CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With so many people moving to North Carolina, the Department of Motor Vehicles is looking for new ways to help drivers switch their driver's licenses and vehicle registrations.
One of their ideas is putting kiosks in grocery stores, including several in Mecklenburg County. The DMV says this will speed up wait times and prevent customers from having to make an office visit for things that can be handled online.
But with logjams at the DMV, many people are wondering exactly how long they have to switch things over without facing a penalty.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify team got this email from viewer Alex:
"I recently moved to NC and heard I need a new driver's license and registration, but my license doesn’t expire for a couple of years and my registration is good for a few more months. My co-worker told me that I need to get a North Carolina license, but I’m curious if I really do given I have a license from another state."
OUR SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
According to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, a person has 60 days from establishing permanent residence in North Carolina to get a North Carolina driver's license or ID and register any vehicles, regardless of whether their old state license has expired.
What happens if you don't do that within 60 days? Mauney says there's some good news and bad news.
The good news? Not having a valid driver's license isn't a criminal offense. Usually it's a fine up to $100 plus court costs, as well as three points on your driving record and one point on your insurance.
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The bad news? If you don't have your car registered or it's expired, that's a class misdemeanor. Mauney said missing a court date for this can result in your arrest.
He said the best thing to do on either offense is get the error corrected, go to court, and show paper credentials to the district attorney, and they will most likely reduce the charges.
Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.