North Carolina Expands Remote Driver’s License Renewal Options Under New Law
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina drivers now have more flexibility when it comes to license renewals after Governor Josh Stein signed a bill allowing motorists to complete a second consecutive remote renewal of their driver’s license.
Senate Bill 245 Becomes Law
The new law, Senate Bill 245, cleared the legislature during the state’s second extra session last week with strong bipartisan support — passing the Senate 47-0 and the House 109-7.
It provides drivers with another way to avoid long lines at N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles offices by permitting renewal through mail, telephone, electronic devices, or other secure DMV-approved methods.
“This law will enable more people to renew their driver’s license online,” Stein said in a statement. “It will also strengthen the state’s ability to protect against cyber threats”.
Exceptions and REAL ID Rules
The legislation excludes certain groups. Motorists with a REAL ID license cannot renew remotely twice in a row, unless they are switching back to a standard driver’s license.
In addition, licenses that are canceled, revoked, or suspended do not qualify, nor do REAL ID licenses valid for eight years or longer.
Relief for Teen Drivers
SB 245 also eases requirements for 16- and 17-year-olds seeking a full provisional license. Teens are no longer required to submit a completed driving log, though they must still:
- Hold a limited provisional license for at least six months.
- Remain violation-free for six months.
- Provide a driver eligibility certificate, high school diploma, or equivalent.
Addressing DMV Backlogs
State Representative Jay Adams (R-Catawba) said the legislation is aimed at tackling long lines caused by high demand for REAL IDs.
“What this bill does is it keeps you from getting a ticket for having an expired license,” Adams explained. “It relieves the burden on DMV offices so they can sort out their issues. This state is growing like crazy, and we can’t have this situation persist”.
Extra Time for Renewals
The law builds on an earlier measure, Senate Bill 391, which gave motorists two extra years past the expiration date to complete a renewal. That law was signed on July 1, 2025.
With North Carolina’s population continuing to grow, lawmakers say expanding digital services is a step toward modernizing the state’s DMV system and making it easier for drivers to stay compliant.
Do you think North Carolina’s expanded online renewal option will ease DMV wait times, or will more changes be needed? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
