N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-532

Every license issued under this Article shall be renewed during the month of January. On or before the date the current license expires, any person who desires to continue practice shall apply for a license renewal and shall submit the required fee. Licenses that are not renewed shall automatically lapse. In accordance with rules adopted by the Board, a license that has lapsed may be reissued within five years from the date it lapsed. A license that has been expired for more than five years may be reissued only in a manner prescribed by the Board.