NCDMV now allows second consecutive online renewals, including REAL ID licenses

WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. – More than 18,000 North Carolinians have successfully renewed their driver licenses online for a second consecutive time in just two weeks, according to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), marking a significant shift in how residents handle license renewals.

The surge in online renewals follows the implementation of Senate Bill 245, which Gov. Josh Stein signed into law on Sept. 30. The new legislation expands online renewal options, reducing the need for in-person DMV visits and helping to ease wait times at offices across the state.

Breaking the In-Person Renewal Cycle

On Oct. 7, NCDMV announced that eligible drivers without a REAL ID-compliant license could renew online for a second consecutive time. Previously, all drivers who had renewed online were required to visit a DMV office in person for their next renewal.

The expanded service now includes drivers with REAL ID-compliant licenses as well. Last week, NCDMV added the option for consecutive REAL ID online renewals for drivers who have visited an office for a transaction and had a new photo taken since their last renewal. Qualifying in-person transactions include obtaining a REAL ID, name changes, commercial driver license applications, license endorsements, in-person address changes, or duplicate licenses for lost IDs.

Officials Praise Early Adoption

“We are thrilled to see such strong early adoption of this service, with over 18,000 renewals already processed,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “This is a game-changer for North Carolinians who value convenience and efficiency and for DMV.”

Tine emphasized that online renewals benefit both customers and the agency. “By renewing online, customers are not only saving time but also helping us prioritize in-person services for those who truly need them,” he said. “We encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of these tools.”

Additional Changes on the Horizon

NCDMV plans to roll out additional provisions of Senate Bill 245 in the coming weeks and months. Within two weeks, the agency expects to make online upgrades available for teen drivers advancing from a Level 2 limited provisional license to a Level 3 full provisional license.

By the end of the year, State ID cards will also become eligible for online renewal, following the same guidelines as driver licenses.

Projected Impact

When fully implemented, the online service expansion is projected to enable up to 400,000 additional online transactions annually, significantly reducing the burden on physical DMV locations throughout North Carolina.

Residents interested in determining their eligibility and renewing online can visit NCDMV.gov for more information.