Where the Burgaw DMV office is located and what it handles
The Burgaw Driver's License Office is a North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles facility located in Pender County. It is a full-service office that issues driver's licenses, handles renewals, and takes the photographs required for your license. The office is smaller than a major regional DMV hub, so wait times are often shorter than you would experience in larger cities, but the services available are the same.
This office can photograph you for a new license, a renewal, or a replacement if your current license is lost or damaged. You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance — the office operates on a walk-in basis, though you should bring all required documents with you on your first visit.
Key Takeaways
- The Burgaw DMV office takes driver's license photos on-site during your visit; you cannot submit a photo taken elsewhere.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to have your photo taken.
- The office is open during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, but you should call ahead to confirm current hours and any temporary closures.
- Your photo will be taken when ready during your appointment, and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
What documents you need to bring for your photo
Before you go to the Burgaw office, gather a valid form of identification, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number. Valid identification includes a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have one of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the office staff when you call to confirm what they will accept.
Proof of residency must show your name and current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days will work. If you recently moved and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent piece of mail from a government agency.
You will also need to fill out the appropriate form before your photo is taken. For a new license, you will complete an process form; for a renewal, the form is shorter. The Burgaw office has these forms available at the counter, so you do not need to print them at home, though you can if you prefer to save time.
What to expect when you arrive for your photo
Walk into the office during business hours with your documents. Check in at the front desk and let staff know whether you are there for a new license, a renewal, or a replacement. You will be given a number and asked to wait until your number is called. Wait times vary depending on the day and time — early mornings and mid-week visits are typically less crowded than late afternoons or Fridays.
When your number is called, you will go to a window where an employee will review your documents, answer any questions about your process, and then direct you to the photo station. The photo is taken by a camera mounted at the counter — you will be asked to remove your glasses if you wear them, to face the camera directly, and to maintain a neutral expression. The photo takes seconds. You cannot bring props, wear a hat, or use a photo you took yourself.
How long the process takes and when you get your license
The entire visit — from check-in to photo — usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is not printed on-site. Instead, the office sends your information to the state processing center, which prints your license and mails it to the address you provided. This process typically takes two to three weeks, though it can occasionally take longer if the state center is processing a high volume of applications.
You will receive your license by mail at your registered address. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license or receipt that shows you have applied — some employers and police officers will accept this as proof that you have a valid process pending. Do not assume you can drive without documentation; check with your local law enforcement if you are uncertain.
Contact information and office hours for the Burgaw location
The Burgaw Driver's License Office is located in Pender County. To find the exact street address, current phone number, and office hours, visit the North Carolina DMV website or call the main DMV customer service line. Office hours change seasonally and the office occasionally closes for staff training or system maintenance, so calling ahead before you make the trip is worth the few minutes it takes.
If you cannot reach the Burgaw office directly, you can also visit the DMV website to find contact information for the nearest alternative office. Some services can be completed at other locations if Burgaw is temporarily closed, though photo services are available at all full-service DMV offices.
What happens if you do not pass the photo requirements
The DMV has specific rules about what makes a valid license photo. Your eyes must be open and visible, your face must be clearly visible and centered, and you cannot wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not obscure your face. If your first photo does not meet these requirements, the staff member will ask you to take another one when ready — there is no fee for retakes.
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from meeting standard photo requirements — for example, you cannot open both eyes due to a neurological condition — tell the staff member before the photo is taken. The DMV has procedures for documenting medical exceptions, and the office can work with you to find a solution that meets both the rules and your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my driver's license photo?
You can wear glasses, but the DMV prefers that you do not because glare from the lenses can obscure your eyes in the photo. If you wear glasses for vision correction, the staff member may ask you to remove them. If you have a medical reason to wear them, explain this before the photo is taken.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must provide a Social Security number to get a North Carolina driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. The DMV office staff can point you toward the nearest Social Security office.
Can I submit a photo I took myself instead of having one taken at the office?
No. The DMV requires that your photo be taken at the office by their equipment. This ensures the photo meets specific technical standards and cannot be altered. You must be present in person for the photo.
What if I move after I get my license photo taken but before my license arrives?
Contact the DMV as soon as possible with your new address. Your license will be mailed to the address you provided at the time of your visit, so if you have moved, you need to update your information so the license reaches you. You can update your address online through the DMV website or by calling the office.
Is there a fee for the photo?
The photo is included in the fee for your driver's license or renewal. There is no separate charge for the photo itself. Current fees vary depending on whether you are getting a new license, a renewal, or a replacement, so ask the staff member at the counter what you owe.