New to NC? How to register to vote, get a driver’s license and enroll kids in school
If you’re new to North Carolina, you might need some help handling some of the chores associated with relocating — like getting a new driver’s license, registering to vote, and making sure your kids are enrolled in school.
We’ve gathered some information to get you started.
How to register to vote in North Carolina
You can register to vote online. (Note: You do not have to pay to register to vote. Select “continue as guest” to bypass creating an account.)
You’re required to submit your full legal name, birth date and address. You can use your driver’s license ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
Get more information at ncsbe.gov/registering.
How to get a North Carolina driver’s license
Within two months (60 days) of establishing permanent residence in North Carolina, drivers need to get a NC license, as well as title and register their vehicle(s), with the DMV.
For the DMV’s North Carolina Driver’s Handbook, visit ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/new-drivers/Documents/driver-handbook.pdf.
To get a driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years old and must apply in person. You can (and should) book your appointment online: ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses.
COST: Regular licenses cost about $45 for an eight-year span.
You can search for Department of Motor Vehicle offices (and filter by appointment: driver’s license, plate and vehicle, license and bureau theft, etc.) by visiting ncdot.gov/dmv.
Qualified applicants may need to complete tests covering required knowledge, road sign recognition, vision and driving, per the DOT’s website.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring to your driver’s license appointment:
An out-of-state license or one document (with full name) proving identity and date of birth
A Social Security card or another document proving you have a Social Security number
One document verifying your physical address in North Carolina (you’ll need two if you’re getting an NC REAL ID)
If you weren’t born in the U.S., you’ll need one document (with full name) proving your legal presence/lawful status
One document proving liability insurance coverage from a North Carolina-licensed business (not required for a learner’s permit)
Note: Your name must match the name on the documents you provide. If it doesn’t you’ll need to provide a proof of name change (like a certified marriage license, divorce decree or document from the courts or Register of Deeds).
Should you get a REAL ID? If you travel at all, it’s probably a good idea. You can learn more about getting a REAL ID in NC at bit.ly/3IF5MRr.
How to title, register your vehicle in North Carolina
First, make sure your new North Carolina license is squared away. You’ll need an in-state license to title and register your car, said Marty Homan, communications manager for the NC DOT.
You’ll need to bring the following materials to a local license plate agency:
- Your NC driver’s license. If you don’t have this yet, bring your valid out-of-state driver’s license along with a NC Temporary Driving Certificate.
- Vehicle title (or a registration card, if held by a lender)
- MVR-1 Title Application, which can be found here: ncdot.gov/dmv/downloads/Documents/MVR-1.pdf
- If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, you’ll also need the MVR-180 Odometer Disclosure, which can be found here: ncdot.gov/dmv/downloads/Documents/MVR-180.pdf
- NC vehicle insurance information
You may not know that those titling and registering vehicles in North Carolina need to pay a highway-use tax. This is 3% of the vehicle value, up to $250.
“Depending on how nice of a car you drive, it might be a shock to have to pay a couple hundred dollars on top of the other fees,” Homan said.
Here are some other associated fees you should know about, per NC DOT’s website:
- $56 for the Certificate of Title (if moving to North Carolina)
- $38.75 for a standard plate
- If you’re in Randolph County, a standard plate is $39.75.
- If you’re in Orange, Durham or Wake County, a standard plate is $53.75.
- Durham, Orange, Randolph and Wake counties also charge regional registration taxes in addition to registration fees, per NC DOT’s website.
Check out the DMV’s “Moving to NC” webpage for more information about getting a license, titling and registering your vehicle and more: ncdot.gov/dmv/help/moving/Pages/new-residents.aspx.
How to enroll your child in an NC public school
Enrollment is handled at the local level. Visit the Department of Public Instruction’s School Report Card website to contact schools directly. (Website: ncreports.ondemand.sas.com/src)
You should make sure you have the following materials available:
A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate
Proof of address, which can be done in the following ways: Current water, gas or electric bill in parent’s name that is no more than 30 days old, newly signed lease that is no more than 60 days old, settlement statement or Offer to Purchase agreement (in limited circumstances)
A photo ID of the parent
Your child’s immunization record
Any custody documents
You’ll need to obtain and submit proof of immunizations and NC Health Assessment.
Every child entering public schools in North Carolina for the first time needs to receive a health assessment, according to state law. The assessment must occur within a year before entering school. A medical provider, parent or guardian needs to provide a complete transmittal form to the school on or before the child’s first day of attendance. (Website: publichealth.nc.gov/wch/families/schoolhealth.htm)
Check out the NC Department of Health and Human Service’s website for a complete list of required immunizations, or vaccinations: immunize.nc.gov/schools/k-12.htm
Parents of children with disabilities who’d like to enroll their children in private school can apply for two grants: the Disabilities Grant and the Education Savings Account. Get more information on NCSEAA’s website: ncseaa.edu/k12/disabilities-grant
Get more information on school enrollment in North Carolina at dpi.nc.gov/students-families.
This story was originally published March 21, 2022 at 9:00 AM.
