Getting a North Carolina Driver's License

A driver’s license serves two purposes: permission to drive and identification.

To drive legally in North Carolina (NC), you must have a valid (non-expired):

  • NC driver’s license, OR
  • Driver’s license from another state, OR
  • Driver’s license issued by the government of your home/resident country

Anyone whose legal residence is outside the state of North Carolina is considered a “non-resident” and can
drive using their home country or home state license. This includes all F-1 Visa holders. Note that North
Carolina does not recognize the International Driver’s License (IDL).

If you plan on purchasing a car, you will need either a NC driver’s license, state ID or Learner’s Permit.

Application Process

For detailed information, please visit the DMV License webpage. If you are not fluent in English, you may request interpreter services.

Bring the following with you to the DMV

  1. Proof of Identity. All items below are required
    • Passport (with valid visa date)
    • I-20
    • I-94 card (printed from online or stapled inside your passport)
  2. Proof of Residency.
    Pick one of the following. (Original, not a photocopy)
    • Utility bill or bank statement addressed to you at a street address (not a P.O. box)
    • Your signed lease agreement for a local house/apartment
  3. Proof of Automobile Liability Insurance.
    Pick one of the following:
    • Form DL123 issued by your auto insurance agent
    • An original liability insurance policy binder
    • An insurance card with your name, policy number, issued and expiration date.

Once at the DMV you will need to:

  1. Present the above documentation.
  2. Pass the tests
    • Vision
    • Traffic signs
    • Knowledge of motor vehicle laws
    • Driving skills (on-road test in your car with a DMV examiner).

      Note: View more information and view sample test questions on the DMV Drivers License Tests and Drivers License Manual webpages.

  3. Pay the fee for a new license by cash or check (Debit or credit cards are not accepted) 
     

DMV Locations

Find the nearest DMV License office and view directions.

East Durham Driver License Office
101 South Miami Boulevard, Durham, NC 27703
Phone: 919-560-6896

Hope Valley Commons Shopping Center Driver License Office
3825 South Roxboro Street Suite 119, Durham, NC 27713
Phone: 919-560-3378

Learner’s Permit, State ID Card and Restricted License

Learner's Permit State Identification Card Restricted License
  1. Proof of Identity: Same as for NC Driver’s License
  2. Proof of Residency: Same as for NC Driver’s License
  3. Pass a computerized test of vision, traffic sign identification, and knowledge of motor vehicle laws. The driving test is not required.
  4. Pay $21.50 fee by cash or check
  1. Proof of Identity: Same as for NC Driver’s License
  2. Proof of Residency: Same as for NC Driver’s License
  3. Pay $21.50 fee by cash or check
 For use with rental cars ONLY.
Same requirements as the full driver’s license except does not require auto insurance. Can only be used with rental cars. When renting a car, you must purchase liability auto insurance from the rental car agency.

NOTE: If you are caught driving a private car with the restricted license, you will be subject to the same punishment as driving without a license


Grace Period and OPT Extension

Grace Period Extension (60 days for F-1) Take your license to the DMV no fewer than 20 days before the expiration date on your I-20. Be sure to bring all three pages of your I-20.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extensions - OPT approved documents must be shown in order to extend the expiration date on your drivers license. For spouses, they can go to the DMV without the approval documents if the principal visa holder goes with them to the DMV. The Principal Visa Holder must also bring his/her EAD card.

Automobile Insurance Coverage

You need auto insurance if:

  • You are going to buy a car
  • You want to get a NC Driver’s License
  • Unless you get a limited license, which only allows you to drive rental cars. If you want to be able to drive a car belonging to another person with an NC license, purchase Non-Owners Liability Insurance.

You do not need auto insurance if:

  • You do not buy a car
  • You drive a friend’s car using your driver’s license from your home country
  • Please remember, North Carolina does not recognize the International Driver’s License

Liability Insurance: Payment for losses you cause others while driving. This is usually the minimum amount of insurance you can buy. You must have liability insurance to get a driver’s license in North Carolina. If you don’t own a car, you must get “non-owner’s liability insurance”.

Collision Insurance: Payment for repair of your car when it is damaged in a collision, even if you are at fault.

Comprehensive Insurance: Payment for the repair of your car due to non-collision loss, such as theft, storm damage or vandalism.

Medical Payments Insurance: Payment for medical expenses for accident injuries to yourself or passengers.

To purchase required liability insurance you need:

  1. Your passport
  2. Money to cover your first insurance payment. 
  3. Valid driver’s license from home or North Carolina driver’s license or permit
     

Make sure to call around to compare prices and ask the companies if they will recognize your home country experience. Be sure to ask what sort of documentation you must provide. 

View a map of the automobile insurance companies in Durham. Durham Tech does not endorse any of these
companies. We simply provide these as a starting point to compare policies.