The issue date on a North Carolina driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. North Carolina licenses are valid for 8 years for most adult drivers, so the ISS date may be several years in the past on a card that is still current. Here is how to read every date and field on your North Carolina license.

Where to find the issue date on a North Carolina driver's license

On the current North Carolina DMV license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and marks when the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles issued your current card. If you have renewed your license, the current card's ISS date reflects that renewal date. Your license number stays the same through renewals; ISS updates with each new card.

Date fields on a North Carolina driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. North Carolina licenses are valid for 8 years for drivers between 18 and 65. Drivers 66 and older receive licenses valid for 5 years.

When a form asks for your "driver's license issue date," enter the date next to ISS. The 8-year validity means ISS and EXP can be far apart, which sometimes causes confusion when reading the card quickly.

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What does DD mean on a North Carolina driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for your specific card. It changes with each new card and differs from your license number. Banks, car rental agencies, and identity verification systems use the DD as a secondary check to confirm the card has not been altered.

Restrictions on a North Carolina driver's license

The restrictions field on North Carolina licenses is labeled RSTR. If empty or showing None, there are no restrictions. Common North Carolina restriction codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No freeway or limited-access highway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only
• L — Mechanical aid required

North Carolina REAL ID

North Carolina issues both standard and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID North Carolina license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel. To get a North Carolina REAL ID, visit an NCDMV driver license office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing your North Carolina address.

How to renew a North Carolina driver's license

North Carolina offers online renewal at ncdot.gov/dmv for eligible drivers who do not need a new photo and whose information has not changed. In-person renewal is required for first-time REAL ID issuance, address changes, and drivers whose licenses have been expired for more than a year. North Carolina also allows license renewal at select DMV Express offices, which offer faster service for routine transactions.

How to find your original North Carolina licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when that card was issued, not when you first became licensed in North Carolina. Your original licensing date is in your official driving record. Request a copy through the NCDMV website. The record shows your full licensing history, all violations, and any suspensions.