Burgaw DMV Office Location and Hours
The Burgaw drivers license office is located in Pender County, North Carolina, at 102 South Wright Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. This is a full-service North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office that handles license renewals, replacements, new license applications, and road tests.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Because hours can shift seasonally or due to staffing, call ahead at (910) 259-2174 before making the trip, especially if you are traveling from outside Pender County.
This office does not take appointments. Service is first-come, first-served. Arrive early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the longest waits, which typically occur between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and again between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Key Takeaways
- The Burgaw office is at 102 South Wright Street and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no lunch-hour closures on Saturdays or Sundays.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency; the specific documents depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or explore for a new license.
- No appointments are available; service is first-come, first-served, and wait times are shortest before 10:00 a.m. and after 3:00 p.m.
- Road tests are administered at this location, but you must schedule a test appointment online through the North Carolina DMV website before arriving.
- Call (910) 259-2174 to confirm hours before your visit, as staffing changes or holidays may affect operations.
Documents You Need for a License Renewal
If your North Carolina driver's license is expiring or has expired within the past year, you can renew it at the Burgaw office without taking a new road test. Bring your current or expired license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current North Carolina address.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or state ID card from another state does not count as proof of address in North Carolina. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The renewal fee is $20 for a standard four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. Payment is cash, check, or card. If your license has been expired for more than one year, the Burgaw office will treat your request as a new process rather than a renewal, and you will need to take a written test and road test.
Documents You Need for a New License or License Replacement
If you are explore for a North Carolina driver's license for the first time, or if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency. Acceptable proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state.
If you do not have a passport or military ID, bring two documents from this list: a certified birth certificate, a marriage certificate or divorce decree, a Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099 form, or a utility bill in your name. Proof of Social Security number can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov.
For a new license, you will take a written knowledge test and a road test at the Burgaw office. The written test covers North Carolina traffic laws and road signs. The road test is administered by the DMV examiner and tests your ability to operate the vehicle safely. You must schedule your road test appointment online at ncdmv.org before arriving at the office; walk-in road tests are not available.
How to Schedule a Road Test
Road tests at the Burgaw office must be scheduled in advance through the North Carolina DMV website. Go to ncdmv.org, select "Schedule a Road Test," choose Pender County and the Burgaw office location, and select an available date and time. You will receive a confirmation number and email. Bring this confirmation to your test appointment.
Road tests are offered Monday through Friday during the office's operating hours. You must bring your vehicle, proof of insurance, and a valid form of identification. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — brakes, lights, wipers, and steering must all function properly. If the vehicle fails a safety inspection before the test begins, the test will not proceed and you will lose your appointment slot.
If you miss your scheduled test or cancel without 24 hours' notice, you will need to schedule a new appointment online. There is no fee to schedule or take the road test itself, but you will pay the license fee ($20 for four years or $40 for eight years) when you pass and receive your license.
What to Bring for Your Visit
| Service Type | Required Documents | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| License Renewal (not expired more than 1 year) | Current or expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of NC address | $20 (4 years) or $40 (8 years) |
| License Replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged) | Proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of NC address | $20 (4 years) or $40 (8 years) |
| New License (first-time applicant) | Proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of NC address, scheduled road test appointment | $20 (4 years) or $40 (8 years) |
| Road Test Only | Confirmation number, valid ID, vehicle with proof of insurance, vehicle safety inspection | No fee for test; license fee applies after passing |
Bring originals or certified copies of all documents. Photocopies are not accepted. If you are unsure whether a document meets North Carolina's requirements, call the Burgaw office at (910) 259-2174 before your visit.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common reason for a failed visit to the Burgaw office is bringing incomplete proof of address. A utility bill or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days and show your current address. If you recently moved and your address has not updated on your utility bill, bring a lease agreement or mortgage statement instead. A credit card statement or insurance bill does not count as proof of address in North Carolina.
Another frequent mistake is arriving without a scheduled road test appointment if you are a first-time applicant or your license has been expired for more than one year. The office will not administer a road test without a confirmed appointment made through ncdmv.org. If you show up without one, you will need to schedule online and return on a different day.
Do not assume your old license from another state counts as proof of identity for a new North Carolina license. While it can serve as one form of ID, you will still need a second document — such as a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate — to meet North Carolina's two-document rule if you do not have a passport or military ID.
Nearby DMV Offices and Alternatives
If the Burgaw office is inconvenient, the nearest full-service DMV offices are in Wilmington (about 25 miles south) and Rocky Mount (about 40 miles west). The Wilmington office handles all services and typically has shorter wait times during mid-afternoon hours. Both offices operate under the same hours and document requirements as Burgaw.
You can also renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license is not expired more than one year, you are not changing your address, and you do not need a new photo. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. read the renewal form from ncdmv.org, complete it, and mail it with your current license and the $20 or $40 fee to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, 1100 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Burgaw office?
North Carolina does not offer online license renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired more than one year and you do not need a new photo, or you can visit the Burgaw office or another DMV location in person. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks.
What if I fail my road test at the Burgaw office?
You can schedule a new road test appointment online through ncdmv.org. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can schedule your next test as soon as you want. You do not pay a fee for the test itself, only for the license once you pass.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Burgaw office?
No. The Burgaw office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointment system. Arrive early in the morning or after 3:00 p.m. to avoid peak wait times. Call (910) 259-2174 to confirm the office is open before making the trip.
Can I take my road test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle does not need to be registered in your name, but it must have valid insurance and pass a safety inspection. The examiner will check brakes, lights, wipers, steering, and horn before the test begins.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my road test appointment?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have a scheduled road test appointment. If your current license is about to expire and you cannot get a road test appointment before the expiration date, visit the Burgaw office to request an extension or explore for a temporary permit that allows you to drive to and from your test appointment.