course and stayed enrolled in school. A North Carolina drivers license is required for all residents of the state who want to drive on public roads. To get a DMV license in North Carolina as an adult, you simply need to pass the required tests and provide documentation proving you are who you say you are. However, the process is more extensive for minors. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Main Office: Phone: (919) 715-7000. Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. Website: Driver Licensing & Title/Registration. Mailing Addresses: NC Division of Motor Vehicles Vehicle Registration Section Mail and Distribution Unit 3148 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC. NC Division of Motor Vehicles. Driver License.

If you are a new resident age 18 or older and applying for the first time for a North Carolina driver's license, you will need the following documents:

Proof of residency: You will need one document that proves your residency, like a voter registration card, a North Carolina vehicle registration, or correspondence from the Social Security Administration.
Proof of age and identity: You will need two documents that prove your age and identity. One of those documents must be a Social Security card or documentation issued by the U.S. government indicating legal presence. If you are not eligible for a Social Security card, you must provide documentation issued by the U.S. government indicating your legal presence in this country. The other document can be your driver's license from another state or your birth certificate.

Proof of liability insurance: You will need one document that proves that you have liability insurance. Most people provide their insurance card or policy for this.
When applying for your driver's license you will be also asked about organ donation, voter registration, and selective service registration.

Required Tests

Everyone must take four tests to get a new driver's license in North Carolina. They are:

North Carolina Department Of Motor Vehicles

Location North Carolina Driver License Requirements

Driving knowledge test
Vision test
Traffic signs recognition test
Road test of your driving skills

Since you are a new resident, studying North Carolina's driving rules and laws before you apply for your license is a good idea.

Getting Your License

North Carolina Driver License Restriction Codes

After you submit the required documentation and pass the tests, you're in the home stretch. Your picture will be taken, and you will be charged the appropriate fees. Payment for transactions at Department of Motor Vehicle offices can be made in cash or money order or with personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit and debit cards. North Carolina issues driver's licenses from a central location in Raleigh, and you will receive a temporary permit while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.