North Carolina The 2018 MVR Access and Decoder Digest ...

1 North Carolina The 2018 MVR Access and Decoder Digest 544 North Carolina Administration Important Telephone and Web Contacts Torre J. Jessup, Commissioner Division of Motor Vehicles 3101 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27697-3101 Statutes: Driver Financial Responsibility & Traffic Records Commercial Driver Vehicle Information ..919-715-7000 IRP State Department of Insurance ..919-807-6750 Highway General Email List Driver's License Format, Issuance, and Renewal License Classes, Restrictions, and Endorsements Appear After the Driving Record Content Section License Format The format is one to twelve numbers. Although DMV indicates there is no code or sequential arrangement which determines the digits on the license number, the DMV indicates most new numbers start with leading zeros, such as " " Document Appearance North Carolina began issuing REAL ID compliant license cards on May 1, 2017.

2 In 2015, the DMV rolled out a new look for its license and ID cards. The DMV has been using the same digital imaging documents for a number of years. Both versions are described below. New Documents Security Characteristics: Front laminate features images of the state outline, NC and 1775 . Cards are Teslin coated cards have laser-engraved tactile date of Birth Position of Photo: Main photo is on the left edge. Overlapping ghost images (one color, one laser engraved) are on the lower right corner. Minor Age Driver Locator: The document is vertical, the card indicates when the holder turns 18 and/or 21. CDL Indicator: License indicates the holder has a commercial driver license number. Registered Sex Offender Indicator: None REAL ID Indicator: License carries a white star in a gold circle located in the upper right corner of the face of the license.

3 Standard licenses that are not REAL ID compliant carry the phrase Not for Federal Identification. Older Documents Security Characteristics: Holographic overlay on the front and bar code on the rear. On December 2006, a holographic security patch was added to newly issued North Carolina driver licenses, but this patch was removed effective October 21, 2008. Position of Photo: Bottom left corner and ghost image on bottom right corner, for drivers over 21. Minor Age Driver Locator: Since October, 2008, the DMV issues a vertical license for drivers under the age of 21. The license includes color-coded bars that highlight the driver's 18th and 21st birthdays. Drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 receive licenses with two color bars, red and yellow, next to their photos listing the dates they turn 18 and 21.

4 Drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 receive licenses with one red color bar listing the date they turn 21. Previously, if under 18, the picture is framed in red as is border; if age 18, 19 & 20, picture framed in yellow as is the border; if age is 21 & over, picture is framed in green as is the border. CDL Indicator: DMV logo is printed in amber and license indicates the commercial driver license number in amber. Registered Sex Offender Indicator: None Issuance In order to apply for the first time issuance of an NC Driver License or Learner Permit, two documents that prove age and identity are needed, plus proof of the SSN or documentation of lawful status. A citizen must provide documentation issued by the government indicating legal presence: Acceptable documents are listed at #documents.

5 Age Requirements The minimum age for Class A and B is 18, but driver would not be eligible for the Hazardous Material Endorsement and will be restricted to drive inside North Carolina only (Intrastate Restriction 4) until age 21. Minimum age for Class C is 16. A full description of the Graduated License Process is presented in the License Classes section. One must be age 16 or older to operate a moped on North Carolina highways or public vehicular areas. A driving license is not required, and the moped does not have to be registered, inspected or covered by liability insurance. Residency New residents must secure a North Carolina license within 60 days of establishing residency or within 30 days if transferring a commercial license.

6 If of age sixteen or older, a non-resident's home state or home country license is honored. Renewal Renewal is the birth date of eighth year for those 18 through 65 years old; birthdate of the fifth year for those 66 years old and older. The driver keeps same number when renewing. The Division uses a central issuance system of driver licenses opposed to an over-the-counter issuance program. Online renewal is available unless license is suspended or there is an outstanding debt with DMV or the license is a CDL with a P or S Endorsement. Online renewal is not available for those who wish to obtain a REAL ID license for the first time. At renewal or after a new driver completes a test, the driver receives a Temporary Driving Certificate valid for 20 days.

7 One may keep the older license to use for photo identification until the new one arrives by mail. Renewal is not available online. Military personnel serving on active duty and stationed outside the state other residents living outside the state for at least 30 continuous days may renew by mail at: The DMV, 3115 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3115. Duplicates are offered if the DMV already has the valid proof of identity on file, photo image on file, and there are no outstanding issues. Elderly-Related Restrictions None reported other than the renewal period is for five (instead of eight) years as described above for drivers 66 years old and older. The 2018 MVR Access and Decoder Digest North Carolina 545 Vehicle Insurance, Title, and Registration Facts Registration and Renewal Renewal of registration is annual.

8 Renewal is available online at Since 2006, a staggered registration system is used for Apportioned Motor Carrier, Commercial Vehicles, Special Mobile, For-Hire, Transporters, Drive Away vehicles and Taxis. All mopeds must be registered with the NCDMV. State statute defines a moped as having "two or three wheels, no external shifter, with a motor not to exceed 50 cubic centimeters of piston displacement and up to 30 mph propulsion on a level surface." A driver license is not required to operate a moped, but operators must be at least 16 years of age. New Residents Non-residents must register vehicles within 60 days (or longer, depending on reciprocity agreement with prior state of residence) or when gainful employment is accepted, whichever comes first.

9 New residents must first obtain a NC Driver License prior to registering a vehicle in North Carolina . Inspections and Emissions Testing An NC Vehicle Safety Inspection is required annually before the vehicle s registration can be renewed. The Safety Inspection is waived for vehicles 35 years or older. An Emissions Inspection (OBD) is also required in 48 counties (see ). The emissions inspection is waived for: vehicles three years old or new and less than 70,000 miles; 1995 vehicles or older, diesel-operated vehicles, and famer-rate licensed vehicles. New residents can register a vehicle without getting an inspection, but the vehicle cannot be renewed until the inspection is passed.

10 Passenger Plate Facts There is one plate. Two decals (MO) (YR) were used until June 2015 when the agency began issuance of one decal with both month and year. The state does not designate the county of registration on the plate. When a vehicle is sold the plate remains with seller. However, an owner s license plate may be transferred to a different vehicle if the insurance was secured on the new vehicle at the same time the insurance was deleted on the old vehicle. Insurance and Financial Responsibility Insurance is compulsory. North Carolina law requires the registered owner of a motor vehicle to maintain continuous liability insurance coverage as long as there is a valid license plate for that vehicle.