Steps for Obtaining North Carolina Residency

Obtain a North Carolina driver's license
All new residents of North Carolina who plan to operate a motor vehicle in this state must obtain a driver’s license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence. A student who drives but does not a own vehicle or carry insurance may sign a waiver at the driver's license office saying that he or she will not drive until insured. A student who does not drive may obtain an identification card.

There are several driver's license offices in the Raleigh area. The office closest to campus is located at 3231 Avent Ferry Rd. (at the intersection of Avent Ferry Rd and Gorman Street).
Phone: (919) 816-9128. Click HERE to find other locations.

Important Notice: You must have specific identification and insurance documents in order to obtain a NC drivers license. Take careful note of these and make sure you have them before going down the the DMV office. For additional information, contact the NCDOT Driver's License Office.

Process:

1. Read NCDMV Driver’s Handbook on NC driving regulations.
2. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you will most likely be required to take only the written driver's test, the road signs exam and the eye test. DMV offices in the Raleigh area are usually crowded, so be prepared and be patient.
3. Having passed these tests, NC license is issued immediately and is valid for approximately five years.
4. Surrender your driver's license from previous state of residence.

Register your vehicle in NC and obtain NC license plates

1. Contact your insurance company and obtain vehicle insurance forms.
    
2. Take proof of insurance from a company authorized to do business in NC and policy number, out-of-state title (if available) and a valid registration card from the state of prior registration to closest DMV office to get your vehicle registered and title transferred.
    
3. Obtain permanent license plate and validation stickers.
    
4. Get vehicle inspected within 10 days of registration at an authorized inspection station. Vehicle inspections are required annually.

For more information:

• Vehicle and license information
• Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance (pdf)