TODAY is the last day to act or risk long DMV delays, as officials urge motorists to make changes under a new ‘privilege law’.
The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) has announced a major change for drivers.
Starting July 1, 2025, a new law signed by Governor Josh Stein will place a moratorium on Class C driver license expirations in North Carolina.
Under Senate Bill 391, standard passenger vehicle licenses set to expire on or after that date will stay valid for up to two years past the printed expiration date for driving within the state.
The moratorium will run through December 31, 2027, and applies only to Class C licenses.
During this period, drivers will still have in-state driving privileges for up to two years after their license’s printed expiration date.
However, officials warn that expired licenses cannot be used for identification or air travel and may not be recognized by other states or federal agencies.
The rule also does not apply to commercial driver licenses (CDLs) or to any licenses that have been suspended, revoked, or cancelled.
NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine said: “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 service.
“Customers may present expired Class C licenses for in-state driving privileges only if the expiration date is July 1, 2025, or later.
“However, we advise our customers to renew their licenses to ensure they remain valid for identification purposes, including to fly, rent a car, get a bank loan, fill a prescription and have documents notarized.”
Starting this weekend and running through August 23, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) will once again open 20 select offices on Saturdays, offering walk-in services from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. — no appointment required.
Walk-in services will be available at:
- Andrews, 1440 Main St.
- Asheville, 1624 Patton Ave.
- Charlotte North, 9711 David Taylor Dr.
- Charlotte South, 201 W. Arrowood Rd., Suite H
- Clayton, 1665 Old U.S. Hwy. 70 W. (Shotwell Station)
- Durham, 101 S. Miami Blvd.
- Elizabeth City, 1164 U.S. Hwy. 17 S.
- Fayetteville, 831 Elm St. (Eutaw Village)
- Graham, 111 E. Crescent Square
- Greensboro, 2391 Coliseum Blvd.
- Greenville, 4651 N. Creek Dr.
- Huntersville, 12101 Mount Holly-Huntersville Rd.
- Jacksonville, 299 Wilmington Hwy.
- Kernersville, 810-A N. Main St.
- Monroe, 3122 U.S. Hwy. 74 W.
- Raleigh East, 4121 New Bern Ave. (Wilder’s Grove)
- Raleigh West, 3231 Avent Ferry Rd.
- Salisbury, US 29 S, 5780 South Main St.
- Wilmington, 2390 Carolina Beach Rd., Suite 104 (South Square Plaza)
- Winston-Salem, 2001 Silas Creek Pkwy.
Services available on Saturdays include:
- Driver license and ID renewals
- Duplicates and address changes
- REAL ID issuance
- Road tests (for those who have already passed the written and knowledge exams)
Officials still encourage customers to check online first, as many services — including renewals, duplicates, address changes, and even voter registration applications — can be completed digitally without the wait.
New driving laws
Drivers across the United States are adjusting to a slew of new road rules taking effect in 2025. Some of those include:
- Drivers risk a $1,000 fine in a weeklong safety crackdown
- A new law adds a “$5 per mile” fine for drivers starting August 1
- Starting September 1, a new law forces drivers of a certain car to get a permit
- Drivers in a major state are facing unexpected car tax hikes due to a new rule
- The towing industry will be changed forever in a “booting” law that goes into effect on December 1
- Certain drivers will now be required to install an extra device in their cars
North Carolina drivers are getting two extra years to renew their expired licenses[/caption]
