We hope you find the following driver's license and vehicle information helpful as you consider relocating to North Carolina. Additional information for newcomers can be found on the NC Department of Motor Vehicle's website, especially designed for new North Carolina residents.

Drivers License

New residents are required to obtain a North Carolina driver's license within 60 days of establishing permanent residency. If you have moved to the area from another North Carolina county, you have 60 days to get another license with your new address. You should bring proof of insurance (see below) and your current driver's license to the testing location.

New residents must pass a written exam, a vision test, and a road sign recognition test. Your valid out-of-state driver's license must be surrendered at this time. An out-of-state driver's license usually exempts you from taking a road (driving) test, however, you may be required to take one at the examiner's discretion. The North Carolina Driver's Handbook, a study guide for the written test, is available from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

North Carolina law requires a DL-123 form to be filled out and signed by your auto insurance agency prior to receiving your license. Obtain this form from one of the testing locations, or most insurance companies have the forms on hand.

The cost of a new driver's license ranges from $10 to $20 depending on age. Your license will be valid from 4 to 8 years depending on age. The DMV is implementing a new policy of licenses expiring in 5-year increments (i.e., age 20, 25, 30, 35, etc.). The charge for a duplicate license is $10 and the expiration date will not change.

You may get your driver's license, a handbook, and/or Form DL-123 from the following locations (you may also register to vote at this time):

Carrboro:	Carrboro Plaza , NC 54 West, 929-4161, 8am to 5pm (M-F)
Durham :	101 S. Miami Blvd. , 560-6896, 8am to 5pm (M-F)
	Homestead Market, Hwy 54 & Fayetteville Rd. , 560-3378, 8am to 5pm (M-F)

Vehicle Registration

New residents are required to register their vehicle(s) within 60 days of establishing residency or accepting employment in North Carolina . To transfer an out-of-state title and tag, an owner must show the title and proof of liability insurance. Regulations regarding vehicle registration vary, however, because some requirements are based on the regulations of the previous state of residence.

The cost is $33.00 (cars, trucks, vans) and $17.00 (motorcycles) for the license plate, $40.00 or the title transfer, and a user's tax of 3% of the vehicle's value.

For more information or to obtain a license plate, vehicle registration, and/or a North Carolina certificate of title, contact the NC License Plate Agency at University Mall, Chapel Hill between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday. For more information, call 929-0204.

Vehicle Inspection

Within 10 days of registering your vehicle, you must have a safety and emissions inspection at an authorized service station or car dealer. The inspection checklist includes turn signals, lights, steering, windshield, exhaust system, etc. For vehicles registered in Durham and Orange County the cost is $30.00.