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How to Get ID & Documents in North Carolina

North Carolina issues state identification cards through the NCDMV (North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles). The state offers free voter photo ID cards and has a notable program where the DMV issues approximately 137 IDs per month to incarcerated individuals to facilitate reentry.

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Quick Answer

Visit an NCDMV office with proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security card, and two proofs of North Carolina residency. A state ID costs $14 and is valid for 8 years. North Carolina also offers free voter photo ID cards for registered voters who lack other qualifying identification.

North Carolina ID Agency

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV)

Website: ncdot.gov/dmv

Phone: (919) 715-7000

State ID Card

Cost: $14 (free voter ID available)

REAL ID: $14

Processing: About 2-3 weeks by mail

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other primary document)
  • Social Security card or document showing full SSN
  • Two proofs of North Carolina residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage statement)
  • Legal presence documentation for non-citizens

North Carolina state IDs are valid for 8 years. The state offers a free voter photo ID card for registered voters who do not have an acceptable photo ID for voting. REAL ID-compliant cards require proof of legal presence and two proofs of residency. A temporary receipt is issued at the DMV while the permanent card is mailed.

Birth Certificate

Agency: Vital Records - NC Department of Health and Human Services

Cost: $24

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 3-5 weeks by mail; same day at local register of deeds

Order online: vitalrecords.nc.gov

North Carolina birth certificates can be ordered online through the NC Vital Records portal, by mail, or in person at the county register of deeds where the birth occurred. Online and mail orders are processed by the State Center for Health Statistics. You must provide valid ID and proof of eligibility. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost less.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

North Carolina has one of the more active pre-release ID programs in the country. The NCDMV works directly with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to issue state identification cards to incarcerated individuals before their release, processing approximately 137 IDs per month inside correctional facilities. The DPS Division of Adult Correction also helps coordinate birth certificate and Social Security card applications.

Homeless Provisions

North Carolina does not have a formal statewide fee waiver for homeless individuals. However, the free voter photo ID card is available to anyone who is registered to vote. Local organizations such as the NC Coalition to End Homelessness and county Departments of Social Services provide assistance with ID costs.

Fee Waivers

North Carolina offers free voter photo ID cards for registered voters who lack qualifying identification. For standard state IDs, the $14 cost is relatively affordable. Some county social services departments and nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance for ID-related costs.

North Carolina Reentry ID Law

HB 571 / NCGS 20-37.7(d1) (N.C.G.S. 20-37.7(d1), 2017)

Authorizes the NCDMV to issue identification cards to incarcerated individuals within 120 days of their projected release date. NCDMV processes approximately 137 ID credentials per month for incarcerated or soon-to-be-released individuals.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in North Carolina: $24.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the NCDMV. Cost: $14 (free voter ID available).
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the NCDMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest NCDMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the NCDMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state NCDMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for North Carolina-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the NCDMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some NCDMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than North Carolina, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in North Carolina but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the North CarolinaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in North Carolina and register to vote. See our North Carolina voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More North Carolina Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a North Carolina state ID cost?
A standard North Carolina state identification card costs $14 and is valid for 8 years. Registered voters who lack other qualifying photo ID can obtain a free voter photo ID card.
What is the free voter photo ID in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers a free voter photo identification card for registered voters who do not have another acceptable form of photo ID for voting purposes. You can apply at any NCDMV office by presenting your voter registration information.
How do I get my North Carolina birth certificate?
You can order a North Carolina birth certificate online through vitalrecords.nc.gov, by mail, or in person at the county register of deeds where the birth occurred. The cost is $24 per certified copy.
Does North Carolina help people in prison get IDs before release?
Yes. North Carolina has an active pre-release ID program. The NCDMV works with the Department of Public Safety to process state identification cards inside correctional facilities, issuing approximately 137 IDs per month to incarcerated individuals preparing for release.
Can I renew my North Carolina ID online?
Yes, eligible North Carolina residents can renew their state ID online through the NCDMV website. You must have a current or recently expired ID and meet certain eligibility criteria.
How long is a North Carolina ID valid?
A North Carolina state identification card is valid for 8 years, which is longer than most states. This makes the effective annual cost very affordable at under $2 per year.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local NCDMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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