The full text of G.S. 20-7.1 (Notice of change of address or name), with plain-English commentary from North Carolina DWI defense attorneys Chris Adkins and Chris Purkey in the side column. Article 2: Uniform Driver’s License Act.
§ 20-7.1. Notice of change of address or name.
(a) Address. – A person whose address changes from the address stated on a drivers license must notify the Division of the change within 60 days after the change occurs. If the person’s address changed because the person moved, the person must obtain a duplicate license within that time limit stating the new address. A person who does not move but whose address changes due to governmental action may not be charged with violating this subsection. A person who has provided an email or electronic address to the Division pursuant to G.S. 20-48(a) shall notify the Division of any change or discontinuance of that email or electronic address within 30 days after the change or discontinuance.
(b) Name. – A person whose name changes from the name stated on a drivers license must notify the Division of the change within 60 days after the change occurs and obtain a duplicate drivers license stating the new name.
(c) Fee. – G.S. 20-14 sets the fee for a duplicate license. (1975, c. 223, s. 1; 1979, c. 970; 1983, c. 521, s. 1; 1997-122, s. 4; 2016-90, s. 10(a); 2025-25, s. 29(1).)
Official text of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-7.1 as published by the North Carolina General Assembly (Chapter 20 PDF, retrieved November 10, 2026). Verify the current version on ncleg.gov ↗.
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