Where the Winston-Salem North Driver License Office Is Located

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles operates a driver license office in Winston-Salem on the north side of the city. The office is located at 2716 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. This is one of two full-service DMV locations in Forsyth County, the other being downtown.

The North location handles the same services as other NC DMV offices: issuing new driver licenses, renewing licenses, replacing lost or damaged licenses, and processing name or address changes. You can also take your written test and road test there, though road tests are scheduled separately and may require a visit to a different location depending on availability.

Parking is available on-site. The office is accessible by public transit through Winston-Salem Transit Authority routes, though you should check current schedules before you go.

Hours and What to Bring

The Winston-Salem North office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though you should verify current hours by calling 336-727-2000 or checking the NC DMV website before you visit, as hours can change seasonally or due to staffing.

What you need to bring depends on what you are doing. For a new license or renewal, bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing by mail or online, you may not need to visit the office at all.

For a road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring your own vehicle or have someone else bring theirs — you cannot use a DMV vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winston-Salem North office is at 2716 North Cherry Street and handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and testing.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should call 336-727-2000 to confirm before visiting.
  • Bring a valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address for a new license or renewal.
  • Road tests must be scheduled in advance and require your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a safe, registered vehicle.
  • Many renewals can be completed online or by mail without visiting the office in person.

When You Can Renew Without Visiting the Office

North Carolina allows online and mail renewals for many drivers, which means you may not need to go to the Winston-Salem North office at all. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued.

Online renewal costs $20 and takes about 10 business days. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Mail renewal is also available and costs the same, though it takes longer — typically two to three weeks. Both methods send your new license to the address on file.

If any of those conditions do not explore to you — if your license is already expired, if you have medical restrictions, if you moved, or if your name changed — you must visit the office in person.

Taking Your Written Test at the North Office

The Winston-Salem North office administers the written test for learner's permits and driver licenses. The test covers North Carolina traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 25 multiple-choice questions and must get at least 20 correct to pass.

You do not need to schedule the written test in advance — you can walk in during business hours. Bring your valid ID and proof of Social Security number. The test costs $5. You take it on a computer at the office, and you get your result when ready. If you pass, you receive your learner's permit the same day.

Study materials are free on the NC DMV website, including a practice test and the official driver handbook. Many people study these materials for a few days before taking the test.

Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test

Road tests must be scheduled in advance — you cannot walk in and take one. You can schedule a road test online through the NC DMV website or by calling 336-727-2000. Tests are typically available within two to four weeks of when you call, though wait times vary by season.

When you schedule, you choose a date, time, and location. The Winston-Salem North office does conduct road tests, but some appointments may be scheduled at other locations in the area depending on availability. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered in North Carolina, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition — working wipers, lights, brakes, and steering.

The test takes about 20 minutes. You drive on local roads while an examiner watches and scores your performance. You must demonstrate safe lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you can get your license the same day at the office. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test.

What Happens If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you live far from Winston-Salem or cannot visit the North office, you have other options. You can visit the downtown Winston-Salem DMV office instead, or any other full-service DMV office in North Carolina. All offices offer the same services and accept the same documents.

If you need a renewal only and your license is not expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting any office. If you need a written test or road test and cannot travel to Winston-Salem, you can schedule your test at a DMV office closer to you — the NC DMV website shows all office locations and their hours.

Some services, like replacing a lost license or changing your address, can be done by mail. Contact the NC DMV directly at 1-888-275-6331 to ask whether your specific situation can be handled by mail.

Common Reasons Visits Get Delayed or Denied

The most common reason a visit gets delayed is bringing incomplete documents. If your proof of address is older than 60 days, or if you bring a document that does not match your name on your ID, the office will ask you to come back with the correct paperwork. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.

If you are taking a road test, the most common reason for delay is bringing a vehicle that does not meet safety standards. Broken wipers, non-functioning lights, or worn brakes will result in a failed inspection before the test even begins. Check your vehicle the day before your test.

If you have an outstanding traffic ticket, unpaid fine, or suspension on your driving record, the office may not be able to issue you a license until that is resolved. You can check your driving record online through the NC DMV website before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a same-day license if I pass my road test?

Yes. If you pass your road test at the Winston-Salem North office, you can receive your license the same day. You pay the license fee (currently $20 for an eight-year license) and walk out with a temporary paper license. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.

What if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another test. There is no waiting period between attempts in North Carolina. You pay the test fee again ($5 for the written test, $20 for the road test). Many people take the test again within one to two weeks after studying or practicing more.

Do I need an appointment for the written test?

No. You can walk in during business hours and take the written test without scheduling. The road test must be scheduled in advance, but the written test is first-come, first-served. Bring your ID and proof of Social Security number.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal at the office can happen at any time. Renewing early is useful if you are about to move or change your name, or if you want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.

What if my address changed but I do not want to renew yet?

You can change your address without renewing your license. Visit the Winston-Salem North office with your ID and proof of your new address. The fee is $5. Your license itself stays the same, but your address is updated in the system and on your next renewal.