July 1 ‘license’ law gives drivers two-year grace period – but officials urge you to book appointment now

DRIVERS with expired licenses can hit the road for the next two years thanks to a brand new law.

The temporary act gives people more time to renew their licenses at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

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North Carolina drivers are getting two extra years to renew their expired licenses (stock image)[/caption]

North Carolina residents who have Class C licenses expiring on or after July 1, 2025, are allowed to drive in the state past the expiration date.

The driving privileges are in effect through December 21, 2027.

However, state officials urged anyone with an expired license to book an appointment to renew their licenses as soon as possible because the rule only applies to in-state driving privileges.

This means that the expired licenses aren’t valid for identification purposes.

This could cause delays if drivers without a valid ID want to fly, rent a car, fill a prescription, get a loan, or have documents notarized.

While the law prevents drivers from getting tickets for driving with an expired license in North Carolina, it likely won’t save them from citations in other states.

The law doesn’t apply to commercial driver’s licenses, meaning truck drivers will still have to renew their licenses before they expire.

It also doesn’t change privileges for drivers with licenses that are suspended, revoked, or canceled.

The temporary moratorium on the expiration of Class C driver’s licenses went into effect on July 1, 2025.

Governor Josh Stein signed the bill into law after it was first proposed by the North Carolina Senate.

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Paul Tine said the measure was to help DMVs that are overwhelmed with appointments.

“Thank you to the Legislature and Governor for this temporary measure to provide flexibility for North Carolina drivers while we work to address the increased demand for our services,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine.

NCDMV provides license and ID renewals online, making it easier for drivers with expired licenses to fix it during the two-year grace period.

The state is also adding more times that drivers can visit the DMV throughout the summer.

NEW WALK-IN HOURS

Drivers can now walk into 20 different DMV locations in the state without an appointment from 8 am to noon on Saturdays, state officials said in a press release.

The extra hours will be available through August 23.

Drivers can visit the DMV to renew their driver’s license, ID card, get duplicates, or change their address.

Road tests will also be available on Saturdays for drivers who have already completed the knowledge and written tests.

REAL IDs can also be issued during the walk-in services.

In North Carolina, drivers need multiple documents to get their new REAL IDs.

The new IDs are required to board all commercial flights as of May 7, 2025.

Applying for a REAL ID

The process varies by state, but residents will need a few documents to apply for a REAL ID before the deadline.

No matter the state, the application process can be started online by scanning and uploading the necessary documents, basic information, and Social Security numbers. Once submitted and reviewed, an in-person visit to the DMV or your state’s department agency is necessary for an attendant to verify the documents.

From there, a thumbprint will be recorded in the system, and a photo will be issued for the ID before it’s mailed.

The documents needed are those that show:

1. Full legal name (previous driver’s license, passport, etc)
2. Date of birth (like a birth certificate, or an official copy of one)
3. Social Security number (Social Security card)
4. Two proofs of residence (like a utility bill or voter registration card)
5. Lawful status

Source: Department of Homeland Security