Where the Burlington Driver's License Office Is Located

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office serving Burlington is located at 627 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215. This is the main office where you can handle most driver's license and vehicle registration transactions in person.

The office sits in downtown Burlington, near the intersection of South Church and East Front Street. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, search for "NC DMV Burlington" to confirm current directions and parking availability before you go.

Hours and What to Bring

DMV offices in North Carolina typically operate Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m. Hours can shift seasonally or for holidays, so call ahead at (336) 228-1300 to confirm the office is open on the day you plan to visit.

Bring a photo ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or tax ID. If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are getting a new license, bring proof of legal presence in the United States — a birth certificate, passport, or visa. The staff at the office can tell you the full list of acceptable documents when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burlington DMV office is at 627 South Church Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • Call (336) 228-1300 before you visit to confirm hours and ask which documents you need for your specific transaction.
  • Bring a photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to any transaction.
  • The office handles driver's license renewals, replacements, new licenses, and vehicle registration — but not all services may be available every day.

What You Can Do at This Office

The Burlington DMV office handles driver's license renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, new license issuance, and commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions. You can also renew or register a vehicle, update your address, and pay reinstatement fees if your license has been suspended.

Not all services are available at every office every day. Some offices rotate CDL testing or handle certain transactions only on specific days of the week. Call the office directly to confirm that the service you need is available on the day you plan to visit.

Online and Mail Options Before You Go

North Carolina allows you to renew your driver's license online through the DMV website (ncdmv.org) if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you can mail in a renewal process with your current license and a check. Mail processing takes longer — usually 15 to 20 business days — but you avoid the trip to the office. The DMV website lists the mailing address and the exact form you need. If your situation is complex (suspension, address change, or name change), the office staff can tell you whether mail renewal will work for you.

Wait Times and Peak Hours

DMV offices in North Carolina do not take reservations, so you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time. Mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Mondays. The first hour after opening (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) and the hour before closing (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) are usually quieter.

If you arrive during lunch (noon to 1:00 p.m.), the office is closed and you cannot get a number. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before you need to leave, in case the wait is longer than expected. Bring something to read or work on — waits can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on staffing and how many complex transactions are ahead of you.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you live outside Alamance County or cannot reach the Burlington office, you can visit any other DMV office in North Carolina — they all handle the same transactions and accept the same documents. The nearest alternatives to Burlington are offices in Greensboro, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. You can find the full list of NC DMV locations and hours on ncdmv.org.

If you are out of state or unable to travel, online renewal (if you are may be able to access) is your fastest option. For transactions that require an in-person visit, you can use any DMV office in the state — you do not have to use the one closest to your home address.

Common Reasons Transactions Get Delayed

The most common reason a DMV transaction takes longer than expected is missing or incorrect documents. Bring exactly what the office tells you to bring. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your address is different from your license, bring a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

Suspensions, revocations, and outstanding fines also delay transactions. If your license has been suspended, you cannot renew it until you pay the reinstatement fee and resolve the reason for the suspension (usually unpaid traffic fines or child support). Call the office before you visit if you think your license might be suspended — they can tell you what you owe and whether you can pay it at the office or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit the DMV office in person and explore for a new license. Bring proof of legal presence (birth certificate or passport), proof of residency, and a photo ID. The office staff can tell you the full list of documents when you call.

What if I lost my license and need to replace it?

You can replace a lost license at the DMV office with your photo ID, proof of residency, and Social Security number. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee. You can also report the loss to the DMV online and request a replacement by mail, though the in-person route is faster if you need the license right away.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Burlington DMV office?

No, the Burlington office does not take reservations. You arrive, take a number, and wait your turn. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) usually means a shorter wait than afternoons or Mondays.

Can I pay my reinstatement fee at the office?

Yes, the Burlington office accepts payment for reinstatement fees in person. You can also pay online through ncdmv.org before you visit. Call (336) 228-1300 to confirm the exact amount you owe and whether there are any other steps you need to complete before your license can be reinstated.

What if the office is closed when I need to visit?

If you need a license urgently and cannot visit during regular hours, check whether you are may be able to access for online renewal. If you are not, you can visit any other DMV office in North Carolina during their hours. The Greensboro and Raleigh offices are the closest alternatives and may have different hours or less crowded schedules.