North Carolina DOT Driving Records

North Carolina DOT – Motor Vehicle Department

When it comes to anything related to your vehicle in North Carolina, such as your driving record, license registration and renewal, or vehicle registration and title, there is a good chance you can get it done through the North Carolina DOT, NC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While a trip to the DMV is often associated with long lineups, endless bureaucracy, and has indeed become the butt of many jokes, the truth is that in many cases you can save yourself a lot of the hassle by getting what you need done online or over the phone. Below, we will look at what services the DMV offers and whether you can get them done online or in person.

How To Get North Carolina DOT Driving Records

Fortunately, while you are certainly free to visit the DMV in person to get a copy of your driving record, there is really no need to. There is a simple hassle-free online form that allows you to order your North Carolina driver abstract without leaving the comfort of your home. Your record or driver abstract will include information related to your driving history.

North Carolina Driver Abstract Includes

• Current address
• Driver’s license number
• Driving-related convictions
• DUI convictions
• Demerit points
• License status and expiry date

When you order your driving record from the DMV you have the option of choosing either a certified or non-certified copy. A certified copy is more expensive and is primarily used by government agencies and the courts. If you need a driving record for employment or insurance purposes then a non-certified copy should suffice. Also, if you are just curious about your driving record you can use a third-party database, such as SearchQuarry.com.

North Carolina DOT Driving Test

When it comes to a driving test, you will have to head to the DMV in person in order to schedule your road test. Also, if this is your first license, then you will need to pass a written test, sign test, and vision test beforehand. If you are applying for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you will need to complete a written test and skills (road) test. Motorcyclists are also required to complete a knowledge test before proceeding to the skills (road) test.

North Carolina DOT Driver’s License

If you are moving to North Carolina from another state, such as New York or Illinois, then you will need to transfer your license. Unfortunately, North Carolina requires you to visit the DMV office in person in order to transfer a valid license. If your license is valid or has been expired for less than two years then you only need to complete a signs test and a vision test. For those with out-of-state licenses that have been expired for more than two years, however, a written and road test will also be required. Remember that you can only register a vehicle in North Carolina if you have a North Carolina license. When transferring a license from another state you may need to contact your previous state’s DMV, which you can find with this Free DMV Finder.

North Carolina Driver & Vehicle Forms

Conveniently, the North Carolina DMV has a page on their website listing all of the vehicle-related forms that you can download and print out and then bring to the DMV office. Doing so could save you a lot of time at the DMV itself. The forms page can be found here

North Carolina Traffic Citations

While many driving-related services require you to visit the DMV in person, the good news is that when it comes to paying your traffic tickets you can usually do so online. The North Carolina Court System has a convenient online tool that allows you to input your citation number. Even if you don’t know your citation number, such as if you lost your ticket, you can enter your name and find out what traffic citations you have that you need to pay

North Carolina Vehicle Registration

If you need to renew your vehicle registration, then the North Carolina Department of Transportation will send you a reminder notice to whichever address they have on file. That’s why it’s very important to make sure your address is up to date with the DOT. A number of requirements will need to be fulfilled in order to register or renew your vehicle’s registration, some of which aren’t directly related to driving. For example, if you have failed to pay child support then you may be prevented from renewing your registration. You will also need to have proof of insurance, pass an inspection, and pay a fee. Luckily, you can renew your registration online

North Carolina Title Transfers

You will need to go in person to the DMV to transfer a title. Be sure to bring with you the original title, a title application, an Odometer Disclosure Statement, and Damage Disclosure Statement. If the vehicle is being purchased from an individual or it is a gift, then you may need a lien release. If purchasing from a dealer, you will need a bill of sale.