Getting a Driver's License or State ID in North Carolina

In order to obtain a Driver’s License in North Carolina, you will need to do the following:

1. Obtain Liability Insurance

This insurance is a pre-requisite to applying for your Driver’s License and covers you as a driver on North Carolina roads.

EXCEPTION: Proof of Insurance is not needed if you do not own a registered motor vehicle and you do not plan to drive a private passenger motor vehicle owned by another person. In this case, you will be required to sign a certification of exemption (DL-123A) at the Driver License office. The exemption restricts you to driving “Fleet Vehicles Only”, such as Zip Cars (insurance included) or rental cars (you must purchase liability insurance offered by the rental car company).

2. Gather Your Documents

You will need the following documents to apply for a N.C. Driver’s License:

• Form 1-20 (F1/F2) or DS-2019 (J1/J2)
• Passport
• F1/J1/F2/J2 Visa Stamp (exception: Canadian students)
• I-94 Record: This is available electronically at http://cbp.gov/i94. (Note: paper cards are still being issued at all land port of entries. If you receive a paper card, be sure not to lose it.)
• Proof of Residency*
• Proof of Insurance

*Proof of Residency must have your current local address. Any of the following items can provide proof of residency: apartment lease, housing contract, mortgage statement, cable bill, electric bill, etc. 

3. Take Tests and Pay Fees

You must pass the following tests in order to obtain a N.C. Driver’s License:

• Vision Test (bring any corrective lenses/glasses)
• Common Signs Test 
• Written Test
• Road Test (a car is required for this brief trip with an officer who will assess your driving abilities)

Once you pass the above tests, you will receive your N.C. Driver’s License in the mail. You will receive a temporary driving certificate that allows you to operate a car until your license arrives. Note: the temporary certificate does not serve as a form of identification.

The NC State ID Card does not allow you to drive in the U.S., but it serves as official identification which can be used in lieu of your passport while in the U.S.

To obtain a State ID Card, you must complete the following steps:

1. Gather Documents

• Form I-20 (F1/F2) or Form DS-2019 (J1/J2)
• Passport
• F1/J1/F2/J2 Visa Stamp (exception: Canadian students)
• I-94 Record: available electronically at http://cbp.gov/i94. (Note: paper cards are still being issued at all land port of entries. If you receive a paper card, be sure not to lose it)
• Proof of Residency*
• Pay Fee (cash, money order or personal check made payable to NC DMV)

*Proof of Residency must have your current local address. Any of the following items can provide proof of residency: apartment lease, housing contract, mortgage statement, cable bill, electric bill, etc. 

2. Make an appointment with the Division of Motor Vehicles 

• Present the documents above 

When you purchase a vehicle, you receive a title from the owner or dealer. You will need to register the vehicle in your name with the State of North Carolina and receive a license plate.

1. Obtain a  NC Driver’s License or State ID

2. Gather Documents

1. Title for the vehicle that has been properly signed and notarized 
2. NC Driver’s License or State ID Card
3. Proof of Liability Insurance 

3. Pay Fees

1. Certificate of Title 
2. License Plate 
3. One-Time State Road Tax (a percentage of the vehicle purchase price or value)

4. Pay Follow-Up County Fee

In 2-3 months, you will receive a bill from the county for a percentage of the purchase price/road tax. You will receive this bill every year you own a car that is registered in North Carolina.

For more information, visit the North Carlina Department of Motor Vehicle’s website.