NC Drivers Get 2-Year Grace Period for License Renewals

Under a new state law, residents can continue driving in-state with an expired Class C license through December 31, 2027,

North Carolina drivers with standard licenses now have more time to renew expired licenses — but with restrictions. Under a new state law, residents can continue driving in-state with an expired Class C license through December 31, 2027, as long as the license expired on or after July 1, 2025.

The law, part of Senate Bill 391, was signed by Governor Josh Stein and took effect on July 1, 2025. It temporarily suspends the expiration requirement for standard (Class C) licenses, which are used for non-commercial passenger vehicles. The measure aims to ease delays caused by a backlog at the DMV.

However, the grace period only applies to in-state driving privileges. Expired licenses under this moratorium cannot be used for identification, air travel, banking, or other official purposes, and may not be recognized outside North Carolina. The extension also does not apply to commercial licenses or any licenses that are suspended, revoked, or canceled.

“We advise our customers to renew their licenses to ensure they remain valid for identification purposes — including flying, renting a car, getting a bank loan, filling a prescription, and notarizing documents,” said DMV Commissioner Paul Tine.