The Winston-Salem DMV location and what it handles

North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Winston-Salem is located at 2507 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. This is a full-service office that handles driver's license renewals, replacements, new licenses, and address changes. It also processes vehicle registration and title work, though some transactions can be completed faster through the online portal or by mail.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead at (336) 727-2000 before you go is worth the five minutes — wait times vary significantly by time of day and day of week, and the office sometimes closes early or announces temporary closures on the DMV website.

This location serves Forsyth County residents and people from surrounding areas. If you live closer to another county's office, you can use that one instead; your license is valid statewide regardless of where you renew it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winston-Salem DMV office is at 2507 North Cherry Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should call (336) 727-2000 to confirm hours before visiting.
  • You can renew your license online through the North Carolina DMV website if you meet the requirements, which is faster than going in person.
  • Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • If you need a Real ID-compliant license, bring a birth certificate or passport in addition to the documents above, because the office cannot issue Real ID without it.
  • Walk-in service is available, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day; no appointment system exists at this location.

What documents you need to bring

For a standard driver's license renewal or replacement, bring your current license, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

If you are renewing a license that has expired more than three years ago, or if you are getting a license for the first time, you will need additional documents: a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a passport, or a military discharge paper. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written test on road signs and traffic laws.

If you want a Real ID-compliant license — the kind required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — bring all of the above plus an original or certified birth certificate or passport. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and cost the same as a standard license.

Online renewal and when you can use it

North Carolina allows online renewal for many drivers, and it is significantly faster than going to the office. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had a license suspension or revocation in the past five years, and your address has not changed. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your name, change your vision correction status, or add or remove organ donor designation.

To renew online, go to the North Carolina DMV website, select "Online Services," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and is available 24 hours a day. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, the online system will tell you before you pay.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

You can also renew by mail if you meet the same requirements as online renewal. read the DL 44 form from the DMV website, fill it out, include a copy of your current license and proof of address, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the office receives it, plus mail time in both directions.

Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to visit the office and do not need your license urgently. The fee is the same as in-person renewal. If the office finds a problem with your process, they will mail you a notice rather than approving it, which adds another round of mail time.

Getting a Real ID and what it costs

A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 2025. North Carolina issues Real ID licenses at no extra cost — you pay the standard renewal or new license fee. The difference is that you must bring an original or certified birth certificate or passport, and the office will not issue the license without it.

If you already have a passport, bring that instead of a birth certificate; it counts as proof of citizenship and identity at the same time. If you do not have either, you can order a certified birth certificate from the North Carolina Vital Records office online or by mail, which takes 5 to 10 business days.

A Real ID license looks the same as a standard license except for a gold star in the upper right corner. It is valid for the same eight-year period as a standard license and works for all the same purposes — you do not need it to drive, only to fly domestically or enter federal facilities.

Wait times and the best times to visit

The Winston-Salem DMV office does not use an appointment system, so you arrive and take a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time. Early mornings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday tend to be slower than Monday and Friday. Lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and late afternoon (after 4:00 p.m.) are typically busier.

The office publishes current wait times on the North Carolina DMV website, updated throughout the day. You can check before you leave home to decide whether to go now or come back later. If you arrive and the wait is longer than you want, you can leave and return another day without losing your place.

Bringing all required documents the first time is the single biggest factor in how fast your transaction completes. If you are missing something, the office will not process your request and you will have wasted the trip.

What to do if you need a replacement license quickly

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Winston-Salem office the same day you explore. Bring your proof of address and Social Security number, and the office will issue a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is printed. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving and identification.

If you cannot visit the office in person, you cannot get a replacement by mail or online — replacements require an in-person visit. If you are out of state or unable to travel, you can call the office to ask about temporary options, though they are limited.

A replacement license costs the same as a renewal. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police for your records, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit the office in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Bring all the documents listed above, including proof of your Social Security number and current address.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

You can update your address online through the DMV website without renewing your license, and it takes about 10 business days. If your license is also expiring soon, you can renew and update your address at the same time, either online or in person.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Winston-Salem office?

No. The office operates on a walk-in basis and you take a number when you arrive. You may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day. Check the current wait time on the DMV website before you go.

What if I do not have a birth certificate for a Real ID?

You can order a certified copy from the North Carolina Vital Records office online or by mail, which takes 5 to 10 business days. A passport also counts as proof of citizenship for Real ID purposes and may be faster if you already have one.

Can I renew someone else's license for them?

No. The person whose license it is must be present in person to renew, replace, or update their license. The only exception is if they have a power of attorney document, which is rare and requires advance approval from the office.