Where to Go for Your Winston-Salem Driver's License
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Winston-Salem is located at 2709 North Pointe Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. This is the main office where you can renew your license, get a replacement, take your written test, or schedule a road test. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need to check current hours or confirm they haven't changed, call 336-727-2000. This is also the number to use if you want to ask about wait times before you go in person.
You can also handle some transactions online through the North Carolina DMV website (ncdmv.org) without visiting the office. Renewals by mail or online are available if your license is still valid and you meet certain conditions. However, if you need to take a test, get a replacement for a lost or stolen license, or change your address, you will need to visit in person.
Key Takeaways
- The Winston-Salem DMV office is at 2709 North Pointe Drive and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment needed.
- You can renew your license online or by mail if it is still valid, but you must visit in person to take a test or replace a lost license.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to any in-person visit.
- Road tests are scheduled through the DMV office, and you must bring your own vehicle and proof of insurance.
What Documents You Need to Bring
The documents required depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing one. For any in-person transaction, bring your Social Security number (or your Social Security card), a valid photo ID, and proof of your current address.
Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document.
If you are taking a road test, you must bring your own vehicle, proof of insurance for that vehicle, and your learner's permit. The vehicle must be in safe working condition and have valid registration. If someone else's vehicle is being used, bring a signed statement from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test.
Getting Your First License or Learner's Permit
If you are 16 or older and have never held a North Carolina driver's license, you start by getting a learner's permit. You must pass a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test is 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
You can study for the test using the North Carolina DMV handbook, available free online at ncdmv.org or in print at the Winston-Salem office. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare. After you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit and can begin practicing with a licensed driver in the car.
Once you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days and are at least 16 years old, you can schedule a road test. You schedule this at the Winston-Salem office or online. The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills, parking, and following traffic laws. After you pass, you receive your full driver's license.
Renewing Your License Online or by Mail
If your North Carolina driver's license is still valid and you have not had any violations or suspensions, you can renew online through ncdmv.org without visiting the office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You can also renew by mail by sending your current license, a completed renewal form (available on the DMV website), and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks — but works if you prefer not to go online or visit the office.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has expired for more than 3 years, if you need to change your address, if you want to change your name, or if you have had any license suspensions. In those cases, you must visit the Winston-Salem office in person.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you must visit the Winston-Salem office to get a replacement. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The replacement fee is less than the cost of a new license, and you will receive it when ready after you complete the paperwork.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. Some people do this to protect against identity theft. The police report number is not needed to get your replacement license, but it can be useful for your records.
Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test
Road tests are scheduled at the Winston-Salem office or online through ncdmv.org. You must have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can schedule. Tests are usually available within 2 to 4 weeks of when you request one, though this varies by season and demand.
When you arrive for your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must have valid registration, working brakes, working headlights and taillights, and a functioning horn. The examiner will do a brief safety check before the test begins.
The road test covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You will drive on local streets for about 20 minutes. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, though you must pay the test fee each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Winston-Salem DMV office?
No, the office accepts walk-ins without appointments. However, wait times can be long during peak hours, typically mid-morning and early afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter waits.
Can I take my road test in a borrowed vehicle?
Yes, but you must bring a signed statement from the vehicle owner giving you permission to use it for the test. The vehicle must have valid registration and insurance, and the owner's name must match the registration.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can schedule another test at any time. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can take the test as many times as needed. You will pay the test fee each time you take it.
How long does it take to renew my license in person at the office?
The actual transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, but total time depends on how busy the office is. You receive your new license when ready after completing the paperwork, so you do not have to wait for it to be mailed.
Can I change my address at the Winston-Salem office?
Yes. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number. The address change is processed while you wait, and you receive an updated license when ready.