— information courtesy of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles
North Carolina drivers have two extra years to renew their driver licenses, thanks to Senate Bill 391 and efforts by the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles reduce wait times and long lines at DMV offices across the state.
The new law went into effect July 1, but there are some exceptions that drivers need to know about: the law is only for Class C licenses, which is the standard passenger vehicle license, and it’s for in-state driving.
The moratorium, in effect through Dec. 31, 2027, applies only to Class C licenses and allows continued in-state driving privileges during the two-year grace period, according to information from the NCDMV. “Expired licenses will not be valid for any purpose other than establishing the license holder’s driving privilege, including identification purposes and air travel, and may not be recognized by other states or federal entities. The moratorium does not apply to commercial driver licenses, or any licenses that are suspended, revoked, or cancelled,” the NCDMV statement read.
“Thank you to the Legislature and Governor for this temporary measure to provide flexibility for North Carolina drivers while we work to address the increased demand for our services,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “Customers may present expired Class C licenses for in-state driving privileges only if the expiration date is July 1, 2025, or later. However, we advise our customers to renew their licenses to ensure they remain valid for identification purposes, including to fly, rent a car, get a bank loan, fill a prescription and have documents notarized.”
Saturday Service Hours Resume at 20 Locations
Beginning again this weekend, and through Aug. 23, NCDMV will offer walk-in services at 20 locations on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., no appointment needed. Available services include driver license and ID card renewals, duplicates, address changes, REAL ID issuance, and road tests for those who have completed knowledge and written tests.
Before visiting, check if your needs can be met online. NCDMV provides many services digitally, such as license and ID renewals, duplicates, address changes, and voter registration applications. Visit https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/online/Pages/default.aspx to find out if you can conduct your business online instead of heading to the local DMV office.