North Carolina ID Guide
North Carolina license and ID designs, what to check on each, plus mobile ID plans and age verification laws.
- Current card design
- 2024In production since 28 May 2024
- Older design still valid
- 2015Until each card expires, 2032 at the latest
- Digital ID
- Not yetIn law since 1 Jul 2025. Launch reported for late 2026 or early 2027
- Alcohol
- 21Tobacco and vapes are still 18 in state law
North Carolina licenses and IDs
Sample images: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (website samples of the 2024 card and the Aug 2018 REAL ID brochure) and the NC ABC Commission's Quick Guide for Retail Permittees. Images were cropped to the card; nothing else was changed.
2024 design, REAL ID
Current- Record
- NC-DL-2024-REALID
- First issued
- 28 May 2024
- Last issued
- Still being issued
- In circulation until
- Still being issued
- Checked
- 15 Nov 2026
The current card, in production since late May 2024.
What to check on the front of the 2024 design, REAL ID
Press a letter or a row to see its source and what the check does not prove.
No checks are listed for the back of this design.
A card that passes every check is consistent with a genuine North Carolina document. No visual check proves it is genuine or still valid. The DMV does not list its security features.
Checking a card against state records
- Record check through AAMVA
- Takes partAAMVA lists North Carolina as taking part in its Driver's License Data Verification service with no restrictions. The service is for approved businesses and agencies, not the public.
- State check for retailers
- In lawState law tells the DMV to run an electronic system that retailers and alcohol permit holders can use to verify a card and a date of birth. Whether it is running was not confirmed.
- Scanning a card
- No general law foundNo North Carolina law was found that bans a retailer from scanning a license barcode. Data from the DMV's own system may be kept only as proof that the card was checked.
- Colour copies
- Not allowedMaking a colour copy of a license or ID card is unlawful unless the DMV authorizes it. A black-and-white copy is lawful.
- Expired licenses
- Driving onlyUntil 31 Dec 2027 an expired regular license still lets the holder drive for up to two years. The DMV says it is not valid as identification.
- Paper temporary certificate
- Not identificationValid 60 days for driving. By law it is not valid for identification, and the ABC Commission says it cannot be used to buy alcohol.
Sources: NCDMV, new license and ID cards (opens in a new tab) · NCDOT release, new card design (28 May 2024) (opens in a new tab) · NCDMV, NC REAL ID (opens in a new tab) · NC Driver Handbook (April 2026) (opens in a new tab) · NCDMV REAL ID brochure (Aug 2018) (opens in a new tab) · NC ABC Commission, Quick Guide for Retail Permittees (opens in a new tab) · NCDOT answers to the legislature (April 2024) (opens in a new tab) · N.C.G.S. §20-7 (opens in a new tab) · N.C.G.S. §20-37.02 (opens in a new tab) · N.C.G.S. §20-30 (opens in a new tab) · NCDOT release, expired license moratorium (8 Jul 2025) (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, participation map (opens in a new tab)
How to read a North Carolina card
- Star in a black circle, top rightREAL IDOn cards made since late May 2024.
- Gold star, top rightREAL ID, older cardOn cards issued from May 2017 to June 2024.
- NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSESNot REAL IDA valid North Carolina card. Older cards read NOT FOR FEDERAL IDENTIFICATION.
- Upright cardIssued to someone under 21With U21 in red and the years the holder turns 18 and 21.
- LIMITED TERMLimited stayPrinted after the expiration date. The card ends with the holder's authorized stay.
- Paper sheetTemporary Driving CertificateValid 60 days for driving. Not valid as identification.
How long a North Carolina card lasts
Sources: N.C.G.S. §20-7 (opens in a new tab) · NC Driver Handbook (April 2026) (opens in a new tab)
North Carolina digital ID
- Digital license issued by North Carolina
- Not yetThe DMV's page, dated 8 Sep 2026, says mobile IDs are coming soon. News reports give December 2026 or early 2027.
- In law
- Since 1 Jul 2025The DMV may issue a mobile license as a supplement to the card. By law it is the legal equivalent of a valid license.
- In Apple, Google or Samsung Wallet
- Expected 2027It will launch in the state's own NC Wallet app first.
- Replaces the physical card
- NoThe DMV says it is optional and the card will stay available and accepted.
- Alcohol sales
- Not statedThe ABC Commission has published no position. Reports say bars and stores are not expected to accept it until later in 2027.
- Airport security
- Planned at launchThe DMV names TSA checkpoints including Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham.
Sources: NCDMV, NC Mobile ID (opens in a new tab) · S.L. 2024-30 (HB 199) (opens in a new tab) · WRAL, 14 Aug 2026 (opens in a new tab) · Carolina Journal, 10 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, jurisdiction data maps (opens in a new tab)
North Carolina mobile ID
Not issued yet. This is what the DMV has announced.
| NC Wallet appAnnounced | |
|---|---|
| Showing it | |
| In person | Not statedPlanned: a tap or a QR code to a compatible reader |
| Online, to a website or app | Not statedNot stated |
| Age only, without other details | Not statedNot stated |
| Acceptance | |
| Airport security | Not statedPlanned at launch, per the DMV |
| Alcohol and tobacco sales | Not statedNo ABC Commission position found |
| Police at a traffic stop | Not statedPlanned where the officer has a compatible reader |
| Replaces the physical card | NoOptional. The card stays available and accepted |
| For verifiers | |
| Follows the ISO mobile license standard | Not statedThe DMV says international standards and does not name one |
| On the issuers' trust list | NoAAMVA lists North Carolina as in progress |
| How a business reads it | The DMV says a mobile ID cannot be verified by looking at the screen. It must be checked with compatible technology. |
| Cost to the holder | Planned at no additional cost. |
NC Wallet appAnnounced
Showing it
- In person
- Not statedPlanned: a tap or a QR code to a compatible reader
- Online, to a website or app
- Not statedNot stated
- Age only, without other details
- Not statedNot stated
Acceptance
- Airport security
- Not statedPlanned at launch, per the DMV
- Alcohol and tobacco sales
- Not statedNo ABC Commission position found
- Police at a traffic stop
- Not statedPlanned where the officer has a compatible reader
- Replaces the physical card
- NoOptional. The card stays available and accepted
For verifiers
- Follows the ISO mobile license standard
- Not statedThe DMV says international standards and does not name one
- On the issuers' trust list
- NoAAMVA lists North Carolina as in progress
- How a business reads it
- The DMV says a mobile ID cannot be verified by looking at the screen. It must be checked with compatible technology.
- Cost to the holder
- Planned at no additional cost.
Sources: NCDMV, NC Mobile ID (opens in a new tab) · S.L. 2024-30 (HB 199) (opens in a new tab) · WRAL, 14 Aug 2026 (opens in a new tab) · Carolina Journal, 10 Sep 2026 (opens in a new tab) · AAMVA, jurisdiction data maps (opens in a new tab)
Age verification laws in North Carolina
Checked 15 Nov 2026. Not legal advice.
- Laws tracked
- 12
- In effect
- 11
- Touched by a court case
- 0
Status keyIn effectIn effect, partly blockedBlocked by courtTakes effect later
| Law | Who must comply | Age | What you must do | Status | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult content | |||||
| PAVE Act: adult website age verificationN.C.G.S. §§66-500, 66-501 · S.L. 2023-132 (opens in a new tab) | Websites where more than a third of the material is harmful to minors | 18+ | Verify age with a commercial database or another commercially reasonable method. Keep no identifying information | In effectSince 1 Jan 2024 | Private lawsuits only · damages and attorney's fees |
| Performer age and consent checksN.C.G.S. §§66-505 to 66-509 · S.L. 2025-84 (opens in a new tab) | Online operators that publish pornographic images | 18+ | Before publishing, verify each performer's age and written consent with government ID | In effectSince 1 Dec 2025 | Up to $10,000 per day per image · Attorney General · private lawsuits |
| Alcohol | |||||
| Proof of age for alcoholN.C.G.S. §18B-302 · 14B NCAC 15B .0224 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone who sells or serves alcohol | 21+ | Determine the buyer's age. Only four kinds of ID are accepted | In effectIn effect | Class 1 misdemeanor · fines and suspension by the ABC Commission |
| Holding an ID and refusing a saleN.C.G.S. §18B-129 (opens in a new tab) | ABC permit holders and their staff | Any age | You may hold an ID for a reasonable time to check it, if you tell the customer why | In effectIn effect | None: this is a protection for the seller |
| Alcohol delivery and shippingN.C.G.S. §18B-1001.4, §18B-1001.1 (opens in a new tab) | Delivery services, retailers that deliver, and wine shippers' carriers | 21+ | Hand over only to someone 21 or older. Wine shipments: check ID and take a signature | In effectIn effect | Permit action · delivery to a minor counts as a sale to a minor |
| Tobacco and vapor | |||||
| Tobacco and vapor productsN.C.G.S. §14-313 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling tobacco, vapor or alternative nicotine products | 18+ | Demand proof of age when there are grounds to believe the buyer is under 18. Post the required sign | In effectState age is still 18 | Class 2 misdemeanor |
| Vape shops: no one under 21, every ID scannedN.C.G.S. §14-313(e1) · S.L. 2026-41, s. 44.6 (opens in a new tab) | Specialty retailers of vapor products | 21+ | No one under 21 inside. Scan every patron's license or ID card at the door | Takes effect laterTakes effect 1 Dec 2027 | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| Online gambling | |||||
| Sports wagering accountsN.C.G.S. §18C-902, §18C-912 · 24 NCAC 06A .0702 (opens in a new tab) | Licensed sports wagering operators | 21+ | Verify identity and age before a player can deposit or bet | In effectRule since 8 Jan 2024 | Up to $10,000 per violation · State Lottery Commission |
| Lottery ticketsN.C.G.S. §18C-131 (opens in a new tab) | Lottery retailers | 18+ | No sale to anyone under 18. Checking a listed ID is the seller's defense | In effectIn effect | Class 1 misdemeanor |
| Other products | |||||
| Pseudoephedrine productsN.C.G.S. §90-113.52 (opens in a new tab) | Pharmacies and retailers | 18+ | Photo ID from every buyer, recorded in a signed log kept two years | In effectIn effect | Not checked |
| Firearms | |||||
| Handguns and other weapons to minorsN.C.G.S. §14-315 (opens in a new tab) | Anyone selling or giving weapons | 18+ | No transfer to a minor. Checking a listed ID is the seller's defense | In effectPistol permit repealed 29 Mar 2023 | Class H felony for a handgun |
| Scanning IDs | |||||
| Copying a license or IDN.C.G.S. §20-30(6), §20-37.02 (opens in a new tab) | Any person or business | Any age | No colour copies. Data from the DMV's system may be kept only as proof of the check | In effectIn effect | Class 2 misdemeanor for misuse of DMV system data |
This page lists North Carolina law only. Federal rules apply here too and are covered on the United States page. North Carolina has no law in force on social media age checks, app stores, AI chatbots, hemp or kratom: the social media bill (HB 301) and the hemp and kratom bill (HB 328) are both stuck between the two chambers.
Timeline
- 1 Dec 2027Upcoming · Tobacco and vaporVape shops must bar anyone under 21 and scan every patron's ID
- 31 Dec 2027Upcoming · LicenseExpired-license driving allowance ends
- 18 Dec 2026Upcoming · Social mediaLegislative session ends. The social media and hemp bills die if not passed
- 8 Sep 2026Effective · Digital IDDMV says mobile IDs are coming soon, in the NC Wallet app first
- 7 Jul 2026Effective · Tobacco and vaporState budget signed with the vape shop ID scan rule
- 23 Jun 2026Bill failed · Social mediaHouse declines the Senate's version of the social media age bill, HB 301. It goes to conference
- 1 Jul 2025Effective · Digital IDMobile license law takes effect; no mobile license is issued yet
- 28 May 2024New design · LicenseDMV unveils the current license and ID design
- 1 Jan 2024Effective · Adult contentPAVE Act takes effect
Questions
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Start by matching the card to its design. A card made since late May 2024 is stiff, has a black-and-white photo, raised and sunken patterns you can feel, and the month and year of birth in large raised type.
The ABC Commission's advice is to feel the edges, compare the main photo with the small second photo, look for mismatched fonts and ask the holder their birth date. No visual check proves a card is genuine.
Four kinds: a driver's license from any state, a state ID card from any state, a military ID, or a passport of any nation.
Photocopies are not accepted, and neither is the 60-day paper Temporary Driving Certificate.
Only for driving. Until 31 Dec 2027 a regular license that expired on or after 1 Jul 2025 lets the holder keep driving in North Carolina for up to two years.
The DMV says an expired license is not valid for any other purpose, including identification.
It means the card was issued before the holder turned 21. A license first issued before 18 runs until 60 days after the 21st birthday.
The current card shows the years the holder turns 18 and 21, not the dates. Read the date of birth and work out the age.
State law still says 18. Bills to raise it to 21 have not moved since March 2025.
From 1 Dec 2027 specialty vape shops must keep out anyone under 21 and scan every patron's license or ID card at the door.
An alcohol permit holder may hold a customer's ID for a reasonable time while checking whether the customer is of legal age, as long as the customer is told why.
That protects against a civil claim for a temporary hold. It is not a power to keep the ID.
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