How Much Does a North Carolina
Driver's License Cost?
A North Carolina driver's license costs $52 and lasts 8 years. Below are all 5 official fees from the North Carolina DMV.
North Carolina License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $77.50
- License valid for
- 8 years
- About $6.50 per year
At $52, North Carolina's license fee is higher than in 42 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official North Carolina DMV Fees
From the North Carolina DMV fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Limited Learner Permit | $25.50 (verify at ncdot.gov/dmv) |
| Level 2 Limited Provisional License | $25.50 (verify at ncdot.gov/dmv) |
| Level 3 Full Provisional License (age 16) | $32.50 (verify at ncdot.gov/dmv) |
| Level 3 Full Provisional License (age 17) | $26.00 (verify at ncdot.gov/dmv) |
| Adult Class C License ($6.50 per year; 8 years for ages 18–65, 5 years for 66+) | $52.00 for 8 years — verify at ncdot.gov/dmv |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in North Carolina
- 1
Apply for the Level 1 Limited Learner Permit (Age 15+)
At age 15, visit any NC DMV office with your DL-8A, parental consent, and ID/residency documents, and pay the $25.50 permit fee.
- 2
Move Up to the Level 2 Limited Provisional License (Age 16+)
Pay the $25.50 fee.
- 3
Move Up to the Level 3 Full Provisional License (After 6 Months at Level 2)
Pay the applicable fee ($32.50 at age 16, $26.00 at age 17).
How much does a North Carolina driver's license cost?
A Level 2 Limited Provisional License costs $25.50. A Level 3 Full Provisional License costs $32.50 at age 16 or $26.00 at age 17. Verify current fees at ncdot.gov/dmv before your visit.
🗺️North Carolina Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how North Carolina's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $52 | $25.50 |
| Virginia | $32 | $3 |
| Tennessee | $28 | $28–$33 |
| Georgia | $20 | $10 |
| South Carolina | $25 | $2.50 |
Budgeting Beyond the DMV Fee
The figures above are North Carolina's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total North Carolina cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for North Carolina.
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Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official North Carolina DMV website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.