Location and Hours for the Burlington DMV Office

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in Burlington is located at 1318 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215. This is the full-service DMV office for Alamance County and surrounding areas.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours may change during holidays or for staff training, so call ahead at (336) 570-6700 before you go if you are planning a visit around a holiday week.

The office does not take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. You must get a ticket from the automated system when you arrive, and wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits (8:00 to 9:30 a.m.) typically have shorter waits than mid-morning or afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burlington DMV office is at 1318 South Church Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You must take a ticket upon arrival; the office does not serve customers on a walk-in basis.
  • Common services include driver license renewals, replacements, address changes, and initial license testing and issuance.
  • Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction before you arrive.
  • Call (336) 570-6700 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before making the trip.

Services Available at the Burlington Office

The Burlington DMV office handles most routine driver license and identification card transactions. You can renew an expiring or expired driver license, replace a lost or damaged license, change your address, update your name after marriage or legal change, and obtain a duplicate license.

The office also conducts written knowledge tests and road tests for new driver license applicants. If you are seeking your first license or upgrading from a learner's permit, you will take both tests at this location. Road tests are scheduled by appointment, and you must bring your own vehicle and a licensed adult to supervise.

The office does not handle commercial driver license (CDL) testing or renewal. CDL transactions must be completed at a separate CDL testing facility. You can find the nearest CDL facility by calling the main DMV number or visiting the North Carolina DMV website.

Documents to Bring for Common Transactions

For a driver license renewal, bring your current license or learner's permit, proof of North Carolina residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your license is expired by more than three years, you may need to retake the written test.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring a valid form of identification such as a passport or military ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to any renewal fee if your license is also expired.

For a new driver license (first-time applicant), bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and any required medical documentation if applicable. You will also need to pass the written test and road test at this office.

For an address change, bring your current license and proof of your new address. You do not need to take a new photo or retake tests for an address-only change.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license renewal costs $60 for an eight-year license (or $30 for a four-year license if you are over 65). A replacement license costs $20. A new driver license for a first-time applicant costs $60 for an eight-year license. Address changes and name changes do not carry a separate fee if your license is not expiring; if it is expiring, you pay the renewal fee.

The Burlington office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. There is no surcharge for card payments. If you pay by check, write it to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

Fees are set by the state and do not vary by location. If you are unsure of the exact fee for your transaction, call the office before you arrive so you can bring the correct amount.

How to Prepare Before Your Visit

Gather all required documents at home before you go to the office. Bring originals, not photocopies, for proof of identity and residency. If a document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation certified by a translator.

If you are renewing by mail instead of in person, North Carolina allows mail renewal for licenses that are not expired and have not been suspended or revoked. You can request a mail renewal form by calling the office or visiting the DMV website. Mail renewal takes longer than an in-person visit but saves you a trip.

If you need a road test appointment, call the office at least two weeks in advance. Road test slots fill quickly, especially in spring and summer. You must bring your own vehicle, proof of insurance, and a licensed adult passenger.

What to Know About Wait Times and Parking

The Burlington office is located on South Church Street in a commercial area with street parking and a small lot. Parking is free. The office itself is inside a building with other state services, so look for the DMV sign when you enter.

Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Monday and Friday afternoons tend to be busier. If you arrive after 4:00 p.m., you may not have time to complete your transaction before closing at 5:00 p.m., so plan accordingly.

The office does not hold your place if you leave and return later. If you take a ticket and leave, you will need to take a new ticket when you return, and you will go to the back of the queue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Burlington office?

North Carolina allows online renewal for licenses that are not expired and have not been suspended or revoked. You can renew online at the DMV website if you meet these conditions. If your license is expired or suspended, you must renew in person at the Burlington office or another DMV location.

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

No, appointments are not required. You take a ticket when you arrive and wait your turn. However, road tests must be scheduled by appointment in advance. Call (336) 570-6700 to book a road test slot.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within 60 days showing your name and current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, and insurance documents. If you do not have one of these, contact the office before your visit to ask about alternatives.

Can I get a REAL ID at the Burlington office?

Yes. A REAL ID-compliant driver license requires additional proof of identity and residency beyond a standard renewal. Bring your passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The fee is the same as a standard license renewal. REAL ID licenses are required for federal air travel starting in 2025.

What happens if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call (336) 570-6700 or visit the DMV website to find out why your license was suspended and what steps are required to restore it.