North Carolina drivers will now have an easier time renewing their licenses and teens will face fewer hurdles, under a new law signed by Gov. Josh Stein.
Senate Bill 245, now signed into law, allows drivers to renew or update licenses remotely — by mail, phone, or online — more than once, as long as they meet eligibility rules. Previously, online renewals were limited to one before an in-person visit was required.
For young drivers, the law eliminates the 12-hour driving log previously needed for 16- and 17-year-olds to earn a full provisional license. Teens can now upgrade remotely if they’ve held a limited license for at least six months and have no violations.
The bill also invests over $24 million to modernize state agencies, including:
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$15 million for cybersecurity upgrades.
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$5 million to enhance the eCourts system.
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$3 million for the State Highway Patrol to add staff.
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$1.4 million for the State Bureau of Investigation to hire 10 new workers.
The funding takes effect July 1, 2025, while the driver’s license updates are effective immediately. Officials say the law will modernize services and simplify licensing for North Carolinians statewide.
