Where the Winston-Salem DMV Office Is Located

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in Winston-Salem is at 2707 North Pointe Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. This is the main full-service location for Forsyth County residents and handles all standard driver's license transactions, including new licenses, renewals, replacements, and commercial license services.

The office sits in a commercial area near the intersection of North Pointe Drive and Silas Creek Parkway, roughly 3 miles north of downtown Winston-Salem. Parking is available in the lot directly in front of the building. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, enter the full address above — searching only "Winston-Salem DMV" may return outdated locations or private services.

Office Hours and When to Visit

The Winston-Salem DMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. The office does not accept walk-ins after 4:30 p.m., so you must arrive before that time to be served the same day.

Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday through Thursday mornings, between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., though staff remain available during that hour — you can still be helped if you are already in line.

North Carolina does not use an online appointment system for this office. You arrive, take a number at the entrance, and wait for your turn. On high-traffic days, the wait can exceed one hour, so plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winston-Salem office is located at 2707 North Pointe Drive and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no walk-ins accepted after 4:30 p.m.
  • No appointment system exists for this location; you take a number upon arrival and wait for the next available agent.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction (renewal notice, name change paperwork, etc.).
  • Wait times are shortest on Tuesday through Thursday mornings; Mondays and Fridays are typically busier.
  • The office closes for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., but you can still be served if you are already in line.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on your transaction type. For all visits, bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver's license) and your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. You will also need proof of North Carolina residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address.

For a driver's license renewal, bring your renewal notice if you received one by mail, or your current license. If you are renewing early due to a name change, divorce, or address change, bring the supporting document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or lease). For a new license, bring proof of legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or visa), your Social Security documentation, and proof of residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

For a replacement license (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your Social Security documentation and proof of residency; you do not need the original license. If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL), bring your current non-commercial license, medical certification form (MCSA-5876), and any endorsement-specific documents (hazmat, passenger, etc.).

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license renewal costs $20 and is valid for eight years. A replacement license (lost or stolen) costs $20. A new license costs $20. Commercial driver's license fees vary: a new CDL is $65, and renewal is $65. All fees are for eight-year licenses; if you choose a four-year license, the cost is lower but you must request it specifically.

The Winston-Salem office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Checks are not accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online at this location.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. Your number will be called on the digital display boards throughout the office. When called, proceed to the assigned window. The agent will review your documents, ask you to verify your information, and may ask questions about your address or driving history.

For a renewal or replacement, the process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. For a new license, it may take 20 to 30 minutes because the agent must verify your legal presence and residency more thoroughly. You will be asked to sign a form confirming the information on your license, and then you will proceed to the photo station. Your photo will be taken, and you will be given a receipt with your temporary license number.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days. The receipt is valid as a temporary license until the permanent one arrives. Do not leave the office without your receipt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent reason for rejection at the Winston-Salem office is incomplete or expired proof of residency. A utility bill or bank statement must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and current address. A lease or mortgage statement can be older, but it must still show your current address. If your name on the residency document does not match your ID exactly, bring a second document (such as a marriage certificate or court order) explaining the discrepancy.

Do not assume your renewal notice is your only required document. Even with a renewal notice, you must bring proof of residency and a valid ID. If your address has changed since your last license, you must bring updated proof of residency; the old address on your license is not sufficient. If you are explore for a CDL, confirm that your medical certification is current before you arrive — an expired or missing medical card will result in rejection.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

North Carolina allows certain transactions by mail for existing license holders. If you are renewing a standard driver's license and your address has not changed, you may renew by mail using the renewal notice you received. Mail your notice, current license, and payment to the address listed on the notice. Processing takes 10 to 14 business days.

You cannot renew by mail if your license is expired by more than one year, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are changing your name or address. You also cannot obtain a new license, replacement license, or CDL by mail — those require an in-person visit to the Winston-Salem office or another DMV location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. North Carolina allows renewal up to one year before your license expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license would have expired. Bring your current license and proof of residency.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card, but you must bring a document that shows your full Social Security number. Acceptable documents include a W-2 form, tax return, Social Security statement, or birth certificate with your number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before visiting the DMV.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Winston-Salem office does not use an appointment system. Arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait for your turn. There is no way to reserve a time slot in advance.

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days. You receive a temporary license receipt on the day you explore, which is valid until your permanent license arrives. Do not expect to leave the office with a physical license the same day.

What if my address changed but I do not have a recent utility bill?

A lease or mortgage statement showing your current address is acceptable, even if it is older than 60 days. If you have neither, bring two documents that together prove your residency — for example, a bank statement plus a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead showing your name and address.