Where the Burgaw DMV Office Is Located

The Burgaw Division of Motor Vehicles office is in Pender County, North Carolina, at 102 South Dickerson Avenue, Burgaw, NC 28425. This is a full-service DMV location where you can take your driver's license photo as part of getting a new license or renewing an existing one.

Burgaw is a small town in southeastern North Carolina, about 30 miles north of Wilmington. If you live in or near Pender County, this office may be your closest option for in-person services. The office handles standard license transactions, including the photograph required for all North Carolina driver's licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burgaw DMV office is located at 102 South Dickerson Avenue and serves Pender County residents seeking driver's license photos and renewals.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency to have your photo taken, regardless of whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • The DMV takes your photo on the same day you explore, so you do not need a separate appointment just for the photograph.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day and season, so calling ahead or checking the North Carolina DMV website can help you plan your visit.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew your license by mail if you meet certain age and renewal may be able to access requirements.

What Documents You Need for Your Photo

Before you go to the Burgaw office, gather the documents the DMV requires. You will need a valid form of identification — this can be a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license — and proof of your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

If you are explore for your first North Carolina license, you will also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you are renewing, the requirements are simpler — you may only need your current license and proof of address.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The DMV staff will verify them before taking your photo. If your documents are missing or do not match what the DMV expects, you may not be able to complete your transaction that day.

How the Photo Process Works at the DMV

When you arrive at the Burgaw office, you will check in and wait for a staff member to call you. The DMV employee will review your documents, verify your information, and answer any questions about your license type or renewal. Once everything is confirmed, they will take you to the photo area.

The photo is taken against a plain background using a digital camera. You will be asked to remove hats, sunglasses, and anything that covers your face. The DMV has specific rules about what you can wear — religious head coverings are permitted if they do not obscure your face, but fashion accessories are not. Your expression should be neutral, and you should look directly at the camera.

The photo is taken when ready, and you will see it on a screen before it is finalized. If you are unhappy with how it looks, you can usually request a retake, though policies vary. Once the photo is approved, it is sent to the printer and will appear on your license when it arrives in the mail.

Wait Times and Hours at Burgaw

The Burgaw DMV office is smaller than urban locations, which can mean shorter waits on some days but also limited hours. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though exact times may vary. You should check the North Carolina DMV website or call the Burgaw office directly at the number listed there to confirm current hours before you visit.

Wait times are usually shortest on weekday mornings and longest on Fridays and near the end of the month, when people rush to renew licenses before they expire. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you are more likely to be seen quickly. During busy seasons — particularly around the holidays or when license renewal important date approach — expect to wait longer.

If the wait is very long when you arrive, you have the option to leave and return another day. There is no penalty for walking out and coming back later, as long as you bring all your documents again.

What Happens After Your Photo Is Taken

After your photo is taken and your process is processed, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during peak periods. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Keep that temporary license with you while driving. It is valid and legal to use, and it proves you have a current license if you are stopped by law enforcement. Once your new license arrives in the mail, the temporary one is no longer needed.

If your license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the North Carolina DMV to report it. They can check the status of your order and reissue it if necessary.

Renewing Your License Without Visiting Burgaw

If you are renewing a license you already hold and you meet certain requirements, you may not have to visit the Burgaw office in person. North Carolina allows some drivers to renew by mail or online, which means you can skip the trip and the photo appointment.

You are may be able to access for mail renewal if your current license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not had a name change since your last license was issued. If you are under 21 or over 65, additional rules explore. Check the North Carolina DMV website to see whether you may have access to before you make the trip to Burgaw.

If you do renew by mail, you will not have a new photo taken — your existing photo will be used again. This is only an option for renewal, not for a first-time license or a replacement after suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment for my photo at the Burgaw office?

North Carolina DMV offices, including Burgaw, typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis without appointments. You arrive during business hours, check in, and wait your turn. Some offices have experimented with appointment systems, so call ahead to ask whether Burgaw currently offers them.

What if I do not like my photo and want a new one?

You can request a retake when ready after the photo is taken if you are unhappy with it. However, once your license is printed and mailed, you cannot change the photo without renewing your entire license. If your renewal is not due for several years, you will have to wait until then to get a new photo.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew my license?

If you are renewing a license you already hold, you typically do not need your Social Security card — your current license is enough. If you are explore for your first North Carolina license, you will need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.

How long does the photo appointment take at Burgaw?

The photo itself takes only a few minutes, but the entire transaction — checking in, verifying documents, taking the photo, and processing your process — usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Wait time before you are called depends on how busy the office is that day.

Can someone else pick up my license after it is mailed?

Your license is mailed to the address you provide on your process. Anyone at that address can receive it, but the license is issued to you personally and should only be used by you. If you are concerned about mail theft, ask the DMV whether they can hold your license for pickup at the Burgaw office instead.