Newcomers Guide

 OBTAINING A DRIVER'S LICENSE - www.dmv.dot.state.nc.us

All new residents who plan to drive must obtain a N.C. driver's license within 60 days. Most newcomers seek a Class C license for personal cars and small trucks. Motorcycle riders also need a motorcycle endorsement. Licensed drivers who are 16 or 17 years old must show passage of a state-approved driver education course in their former state; otherwise, they receive a temporary license. You may obtain a N.C. Level 1 permit at 15 after passing an approved driver education course. N.C. driver's licenses are valid for five years. Apply in person at a driver's license office and take the vision, sign recognition and written tests. A "Driver's Handbook" study book is available at DMV offices. Present your current out-of-state license or two other accepted forms of ID (such as passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (utility bill, bank statement, etc.), Social Security or taxpayer ID and liability insurance from an insurer licensed in North Carolina . A Class C license costs $2.50 per year. The motorcycle endorsement is an additional $5 cash, and you must pass a road skills test

 MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

You must register your vehicle before the reciprocity agreement between North Carolina and your former state expires (usually 30 days). Registration is renewed annually. Present your title (unless title is held by a lien holder) and a valid registration card from your former state. If a lien holder holds your title, you must provide the lien holder's name and address on a state form for title release. You also must present proof of vehicle liability insurance that meets state standards. Fees include $35 title fee, $20 registration fee for auto and a highway use tax that ranges up to $150 depending on the situation. Checks are acceptable with two proofs of identification. You must have a N.C. driver's license or N.C. checking account. You also must obtain a vehicle safety inspection within 10 days of receiving your license plate. This costs $9.30 and can be done at any state-authorized inspection station. Inspection is required annually. Vehicles newer than 1976 must pass a $30.00 annual emission inspection. N.C. counties assess property taxes annually. Your car will be registered when you receive your license plate, and you'll receive a bill in about three months.

Registering to Vote - http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/

To register to vote in this State, a person must sign a voter declaration attesting that:

  • I am a U.S. citizen.
  • I will have been a resident of North Carolina and this county for 30 days before the election.
  • I will be at least 18 years old by the next general election
  • I am not registered nor will I vote in any other county or state
  • If I have been convicted of a felony, my rights of citizenship have been restored.

Agencies Where You Can Register
Voter registration programs are actively conducted through many agencies in this State. If a person is applying for or receiving benefits from any of the participating agencies or programs, a voter registration transaction is available during the conduct of any business with that office. The following programs and agencies are currently participating in the agency voter registration program:

    • Work First
    • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
    • Food Stamps
    • Medicaid
    • Services for the Blind
    • Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services
    • Vocational Rehabilitation
    • Governor's Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities
    • Employment Security Commission

DMV
The driver's license examination offices, located throughout the State, have conducted a successful voter registration program since 1984. A person may complete a voter registration transaction at any driver's license examination office when conducting official DMV business with that office (applying for or renewing a driver's license, I.D. card, etc.).

Mail
North Carolina has made available mail-in voter registration forms through the county boards of elections offices. Those offices, in turn, have distributed the mail-in voter registration forms to numerous visible locations throughout the counties. This form is self-explanatory and can be easily completed. The completed forms should be mailed directly to the appropriate county board of elections. Contact the County Board of Elections office to receive a form in the mail.

Other options

Libraries and public high schools
North Carolina has mail-in voter registration forms available through public libraries and high schools. These locations do not accept the forms for the county board of elections office. Forms may be obtained at these locations, completed, and mailed to the appropriate county board of elections office.

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