The Winston-Salem DMV locations and what they handle
North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) runs two full-service locations in Winston-Salem where you can renew your license, get a replacement, change your address, or take a written test. The main office is at 2716 University Parkway, and a second location operates at 3540 Reynolda Road. Both handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is more convenient for you.
Each location issues real IDs, standard licenses, and commercial licenses. They also process name changes, address updates, and duplicate licenses if yours is lost or stolen. If you need to take the written knowledge test before a road test, you can do that at either location during their regular hours.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Reynolda Road office tends to be less crowded than University Parkway, especially on weekday mornings. Both offices close on Sundays and observe state holidays.
Key Takeaways
- Winston-Salem has two DMV offices: one at 2716 University Parkway and one at 3540 Reynolda Road, both open Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings.
- You will need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to renew or replace your license.
- Real ID licenses require additional documents like a birth certificate or passport, and take longer to process than standard licenses.
- Road tests are scheduled through the DMV office, but you must pass the written test first and bring your own vehicle for the driving portion.
- You can check current wait times and hours on the North Carolina DMV website before you visit.
Documents you need to bring
For a license renewal or replacement, bring your current license or ID, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
If you are getting a real ID — which is required for domestic air travel and federal building access — you will also need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or a passport card. Real ID processing takes longer than a standard license, usually one to two weeks.
For a first-time license or if you are under 18, bring your birth certificate, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Minors also need written consent from a parent or guardian, which you can complete at the office.
Hours and how to check wait times
Both Winston-Salem DMV offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are closed Sundays and on state holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
The North Carolina DMV website has a real-time wait time tool where you can see how long the line is at each location before you go. This tool updates throughout the day and can help you decide whether to visit now or come back later. You can also call the University Parkway office at (336) 733-5000 or the Reynolda Road office at (336) 727-2000 to ask about current wait times.
Arriving early on a weekday morning, especially Tuesday through Thursday, usually means shorter waits. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoon, when lines are longest.
Taking your road test in Winston-Salem
Road tests are scheduled through the DMV office, not online. You must pass the written knowledge test first, which you can take at either Winston-Salem location. After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test for a date within the next 30 days. Bring your own vehicle for the test — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will evaluate your ability to handle the vehicle safely. You must have a valid learner's permit or another valid license to take the test.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is a fee for each test attempt. Check the North Carolina DMV website for the current test fee.
Getting a real ID versus a standard license
A real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting in 2025. A standard license does not have the star and does not meet these federal requirements, but it is still valid for driving and state identification.
Real ID takes longer to process because the DMV verifies your birth certificate or passport with the issuing agency. Standard licenses usually process in one to two weeks, while real IDs can take three to four weeks. You can pay extra to expedite a real ID, though this varies by location.
If you already have a real ID, you do not need to get another one unless yours expires or you need to renew it. Check your current license — if it has the gold star, you are already compliant.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes, you may be able to renew by mail or through the North Carolina DMV website without visiting an office. Mail renewals take four to six weeks, so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.
Online renewal is faster and available if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical or legal holds on your record. The online process takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in five to seven business days.
You cannot renew online or by mail if you need a real ID for the first time, if you are changing your name, or if you have an out-of-state license. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office in person.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally and must resolve the issue before you can get a new license or renew. Suspensions usually result from unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or medical conditions. Revocations are more serious and result from DWI convictions or repeated traffic violations.
Contact the North Carolina DMV directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a court process, or provide medical clearance. Once the issue is resolved, you can visit the DMV office to get your license back.
The DMV office staff can tell you what documents to bring and what fees explore to your situation. Do not assume your suspension has been lifted — verify the status before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the DMV in Winston-Salem?
No appointment is required at either Winston-Salem location. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, you can check the real-time wait time tool on the North Carolina DMV website to see how busy the office is before you go.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must visit a DMV office in person. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than five years. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal, including proof of residency and your Social Security number.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You must pass the written test before you can schedule a road test.
How much does a real ID cost compared to a standard license?
Real IDs cost more than standard licenses, but the exact fee depends on whether you are renewing or getting a replacement. Check the North Carolina DMV website for current pricing, as fees change periodically.
Can I get a duplicate license if mine is lost or stolen?
Yes. Bring a valid form of ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The DMV will issue a duplicate with the same information as your original license. There is a fee for a duplicate license.