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How to get a driver's license if you are a new resident of North Carolina

Moving to a new state can be an exciting adventure that includes a new job, a new home, new friends, and new places to explore and discover. North Carolina has great appeal, with the Great Smoky Mountains, the Outer Banks, and the urban excitement of the Charlotte and Raleigh areas. But moving has its downside, and one of those downsides is having to get a new driver’s license. Here’s the internal topic on how to do that as painlessly as possible in North Carolina.

New residents have 60 days to apply for a North Carolina driver’s license. Licenses in North Carolina are valid for five to eight years, depending on your age. Those between the ages of 18 and 65 obtain a license that is valid for eight years; those over 66 get a five-year license. New drivers under the age of 18 have a graduated license with provisional licenses.

Documentation

If you are a new resident 18 or older and are applying for a North Carolina driver’s license for the first time, you will need the following documents:

  • Proof of Residency – You will need a document that proves your residency, such as a voter registration card, a North Carolina vehicle registration, or correspondence from the Social Security Administration.
  • Proof of Age and Identity – You will need two documents proving your age and identity. One of those documents must be a Social Security card or documentation issued by the US government that indicates legal presence. If you are not eligible for a Social Security card, you must provide documentation issued by the US government that indicates your legal presence in this country. The other document can be your out-of-state driver’s license or your birth certificate.
  • Proof of Liability Insurance – You will need a document showing that you have liability insurance. Most people provide their insurance card or policy for this.
  • When applying for your driver’s license, you will also be asked about organ donation, voter registration, and selective service registration.

Required tests

Everyone must take four tests to get a new driver’s license in North Carolina. They are:

  • Driving knowledge test
  • Vision test
  • Traffic sign recognition test
  • Driving test of your driving skills

Since you are a new resident, it is a good idea to study North Carolina driving laws and regulations before applying for your license.

Obtaining your license

After submitting the required documentation and passing the tests, you are on the final stretch. A photograph will be taken and the corresponding fees will be charged. Payment for transactions at the Department of Motor Vehicles offices can be made by cash or money order or by personal checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit and debit cards. North Carolina issues driver’s licenses from a central location in Raleigh, and you will receive a temporary permit while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.

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