Where the Burlington DMV Office Is Located

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles office in Burlington is at 1318 South Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215. This is the full-service location for Alamance County residents and anyone else in the area who needs to handle driver's license, vehicle registration, or title work in person.

The office sits on the south side of Burlington, near the intersection with Maple Avenue. If you are using GPS or a map app, enter the full address above — it will take you directly to the building. Street parking is available in the lot adjacent to the office.

This is one of several DMV locations across North Carolina. If you live closer to another county office or prefer a different location, you can visit any full-service DMV office in the state to handle most transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burlington DMV office is at 1318 South Church Street and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and title transfers for the area.
  • Hours vary by day of the week, so check the current schedule before you go — many offices close for lunch or operate on reduced hours on certain days.
  • You can complete many transactions online through the North Carolina DMV website without visiting in person.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction, such as a bill of sale for a vehicle purchase.
  • Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week, and longer on Fridays and near month-end.

Hours of Operation and When to Go

The Burlington DMV office keeps standard business hours, but the exact schedule changes by day. Most North Carolina DMV offices are open Monday through Friday during regular daytime hours, though some close for lunch or have shortened hours on specific days. You should confirm the current hours before you visit by calling the office directly or checking the North Carolina DMV website.

Wait times tend to be shorter early in the morning, around 8 or 9 a.m., and mid-week — Tuesday through Thursday are usually less crowded than Monday or Friday. The end of the month and the days just before holidays see longer lines. If you have a choice in when you go, morning visits on a Wednesday or Thursday will likely mean less time waiting.

Some transactions can be completed by mail or online, which avoids the office visit altogether. Check what you need to do before you go — you may not need to visit in person.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing, but a few items are required for almost every transaction. Bring a current, valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. You will also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A post office change of address notice does not count as proof of residency.

For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. For a vehicle registration or title transfer, bring the vehicle's current registration, a bill of sale or title document from the seller, and proof of insurance. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in North Carolina, bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale, your insurance card, and a completed process for Certificate of Title form.

If you are unsure what documents your specific transaction requires, call the Burlington office ahead of time. Staff can tell you exactly what to bring so you do not make a wasted trip.

Transactions You Can Handle Online or by Mail

The North Carolina DMV allows you to renew a driver's license online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than three years, you must have a valid address on file, and you cannot have any medical or legal holds on your record. If you are may be able to access, you can renew online through the North Carolina DMV website without visiting the office.

Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed online if your vehicle has no outstanding violations or liens and your registration is not expired by more than one year. You will need your registration number and vehicle identification number (VIN) to start the process online.

Some transactions — such as a first-time driver's license, a title transfer for a vehicle you purchased, or a license suspension hearing — must be done in person. The North Carolina DMV website lists which transactions are available online and which require an office visit. Check there before you plan a trip to Burlington.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Burlington office, you will check in at the front desk or at a kiosk if one is available. You will be given a number or added to the queue, and you will wait until your number is called. The wait time depends on how busy the office is that day and how complex your transaction is.

When you reach the counter, the staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your transaction, and process your request. For a driver's license renewal, this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. A vehicle title transfer or registration may take longer if documents need to be verified or if there are liens or other complications.

If your documents are incomplete or if there is a problem with your process, the staff member will tell you what is missing and what you need to do next. You may be able to fix it on the spot if it is a straightforward issue, or you may need to come back with additional paperwork.

Fees and Payment Methods

The cost of your transaction depends on what you are doing. A driver's license renewal costs one amount, a vehicle registration renewal costs another, and a title transfer has its own fee. North Carolina DMV fees change periodically, so check the current fee schedule on the North Carolina DMV website before you go.

The Burlington office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they accept, so calling ahead can confirm what the Burlington location takes.

If You Need Help or Have Questions

You can reach the Burlington DMV office by phone to ask about hours, required documents, or current wait times. The North Carolina DMV website also has a contact page with phone numbers for different regions and a list of frequently asked questions.

If you have a complex situation — such as a suspended license, an outstanding ticket, or a vehicle with a lien — calling before you visit will save you time. Staff can tell you whether your issue can be resolved at the Burlington office or whether you need to handle something else first, such as paying a fine or getting a court order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver's license at the Burlington office if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license in person at the office. However, if your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to take a written test or vision test as part of the renewal. Call the office to confirm what you will need to bring.

What if I do not have a proof of residency document?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can use a bank statement, insurance policy, or government letter. If you have none of these, ask the staff what alternative documents they will accept.

How long does it take to get a new title after I buy a vehicle?

After you complete the title transfer at the office, the North Carolina DMV mails the new title to you. This usually takes two to four weeks. You will receive a temporary registration document at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent title to arrive.

Can I transfer my out-of-state driver's license to a North Carolina license at this office?

Yes, the Burlington office handles license transfers. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of North Carolina residency, your Social Security card, and proof of your legal name if it has changed. You will take a vision test and may need to take a written test depending on your driving record.

What should I do if the office is too busy when I arrive?

If the wait is very long, you can leave and come back at a less busy time — early morning or mid-week are typically quieter. You can also check whether your transaction can be completed online or by mail instead. Some people find it helpful to call ahead and ask what the current wait time is before making the trip.