Free practice test

Tests

Driving testsCitizenship testsSchool and university admissionsNursing, medicine and healthEnglish and French testsTeachingMoney, law and insuranceTrades and work licencesPilots, drones, boats and radio

Countries

United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomAustraliaNew Zealand

North Carolina · Permit test

License replacement in NC: lost, damaged, new name or address

If your license or ID is lost, stolen, damaged or shows an old address, you can order a duplicate online, at a self-service kiosk or at a driver license office. Online license replacement in NC needs your license or ID number and a photo on file from the last five years. A name change has to be done in person.

  • 60 daysTo report a new name or address
  • 5 yearsOldest photo on file for online orders
  • 24-36 hoursUpdate Social Security this long before a name change
Order a replacement onlineFree practice test

Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

How does license replacement in NC work?

Online or at a kiosk, you need your license or ID number, a valid license with active status or a valid ID, and a photo on file from the last five years. If you don’t know your number, NCDMV suggests looking on your vehicle registration card or asking your car insurer, employer or school, doctor’s office, landlord, bank or tax preparer. Otherwise, go to a driver license office.

You have to go in person if:

  • Your license is suspended, or you owe NCDMV money
  • You need a duplicate CDL with a P or S endorsement
  • NCDMV has a U.S. government legal presence document on file for you
  • You want a REAL ID

An expired, suspended or canceled license can’t be replaced, only renewed or reinstated.

My NC DMV online services and fees →North Carolina DMV REAL ID →What a duplicate costs →

Changing your name with the NC DMV

  1. Update your name with the Social Security Administration first. NCDMV checks names against Social Security’s system, and says to visit at least 24 to 36 hours before you come in.
  2. Get proof of the change, such as a certified marriage license or certificate, a divorce decree, or a court or Register of Deeds document. A notarized form DL-101, available at DMV offices, is also listed.
  3. Go to a driver license office within 60 days of the change for a duplicate in your new name.

Documents must come from a government agency in the United States, Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory or Canada.

Changing your address

If you move within North Carolina, you have 60 days to get a replacement license and a duplicate registration card, and both can be done online. If only your mailing address changed and you didn’t move, contact NCDMV instead. Moving here from another state is a different process.

Moving to NC: what the DMV needs →DMV license renewal in NC →
Sources: NCDMV and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

OverviewPractice testWhere to learnDMV appointmentCostWhat to bringMy NC DMVRoad testRoad signsAge rulesNC Driver Handbook

Your license

Driver’s licenseLearner’s permitProvisional licenseLicense renewalLicense checkEye examMoving to NCREAL IDCDL

Offices and help

DMV officesEn español