How To Do a North Carolina DMV Change of Address

If you’re planning on moving to, from, or within the state of North Carolina then you’re going to want to make sure that you know exactly what’s expected of you in terms of DMV paperwork. Like all states, you’ll be required to get your North Carolina DMV Change of Address forms in order before you can truly settle in as a resident—including your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle’s registration, if applicable.

It’s good practice to take care of all of your paperwork as early as possible, especially if you’re going to be driving in the state or want to start applying for jobs. And since North Carolina requires you to file your change of address paperwork within 60 days of becoming a new resident (and just 30 days when it comes to your vehicle’s registration), there really isn’t a ton of time to waste.

Not sure where to start? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together all of the information that you’ll need to complete your North Carolina DMV change of address and vehicle registration forms, so read up and then make your way to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to get started.

If You’re Moving to North Carolina from Another State

Will you need to get a new driver’s license if moving to North Carolina from another state?

Yes. However, military personnel and their dependents stationed in North Carolina are not required to do so.

How do you get one?

To get a North Carolina driver’s license as a formerly out-of-state resident you’ll have to go to a North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office in person to apply. Unfortunately you can’t do a North Carolina DMV change of address online or over the phone, so you’ll have to set aside time in your day for a visit.

Note that North Carolina driver’s licenses for new residents to the state are only available to those who do not have any outstanding suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on their out of state driver’s license and who have not been previously deemed unfit or unsafe to drive by the NC DMV or an outside court.

You will need to bring along the following documentation when you visit the NC DMV:

    • Proof of age and identity (1 document)
    • Proof of social security number (1 document)
    • Proof of North Carolina residency (2 documents for a REAL ID-compliant license, 1 document for a non-compliant license—learn more about the NC REAL ID)
    • Proof of legal U.S. presence if you are a non-citizen (1 document)
    • Proof of car insurance (1 document)

    Check out the full list of accepted documents so you can be sure to bring what you need. You can find the complete list for NC REAL IDs here and the list for non-compliant IDs here.

    Note that if your name on your proof of identity does not match the name on your current driver’s license you will also have to bring along proof of name change, such as your marriage license, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change.

    Is there a fee?

    Yes. The fee for a non-commercial North Carolina driver’s license is $5 a year.

    Does a North Carolina DMV change of address require a driving test?

    No, provided that your out of state license is either currently valid or expired less than six months ago. You may be required to pass a vision test though.

    How long do you have to get a North Carolina driver’s license or ID card?

    North Carolina requires new residents to get a state driver’s license within 60 days of your move, which can go by quickly, so act fast!

    How long do you have to update your vehicle’s registration?

    Just 30 days from the date of becoming a resident (usually established by renting or buying a home in the state), or 30 days from the date of receiving gainful employment in the state—whichever comes first.

    How do you update your vehicle’s registration as a new resident of North Carolina?

    You’ll need to head to a North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles location in person to update your vehicle’s registration. Make sure to bring along the following required documents:

      • Your new North Carolina driver’s license or a valid out-of-state driver’s license with North Carolina Temporary Driving Certificate
      • Your vehicle’s title (or current out-of-state registration card, if held by a lender)
      • Completed form MVR-1: Title Application
      • Completed MVR-180: Odometer Disclosure Statement for vehicle that are less than 10 years old
      • Proof of North Carolina vehicle insurance

      What is the registration fee?

      The fee for a North Carolina title is $52, plus $36 to $51 for standard registration plate fees (exact price depends on what county you’re in). See a breakdown of fees here.

      If You’re Moving Within North Carolina

      You have just 60 days after your move to update your North Carolina driver’s license when moving within the state, so make sure you put this task on the top of your to do list.

      You have two options for updating your address on your North Carolina driver’s license:

      1. Fill out a North Carolina DMV change of address form online. You can do so here. Be sure to have your current North Carolina driver’s license number handy, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

      Note that you will not be able to fill out your change of address form online if:

        • You have a suspended license or outstanding debt with the NC DMV
        • You are applying for a duplicate commercial driver license with a P or S endorsement
        • You have a U.S. government document indicating legal presence
        • If you want to get an NC REAL ID license

        If any of those apply to you, you’ll have to change your address in person.

        2. Go to a North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office. Find a North Carolina driver’s license office near you and fill out a North Carolina DMV change of address form in person.

        How much does a North Carolina change of address cost?

        A new driver’s license in North Carolina costs $13.

        What information do you need to provide to update your address on your driver’s license?

        To change your address on your North Carolina driver’s license or identification card, you will need to provide:

          • Your current and valid North Carolina driver’s license
          • Proof of social security number, tax ID number, or U.S. visa number

          What information do you need to provide to update your vehicle registration?

          As for updating your vehicle’s registration, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

            • Current North Carolina driver’s license
            • You license plate number
            • The last five digits of your vehicle’s title number

            You can change the address on your vehicle’s registration online or in person at a North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office. Do keep in mind that you will need to complete this within 30 days of your move.

            Will North Carolina issue you a new driver’s license if you’re moving within the state?

            If You’re Moving From North Carolina to Another State

            Do you need to notify the North Carolina DMV if you’re moving to another state without a registered car?

            Nope. Once you get a driver’s license from your new state the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will automatically cancel your NC driver’s license.

            Do you need to notify the North Carolina DMV if you’re moving to another state with your registered vehicle?

            Yes. To do so, you’ll have to mail both your North Carolina license plates and your state registration card to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27600-3148.

            Do you need to return your North Carolina license plates?

            Yep. See above for details.

            Have any questions?

            If you have any questions about changing your address on your driver’s license and/or vehicle’s registration when moving to, from, or within the state of North Carolina, contact the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles directly at 919-715-7000, available weekdays from 8am to 5pm. You can also reach out via direct message.

            Need to hire movers for your move to, from, or within North Carolina?

            We can help with that! Use our free online moving company directory to quickly and easily search reputable interstate movers in your area. Because moving out of state can be costly, we recommend reaching out to at least three different interstate moving companies to get quotes so that you can ensure you are getting the best price possible. Use our moving cost calculator to get an estimate on how much your North Carolina move will cost.