Where the Burlington DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in Burlington is located at 627 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215. This is a full-service DMV office that issues driver's licenses, handles renewals, processes license class upgrades, and manages commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions. It also handles vehicle registration and title work, though this guide focuses on driver's license services.

The Burlington office serves Alamance County and surrounding areas. If you live closer to another county, you may find a different office more convenient — North Carolina has DMV offices in most county seats — but the Burlington location is the primary office for the Alamance County region.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burlington DMV office is at 627 South Church Street and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with limited Saturday hours that vary by season.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of North Carolina residency to obtain or renew a driver's license.
  • The office does not accept walk-ins for all services; you should call ahead or check online to confirm current procedures and wait times.
  • License fees vary by license type and age — a standard Class D license costs differently for drivers under 21 than for adults, and renewal fees differ from initial issuance fees.
  • Vision screening and a written knowledge test are required for first-time licenses; renewals may not require a test depending on your age and license status.

Office Hours and How to Reach the Burlington Location

The Burlington DMV office operates Monday through Friday, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally or due to staffing. Some offices in North Carolina offer limited Saturday hours during certain months; call ahead to confirm whether Saturday service is available at the Burlington location.

You can reach the Burlington office by phone at (336) 570-6700. The North Carolina DMV also maintains a statewide phone line at 1-888-769-6839 for general questions. Before you visit, call to ask about current wait times and whether you need an appointment. Many North Carolina DMV offices now use an appointment system or a check-in process to manage crowds.

The DMV website for North Carolina (ncdmv.org) lists all office locations, hours, and services. You can also check that site for any temporary closures or schedule changes before making the trip.

Documents You Must Bring for a New License or Renewal

North Carolina requires specific documents for every driver's license transaction. For a new license, bring:

  • A valid form of primary identification (U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form)
  • Two forms of proof of North Carolina residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days)
  • Completed process form (DMV-44, available at the office or online)

For a renewal, the requirements are simpler if you are renewing by mail or online. If you renew in person at the Burlington office, bring your current license and proof of residency. If your address has changed, bring two forms of proof of your new address.

If you are renewing a license that has expired more than five years ago, North Carolina treats it as a new license process, and you must bring all the documents listed above plus pass the vision and written tests again.

What to Expect During Your Visit: Tests and Fees

When you arrive for a new license, you will take a vision screening at the office — this is not a full eye exam, just a check that you meet the minimum vision standard. You will also take a written knowledge test covering North Carolina traffic laws and road signs. The test is typically 25 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

You will also have a photo taken for your license. Bring a clear, recent photo if you prefer, or the office will take one on-site. Sunglasses and hats are not permitted in the photo.

License fees in North Carolina vary by age and license type. A standard Class D license (regular passenger vehicle) for a driver aged 21 or older costs one amount; a license for a driver under 21 costs less. Renewal fees are lower than initial issuance fees. The office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive, and payment is made at the time of process. North Carolina accepts cash, check, and card.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online Instead of Visiting Burlington

If your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address or license class, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the Burlington office. North Carolina allows online renewal for many drivers; you can check ncdmv.org to see if you are may be able to access.

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed renewal form (DMV-44R), and the renewal fee to the address provided on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is faster — you pay the fee and receive a temporary license number when ready, with your physical license arriving by mail within 5 to 7 business days.

You cannot renew online or by mail if you have a commercial driver's license, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to change your address, or if you are renewing after a long lapse. In those cases, you must visit the Burlington office in person.

Special Situations: CDL, Upgrades, and Duplicate Licenses

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the Burlington office handles those applications, but the process is longer and more involved than a standard license. You must pass a medical examination, a written test specific to your intended CDL class, and a skills test (driving test). Bring your current license, medical certificate, and all required identification documents. CDL applications cannot be completed online or by mail.

If you want to upgrade your license class — for example, from a standard Class D to a Class A or B commercial license — you must visit in person and pass the appropriate written and skills tests. The Burlington office can tell you the testing schedule when you call.

If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged), you can request one at the Burlington office. Bring your identification and proof of residency. A duplicate costs less than a renewal and can usually be issued the same day or within a few days.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common mistake is arriving without the correct documents. North Carolina is strict about proof of residency — a utility bill or lease must be dated within 60 days, and a bank statement must show your current address. Mail from government agencies (tax notices, court documents) also works, but personal mail or bills from private companies do not. Call the office ahead of time if you are unsure whether a document will be accepted.

Another frequent error is not knowing your Social Security number or forgetting to bring proof of it. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your number. Without proof, the office cannot issue a license.

Do not assume your old license will work as identification for the new process. North Carolina requires a separate form of primary ID (passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate). An expired license is not sufficient on its own.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present for the process. Bring their ID as well. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Burlington DMV office?

Many North Carolina DMV offices now use appointment systems or check-in processes. Call the Burlington office at (336) 570-6700 to ask whether appointments are required or recommended. During busy seasons, an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly.

What if I fail the written test on my first try?

You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or you can return another day to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before a license is issued. Study materials and practice tests are available on the North Carolina DMV website.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the test?

Your temporary license is issued when ready after you pass the test and pay the fee. Your permanent license is mailed to you within 5 to 7 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but North Carolina treats licenses expired more than five years ago as new applications. If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license and pass the vision and written tests again. Call the Burlington office to confirm your specific situation.

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

You can update your address at the Burlington office without renewing your license. Bring your current license and two forms of proof of your new address. There is a small fee for an address change, and you will receive an updated license with your new address.