Where the Elizabethtown DMV is located and how to get there

The Elizabethtown DMV is located at 701 West Broad Street, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. This is the only full-service Division of Motor Vehicles office in Bladen County. The office sits on the west side of town, near the intersection of Broad Street and Sycamore Street, about a mile from downtown Elizabethtown.

If you are coming from the north on US 701, turn left onto Broad Street and continue west; the office is on your right. From the south, stay on US 701 north through town and turn right onto Broad Street. Parking is available in the lot directly in front of the building. There is no public transit to this location, so you will need a car or a ride.

Hours of operation and when to visit

The Elizabethtown DMV is open 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 all state holidays. During the lunch hour, the office does not issue new numbers or accept walk-ins, so plan to arrive before noon or after 1:00 p.m. if you want to be seen the same day.

Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. If you arrive after 4:00 p.m., you may not have time to complete your transaction before closing, so plan accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Elizabethtown DMV is at 701 West Broad Street and is the only full-service office in Bladen County.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • You will need a valid photo ID, proof of residence, and your Social Security number for most transactions.
  • Bring your vehicle title, registration, and proof of insurance if you are renewing a registration or changing ownership.
  • Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday morning to avoid the longest waits.

What documents to bring for a driver's license or ID card

For a new driver's license or state ID card, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, a valid passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the United States. You will also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. Do not bring a Social Security statement or a tax return; the office will not accept those.

Bring two documents that prove your current address in North Carolina. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of address. You will also need to bring a valid photo ID if you already have one — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license are all acceptable.

If you are renewing your license and your name, date of birth, or address has not changed, you can renew by mail or online through the North Carolina DMV website instead of visiting in person. If any of those details have changed, you must come to the office.

What documents to bring for vehicle registration and title work

For a new vehicle registration, bring your vehicle title (the pink slip), proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in North Carolina, bring the title from your previous state and a bill of sale or purchase agreement. The office will also ask for your odometer reading, so know the current mileage before you arrive.

For a title transfer after buying a used vehicle, bring the signed title from the seller, a bill of sale, and proof of insurance. If the title has a lien on it (meaning the bank or lender still owns part of the vehicle), bring a letter from the lender authorizing the transfer. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well.

If you are renewing a registration that is not expired, you can renew online or by mail. The office will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your registration expires. Follow the instructions on that notice to renew without visiting the office.

Services available at the Elizabethtown office

The Elizabethtown DMV handles driver's license issuance and renewal, state ID card issuance and renewal, vehicle registration and renewal, title transfers, address changes on licenses and registrations, and duplicate license or registration replacements. You can also take your written driver's test and road test at this location if you are a first-time driver or are renewing after a suspension.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or renewal. If you need a CDL, you will have to go to the DMV office in Wilmington or Raleigh. The Elizabethtown office also does not issue handicap parking permits; those are handled by the county health department.

How to prepare for your visit

Before you go, check the North Carolina DMV website to see if your transaction can be completed online or by mail. Many renewals and address changes do not require a trip to the office. If you do need to visit, bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so you do not lose anything in the parking lot or waiting area.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your intended transaction time, even if you do not have an appointment. The office does not take reservations, but arriving early gives you a better chance of being seen before the lunch break or before closing. Bring a pen to fill out any forms, though the office usually has pens available. If you are taking a test, bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license by mail from Elizabethtown?

Yes, if your name, date of birth, and address have not changed and your license is not expired or suspended. The DMV will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions on that notice to renew by mail. If any of your information has changed, you must visit the office in person.

How long does it take to get a new title after buying a used car?

The Elizabethtown office will process your title transfer the same day you submit all required documents. You will receive a temporary registration receipt on the spot. The permanent title will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Do not drive the vehicle without the temporary receipt.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can bring a passport, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or a court order showing your legal name and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, contact the North Carolina Vital Records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate before visiting the DMV.

Is there a way to skip the wait at the Elizabethtown office?

No appointment system exists at this location. Arriving on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. will usually mean a shorter wait than other times. You can also complete many transactions online or by mail instead of visiting in person.

What should I do if I need a CDL?

The Elizabethtown office does not issue commercial driver's licenses. You will need to visit the DMV office in Wilmington (910-343-5000) or Raleigh to take your CDL test and get your license. Call ahead to confirm hours and what documents to bring.