Among all the occasions you don't want to forget in life - your wedding anniversary, your mother's birthday, payday - your driver's license expiration date ranks...well, it ranks somewhere up there.
- Nc Expired License Grace Period New York
- Nc Expired License Grace Period
- Nc Driver's License Grace Period
- Nc Expired License Grace Period California
This might not be the most 'legal' of advice, but unless you get pulled you will not receive a fine from NC for being a bit late on renewing your license. I did not realize mine had expired in April when I was pulled in September.I was given a ticket, renewed the license online and showed up in court with my new one. A license issued to a driver at least 21 years of age shall expire on the birth date of the licensee in the 8th year following the issuance of the license (as Maryland converts licenses from a 5-to-8-year period of validity, a license issued to a driver at least 21 years of age shall expire on the birth date of the licensee during this timeframe).
After all, while forgetting the first few events leads to the silent treatment and awkward family gatherings, forgetting to renew your license can bring:
- Financial repercussions. You might have to pay late fees or, depending on how long it's been expired, the cost to apply all over again.
- The vision, written, and driving exams. If you have to reapply for your driver's license, most likely you'll have to pass these exams again.
- Traffic tickets. Cops aren't happy when they find drivers without valid licenses.
License Renewal Grace Periods
Fortunately, some states are more forgiving than others in regards to an expired license. These states offer grace periods in which a driver can renew an expired license without repercussions, or even drive with it.
Grace period 'benefits' vary by state. In Alabama, for example, drivers enjoy a generous 60-day grace period after which the license expires, extending it for another 60 days, making it still legal for drivers to get behind the wheel.
Hawaii offers a 90-day grace period but without driving privileges; the license immediately becomes invalid after the expiration date passes. Drivers can renew a Hawaiian drivers license within this 90-day time frame without the penalty of late fees, or what the Hawaii DMV terms 'reactivation fees.'
Yet, Louisiana drivers have only a 10-day grace period in which to renew an expired license before a $15 delinquent fee kicks in.
Before it's actually time to renew your license, check your state's license renewal requirements for information on grace periods; if you need further assistance, contact your DMV.
Has your license ever expire before you were able to renew it? What grace period - or penalties - did your state offer?
You can renew your license after it expires. The amount of time in which you can do so varies by state, but the process is similar. Your state's motor vehicle department may give you a temporary license while you wait for the real one. It may take up to 10 business days to receive it in the mail.
Valid Period
The period of validity for a driver's license varies by state and ranges from four years in New Jersey to eight years in Virginia. Typically, you may renew yours from a few months to a year in advance of the expiration date. You may also renew after it expires, but you can't legally drive until the license is valid again. The process depends on the amount of time elapsed between the expiration and renewal dates. Many states offer a grace period of one to three years in which you can renew without repercussion. If you have missed the grace period, you would have to apply for a new license and retake the vision, written and driving skills test.
The Renewal Process
Nc Expired License Grace Period New York
Most states allow drivers to renew by mail and in person, but some also offer phone and online options. However, when your license expires you must visit a department office. In most cases this is because the department requires a vision test and a new picture. Complete an application for a driver's license and select the option to renew. Provide two forms of identification, such as a birth certificate and a Social Security card, and proof of your legal presence in the U.S, if required. These include your U.S. passport, permanent residence card and naturalization documents. Take the vision test and a new picture and pay the processing fee.
Renewing While Out of State
You can renew your expired license by mail if you are out of the state or the country when it expires. In most cases, renewing this way involves writing to the regulating department with an explanation for your inability to do it in person. Include a completed renewal application, copies of two forms of identification, a check or money order for the processing fee, your current address and your address in the state and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the renewed license. Contact your state's regulating department or visit the website for specific instructions on the process.
Extending Your Renewal Date
Nc Expired License Grace Period
If you are working outside the country for the U.S. government, you might be eligible for an extension when your license expires. Eligible parties include members of the military on active duty, civilian employees or contractors, members of the diplomatic office, and the spouses and dependents of each. The department will extend your driver's license past the due date until several weeks or months after your return, and it will issue documents or a card showing the extension, which you must carry with your license. The application requirements vary by state. Contact your state's regulating department to find out how you may apply.