North Carolina Driver Handbook Flashcards

North Carolina Driver Handbook

Introduction

  • Earning a North Carolina driver license provides travel opportunities but requires responsibility in following traffic rules.
  • There are 7.5 million licensed drivers in North Carolina.
  • Safe driving practices help reduce the number of accidents and fatalities, which currently stand at 273,000 crashes and over 1,700 fatalities annually.
  • The handbook prepares drivers for the license examination and promotes safe driving techniques.
  • Locations of driver license offices and information can be found at MyNCDMV.gov.

DMV Information Access

  • DMVdirectAccess:
    • Automated information via telephone at 919-715-7000, available 24/7.
    • Provides facts on:
      • Driver licenses, permits, endorsements, CDLs, and special identification cards.
      • Personalized information on license points, driving record, and license status.
      • Medical and vision forms, exam cycles, records, and hearings.
      • Vehicle registration, duplicate titles, lost or stolen plates, personalized plates, and handicapped placards.
      • Liability insurance information.
    • Includes details on taxes and fees related to driver licenses and vehicle registration.
    • Offers location information for DMV offices based on zip code.
  • Other DMV Telephone Listings:
    • Traffic Records Section: 919-615-6131
    • International Registration Plan (IRP) Section: 919-615-6700
    • Tag and Tax Together: 919-814-1779
  • Online Services (MyNCDMV.gov):
    • Pay Vehicle Property Taxes
    • Renew Driver License
    • Renew Vehicle Registration
    • Estimate Vehicle Property Taxes
    • Order Duplicate Registration Card
    • Order Driving Records
    • Order Personalized Plates
    • View Your MyDMV Account
    • Sign up for Email Notifications
    • Pay Insurance Lapse Penalties
    • Renew Commercial Carrier Registration

DMV on the Web - MyNCDMV.gov

  • The NCDMV website provides information on services and issues, answers FAQs, and includes DMV office directories.
  • It also provides news on legislation and requirements affecting NC motorists.
  • Publications and forms are available online.
  • Duplicate Driver License/Identification Card Online:
    • Can be requested online if DMV has your last image and a valid SSN or legal presence document.
    • Reasons for requesting:
      • Lost or stolen license/ID.
      • Change of address.
      • Defaced or damaged license/ID.
    • Fee: 16.75, payable with credit or debit card.
    • The duplicate license/ID with the most recent photo will be mailed.
  • Online Renewal:
    • Available every other renewal, up to six months before expiration.
    • Requires identity verification, address confirmation, confirmation of no vision problems, and truthful statements.
    • Requires current driver license number and a major credit/debit card for payment.
    • New license mailed in 7-14 business days, valid for 5 or 8 years based on age.
    • Not available for first-time licenses/IDs, first-time REAL ID issuances, licenses with restrictions (other than corrective lenses), medical review program participants, commercial driver licenses, state ID cards, or expired/suspended/revoked licenses.

Transportation Alternatives

  • Alternative transportation options include walking, bicycling, carpooling, and public transportation.
  • Public transportation provides services for citizens including those with disabilities.
  • Information on public transportation options can be obtained by calling the N.C. Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division at 919-707-4670.

Chapter 1 — Your License

  • It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle on streets and highways without a valid driver license.
  • It is also illegal to sit in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle while the engine is running or to steer a motor vehicle while it is being pushed or towed by another vehicle if you do not have a valid driver license.

Office Hours

  • Most DMV offices offer services from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Larger cities and towns: open Monday through Friday, some on Saturday mornings.
  • Smaller towns: open certain days each week.
  • Appointments can be made online at skiptheline.ncdot.gov.
  • Visit MyNCDMV.gov for office hours and locations.

Learner Permit

  • Available to persons age 18 and older.
  • Authorizes driving a specified vehicle type/class while possessing the permit.
  • The permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver for the vehicle being driven, seated beside them.
  • Required testing: vision, traffic signs, and knowledge of motor vehicle laws.

Motorcycle Learner Permit

  • Applicants 16-17 years old must possess a full provisional license; parent/guardian signature required.
  • Applicants 18 years or older must possess a license issued by the division.
  • Authorizes operating a motorcycle without passengers.
  • Applicants under 18 must complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course or the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course.
  • Valid for 12 months, renewable for one additional six-month period.
  • Required testing: vision, traffic signs, and motorcycle knowledge test.
  • Each driver license test must be passed separately.
  • CDL applicants should study the CDL Handbook.
  • Motorcycle endorsement/permit applicants should study the Motorcycle Handbook.

Test Requirements for an Original Driver License

  • Vision
  • Knowledge of motor vehicle laws
  • Traffic signs
  • Driving skill (on-road test)
  • Applicants for a CDL Class A, B or C license should study the required chapters of the CDL Handbook.
  • Applicants for a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle learner permit should study the Motorcycle Handbook. The CDL Handbook is available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Vision

  • Vision checked for learner permits, original licenses, and renewals.
  • Corrective lenses required if vision does not meet standards; a restriction will be placed on the license.
  • Penalty for driving without required corrective lenses is the same as driving without a license.

Traffic Signs

  • Applicants tested on traffic sign identification by color and shape, and explanation of meaning.

Knowledge Test

  • Tests knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices.
  • Audio tests are available upon request for those who have difficulty reading.

Driving Skills

  • On-the-road demonstration of driving ability required for the first license application.
  • May be required for license renewal.
  • It is not required for a learner permit.
  • Assesses basic driving patterns and safe driving ability in traffic.

Health Requirements

  • Individuals with mental or physical conditions that impair safe driving may not be licensed.
  • A person with a disability may be issued a restricted license if the condition does not prevent them from driving safely.

Skills observed and graded during the on-the-road driving test:

  • Approaches to intersections, stop signs and traffic signals
  • Quick stops — stopping as quickly and safely as possible when told to do so
  • Backing
  • Stopping, starting and parking
  • Use of the clutch (in vehicles with standard transmissions)
  • Turn signals and use of the horn
  • Turning
  • Use of lanes
  • Following another vehicle
  • Passing and being passed
  • Yielding the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles
  • Driving posture
  • Three-point turnabout

Three-Point Turnabout

  1. Start from the extreme right side of the road. Look for other traffic and if clear, give a left signal and proceed forward slowly while turning the steering wheel to the left. Stop within several inches of the left curb or edge of the street.
  2. Then proceed backward slowly while turning the steering wheel to the right. Stop within several inches of the right curb or edge of the street.
  3. Proceed forward slowly while turning the steering wheel to the left. This should complete your turnabout.
    • Applicants for an original driver license must take the on-the- road driving test; however, there are some cases when the on-the-road test may not be required.

Types of Licenses, Permits and Restrictions

  • North Carolina has a regular driver license and a commercial driver license (CDL).
  • The type of vehicle you will operate determines the class of driver license you must have and the type vehicle in which you must take the driving skills test.
  • The driving skills test must be performed in a vehicle representative of the class license desired.
Regular Licenses
  • Class A: Required to operate a combination of vehicles that is exempt from CDL requirements when the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
  • Class B: Required to operate any single vehicle that is exempt from CDL requirements with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Class C: Required to operate any noncommercial single vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds; and a vehicle towing a vehicle which has a combined GVWR of less than 26,001 pounds operated by a driver 18 years old or older. Most drivers need only a Regular Class C license to operate personal automobiles and small trucks.
Commercial Driver License (CDL)
  • A CDL is required for drivers, paid or volunteer, who drive the following types of vehicles that are designed or used to transport passengers or property:
    • Class A Motor Vehicle: A vehicle that has a combined GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds and includes as part of the combination a towed unit that has a GVWR of at least 10,001 pounds.
    • Class B Motor Vehicle:
      • A single motor vehicle that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds.
      • A combination of motor vehicles that includes as part of the combination a towing unit that has a GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds and a towed unit that has a GVWR of less than 10,001 pounds.
    • Class C Motor Vehicle: A single or combination of motor vehicles not included in Class A or B but meets any of the following descriptions:
      • Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; and
      • Is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded.
  • You do not need a CDL to drive recreational vehicles, military equipment, fire and/or emergency equipment or certain farm vehicles. However, a regular license of the appropriate class is required at all times.
  • A volunteer member of a fire department, rescue or emergency service (EMS) in the performance of duty may operate a Class A, B or C fire-fighting, rescue or EMS vehicle, or combination of these vehicles while holding either a “Regular” A, B or C License.
  • A special CDL endorsement is required to haul hazardous materials, transport passengers, drive school buses and school activity buses, pull double trailers or drive tank vehicles. Additional information is in the CDL Handbook.
Endorsements
  • Motorcycle: A person must have a regular or commercial license with a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle learner permit before being entitled to operate a motorcycle on public roads.
  • School Bus/School Activity Bus: The driver of a school bus must be at least 18 years of age, have at least six months driving experience and hold either a Class B or Class C CDL with an “S” (school bus) and a “P” (passenger) endorsement along with a School Bus Driver’s Certificate.
    • To obtain a School Bus Driver’s Certificate, a person must be specially trained and pass an examination administered by a Driver Education Program Specialist which demonstrates the fitness and competency required to operate the bus.
    • The requirements for a driver of a public school activity bus are the same except a School Bus Driver’s Certificate is not required.

NOTE: Pursuant to G.S. 20-37.14A, the Division shall not issue or renew a commercial driver license reflecting a “P” or “S” endorsement to anyone required to register under sex offender and public protection registration programs.

Graduated Licensing

Licensing for Drivers 15–18

  • Limited Learner Permit
    • Requirements:
      • Must be at least 15 years old but less than 18 years old and reside in North Carolina.
      • Must present a certificate showing you have passed an approved driver education course consisting of at least 30 hours classroom instruction and six hours behind-the wheel instruction that meets North Carolina requirements before you can take the test for a learner permit.
      • Must pass written, sign and vision tests.
    • Restrictions:
      • During the first six months, a level one permit authorizes you to drive between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 p.m., while accompanied by your supervising driver.
      • Six months from level one issuance, you are eligible to drive anytime with a supervising driver.
      • Must hold this permit for nine months prior to applying for a Limited Provisional License.
      • You will be given a Driving Log to be completed detailing a minimum of 60 hours of operation. Daytime or daylight driving can be performed from sunrise to sunset and as long as daylight exists. Nighttime or night driving can be performed after sunset and within the hours that sunlight or daylight does not exist.
      • All passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat.
      • No one except the driver and the supervising driver are allowed in the front seat.
      • You are not permitted to use a cell phone or other additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area. Exception: You can use it to call the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital, physician’s office or a health clinic; a public or privately owned ambulance company or service; a fire department; a law enforcement agency; your parent, legal guardian or spouse.

NOTE: Before graduating to level two, you must have no convictions of motor vehicle moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions within the preceding six months.

  • SUPERVISING DRIVER: A supervising driver must be a parent, grandparent or guardian of the permit/license holder, or a responsible person approved by the parent or guardian. A supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and must have been licensed for at least five years.

  • Level Two Limited Provisional License

    • Requirements:
      • Drivers must be at least 16 years old, but less than 18.
    • Restrictions:
      • You may drive without supervision from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. and at any time when driving directly to or from work or any volunteer fire, rescue or emergency medical service, if you are a member.
      • You must hold this license at least six months prior to applying for a Full Provisional License.
      • You will be given a Driving Log to be completed detailing a minimum of 12 hours of operation. At least six hours must occur during nighttime hours. Daytime or daylight driving can be performed from sunrise to sunset and as long as daylight exists. Nighttime or night driving can be performed after sunset and within the hours that sunlight or daylight does not exist. The log must be signed by the supervising driver and submitted to the Division at the time of application for the Full Provisional License.
      • All passengers must be restrained by seat belt or child safety seat.
      • Supervising driver must be seated beside the driver.
      • When driving unsupervised, there may be one passenger that is under 21 that is not a member of the same household as the driver if they are being driven directly to or from school. Additionally, there may be one passenger under 21 in the vehicle that is a member of the same household as the driver.
      • You are not permitted to use a cell phone or other additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area. Exception: You can use it to call the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital, physician’s office, or a health clinic; a public or privately owned ambulance company or service; a fire department; a law enforcement agency; your parent, legal guardian or spouse.

NOTE: Before graduating to level three, you must have no convictions of motor vehicle moving violations, seat belt or cell phone infractions within the preceding six months.

  • SUPERVISING DRIVER: A supervising driver must be a parent, grandparent or guardian of the permit/license holder, or a responsible person approved by the parent or guardian. A supervising driver must hold a valid driver license and must have been licensed for at least five years.
  • Level Three Full Provisional License
    • The restrictions on level one and level two concerning time of driving, supervision and passenger limitations do not apply to a Full Provisional License.
    • If you are under the age of 18, you are not permitted to use a cell phone or other additional technology associated with a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area. Exception: You can use it to call the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency response operator; a hospital, physician’s office, or a health clinic; a public or privately owned ambulance company or service; a fire department; or a law enforcement agency; your parent, legal guardian or spouse.

New Residents Between the Ages of 15 and 18 Years

  • If you are a new resident moving into North Carolina and are 15 but less than 18 years old and have a learner permit, a restricted license or an unrestricted license, you should contact your local driver license office to determine which type of license or learner permit you are eligible to apply for.

The Provisional Licensee

  • Drivers under age 18 are provisional licensees. Because these drivers have a much higher crash rate, special laws apply to them.
  • If you are a driver under age 18:
    • You must present a certificate showing you have passed an approved driver education course consisting of at least 30 hours classroom instruction and six hours behind-the-wheel instruction that meets North Carolina requirements before you can take the test for a learner permit or license.
    • The DMV reviews your driving record more closely and may contact you if you have certain types of traffic convictions or crashes.
    • It is unlawful for a provisional licensee to drive a motor vehicle after or while consuming any amount of alcohol or drugs — a conviction of such a violation will result in a one-year license revocation.
    • A parent or legal guardian must sign for a minor.
    • You are not permitted to use a cellphone.
    • You are not permitted to operate a vehicle while manually entering multiple letters or text as a means of communicating or read any electronic mail or text message.
    • Every person occupying a vehicle in motion must have a safety belt properly fastened when the vehicle is in motion.

Thinking Of Dropping Out?

  • Driver license applicants less than 18 years old must have a Driving Eligibility Certificate, high school diploma or its equivalent to be eligible for a North Carolina driving permit or license.
  • The Driving Eligibility Certificate must be signed by the applicant’s school administrator who certifies that the applicant is currently enrolled in school and making progress toward a high school diploma; or that substantial hardship would be placed on the applicant or the applicant’s family if they do not receive a driver license.
  • The steps in graduated licensing must still be followed even if the Driving Eligibility Certificate is issued due to hardship conditions.
  • North Carolina does not issue a hardship driving permit or license.
  • DMV must revoke the driver license of any person under age 18 when it receives notice from the proper school authority that the person is no longer eligible for a Driving Eligibility Certificate. This revocation remains in effect until the person’s 18th birthday unless a Driving Eligibility Certificate, high school diploma or GED Certificate is obtained.

Lose Control/Lose Your License

  • A loss of license will occur if a student receives a suspension for more than 10 consecutive days or receives an assignment to an alternative educational setting due to disciplinary action for more than 10 consecutive days.
  • This suspension remains in effect for 12 months or until a Driving Eligibility Certificate is obtained.

Restrictions

  • For safety reasons, a driver license may be limited or restricted. Examples:
    • A driver may only be permitted to operate a motor vehicle while wearing corrective lenses.
    • A driver who passes the license examination may be issued a driver license restricted to using equipment necessary to safely operate the motor vehicle.
  • If your license is restricted, you must only drive within the limits of the restriction; otherwise you are considered to be driving without a license.

Required Documents

  • The Division of Motor Vehicles may copy the documents presented or hold the documents for a brief period of time to verify authenticity. Any document reflecting alteration will not be accepted.
  • Requirements are based on North Carolina General Statutes 20-7 and 20-11 and 6 CFR Part 37 of the Federal Register.
  • If you are applying for a driver license, a learner’s permit or an ID card for the first time in North Carolina, you will need to provide proof of your full name and date of birth, your NC residence address, proof of your Social Security number (SSN) or documentation indicating your legal presence in the U.S. You will need to provide proof of vehicle liability insurance when applying for a driver license.
  • A North Carolina driver license, learner permit or ID card that includes the notation “Not for Federal Identification” is a valid state-issued driver license, learner’s permit, or ID card.
  • Beginning May 7, 2025, a driver license, learner permit or ID Card with “Not for Federal Identification” means you will need to provide additional documentation to fly on a commercial airline and enter any federal facility, military base and nuclear power plant that requires identification. You must contact the facility that you are visiting to determine what additional identification is required.

Applicants under Age 18 Applying for a Driver License or Learner Permit:

  • If you are under age 18, you must provide either a Driving Eligibility Certificate, proof of graduation from high school, or submit a GED. You must also provide proof of completion of a driver education course which consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind wheel instruction.
Table (1) – PROOF OF IDENTITY AND DATE OF BIRTH REQUIREMENTS:
  • You must provide proof of your identity and date of birth from the list of documents below.
    1. Valid, unexpired United States passport
    2. Certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the individual’s state of birth
      • Certified copy
      • No photocopies unless certified by Issuing agency
      • No laminated copies or plastic replicas
    3. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the United States Department of State
      • Form FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545
    4. Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by DHS or USCIS
      • Form I-551
    5. Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) issued by DHS
      • Form I-766 or Form I-668B
    6. Unexpired foreign passport with a valid, unexpired U.S. visa affixed accompanied by the approved I-94 form documenting the applicant’s most recent admittance into the United States.
    7. Certificate of Naturalization issued by DHS
      • Form N-550 or Form N-570
    8. Certificate of Citizenship issued by DHS
      • Form N-560 or Form N-561
    9. REAL ID driver license or identification card showing full name
    10. Driver License or State-issued Identification Card from North Carolina or another State, Puerto Rico, United States territory, or a Canadian Province
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • A driver license, learner’s permit or ID card must be valid or expired less than 2 years
    11. Motor Vehicle Driver Record
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • Certified NC Motor Vehicle Record
      • Non-Certified NC Motor Vehicle Record
      • Certified Out-of-State Motor Vehicle Record
    12. NC school transcript/registration signed by a school official, or diploma or GED from an NC school, community college or NC university
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • Driver Education Certificates, Driver Eligibility Certificates and report cards are not accepted as proof of identification.
    13. Valid unexpired US military ID, including DD-2, DD-214, OR US military Dependents Card, US Veteran Universal Access Card
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • Other than DD-214, documents submitted as a form of identification
        • must be valid and unexpired
    14. Certified document from a Register of Deeds or government agency in the US, Puerto Rico, US territories or Canada
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • Marriage certificate, divorce decree, court documents of name change
    15. Limited Driving Privilege issued by a NC court
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • Cannot be expired for more than 1 year
    16. Valid, unexpired documents issued by DHS/USCIS
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • Unexpired immigration document may be valid if accompanied by a letter from USCIS extending the expiration date (e.g. I-797)
    17. Court documents from US jurisdiction, Puerto Rico, US territories or Canada
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
      • Divorce Decree
      • Court order for name or gender change
      • Adoption Papers
Table (2) – SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT:
  • To obtain a driver license, learner’s permit, or ID card, you must provide a Social Security Number (SSN). If you are not eligible for a SSN, you must provide document(s) indicating your legal presence in the United States.
    1. Social Security Card
      • No photocopies and no laminated cards.
    2. W-2 form
    3. SSA-1099 form
    4. Non-SSA- 1099 form
    5. Pay stub with the applicant’s name and SSN
    6. DD-214 with full Social Security number
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
    7. Social Security document reflecting full Social Security number
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
    8. Military Record relecting the SSN with full Social Security number.
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
    9. Medicaid or Medicare Card reflecting the SSN with full Social Security number
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
Table (3) – PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS – FOR ADULTS 18 OR OVER:
  • Customers must show two documents reflecting their permanent North Carolina address.
    1. Document issued by an agency of the United States or by the government of another nation
    2. Document issued by another state
    3. Document issued by the State of North Carolina, or a political subdivision of this State. This includes an agency or instrumentality of this state.
    4. Preprinted bank or other corporate statement
    5. Preprinted business letterhead
    6. Pay stub with payee’s address
    7. Utility bill showing the address of the applicant
    8. Contract for an apartment, house, modular unit, or manufactured home with a North Carolina address signed by the applicant
    9. Receipt for personal property taxes paid
    10. Receipt for real property taxes paid to a North Carolina locality
    11. Current automobile insurance policy issued to the applicant and showing the applicant’s address
    12. Monthly or quarterly financial statement
    13. NC Vehicle Registration Card or title
    14. NC Voter Precinct Card
    15. NC School Records
Table (4) – PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS – FOR MINOR UNDER AGE OF 18:
  • Minor customers must show two documents reflecting their permanent North Carolina address.
    1. Correspondence from organizations (boy scout/girl scout, recreational teams, etc.)
    2. N.C. School records
      • Must present a letter from physician
    3. Magazine subscriptions
      • No additional documentation needed
    4. Lease or housing contract showing minor as occupant
    5. Tax records/returns reflecting minor as a dependent
    6. Medical/hospitalization records
    7. Hunting/fishing license
    8. Social Security Card stub showing address
    9. Preprinted bank statement or financial records
    10. Preprinted business letter
    11. Letter from homeless shelter
      • Must present letter from the shelter in which you reside
Table (5) – PROOF OF LEGAL PRESENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • To obtain a driver license, learner permit or an identification card, you will need to show proof of legal presence in the United States. Based on your legal presence status, you may be required to present multiple documents.
    1. Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
    2. Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) with Temp I-551 Language)
    3. Temporary I-551 Stamp on Passport or I-94
    4. Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
    5. I-20 (F1, F2, M1, M2) Certification with I-94 Arrival/Departure Document or Unexpired Foreign Passport with CBP Admission Stamp
    6. DS2019 (J1, J2) Certification with I-94 Arrival/Departure Document or Unexpired Foreign Passport with CBP Admission Stamp
    7. I-94 Arrival/Departure Records- Electronic I-94
    8. Waiver Traveler/Waiver Business (WT/WB) Admission Stamp
    9. U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
    10. Other Documents (Non-Student) w/Alien Number
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
    11. I-220 B Order of Supervision w/I-766 card
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
    12. I-512L Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the U.S. w/ supporting immigration documents (I-551, I-766 or I-94)
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
    13. Unexpired Foreign Passport w/ CBP Admission Stamp
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
Table (6) – DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA):
  • To obtain a driver license, learner permit or an identification card, you will need to show proof of legal presence in the United States. Based on your legal presence status, you may be required to present multiple documents.
    1. Employment Authorization Document reflecting Category C33
    2. 1-797 Notice of Action (Case type I-821) Approval Notice with valid “to and from” dates
      • Card received will be noted “Not for Federal Identification”
Table (7) – PROOF OF INSURANCE FOR DRIVER LICENSE:
  • If you are obtaining a driver license, you will need to provide proof of liability insurance coverage from a North Carolina-licensed insurance carrier. The proof of insurance must reflect your name.
    1. Form DL-123 from your insurance agent
    2. Vehicle insurance policy reflecting your name and expiration dates
    3. An insurance binder
    4. An insurance card with your name, the policy number and issue and expiration dates
Table (8) – NO FEE IDs:
  • To obtain an identification card at no charge, you must also include one of the following items with your documents from tables 1-5.
    1. Homeless
      • Must present letter from the shelter in which you reside
    2. Legally Blind
      • Must present a letter from physician
    3. 70 years of age or older
      • No additional documentation needed
    4. At least 17 years old
      • Refer to Chapter 1 Required Documents
    5. Medically Cancelled
      • Your NC Driving Record must reflect that your driving status is medically cancelled
    6. Developmental Disability
      • Must present a letter from primary care provider

Liability Insurance Requirement

  • The N.C. General Assembly has enacted legislation to require some (but not all) driver license applicants in North Carolina to provide printed proof of automobile liability insurance coverage in order to obtain a driver license (images on a mobile device will not be accepted).
  • Proof of liability insurance coverage applies to those:
    • Applying for an original license, including transfers from out of state;
    • Whose licenses are being restored after revocation or suspension; or
    • Awarded a Limited Driving Privilege by the court.
  • Form DL-123, binders and certificates are valid only for 30 days from the date of issuance.
  • This does not apply to applicants who do not own currently registered motor vehicles and who do not operate non-fleet private passenger motor vehicles that are owned by other persons. In such cases it is required that a certification of exemption (DL-123A) be signed at the driver license office. The exemption restricts the driver to the operation of “Fleet Vehicles Only”. To remove the restriction, the driver must pay a 16.75 duplicate fee and present proof of financial responsibility.

North Carolina's REAL ID

  • The REAL ID Act of 2005, requires increased security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards.
  • In cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, the North Carolina REAL ID is a single form of identification with increased security measures that meet the federal identification requirements for the Transportation Security Administration and federal facilities.
  • A REAL ID is a driver license, learner permit or identification card with a gold star.
  • The REAL ID Act will directly impact travelers on domestic

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