The Pender County DMV location in Burgaw

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles maintains a full-service office in Burgaw, the county seat of Pender County. This office handles vehicle registration, driver's license renewal, title transfers, and other standard DMV transactions. The office is located at 801 South Dickerson Avenue in Burgaw, North Carolina 28425.

Burgaw is roughly 30 miles north of Wilmington and serves residents across Pender County who need in-person DMV services. Because this is a full-service location rather than a satellite office, you can complete most transactions here without traveling to another county.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pender County DMV office is at 801 South Dickerson Avenue in Burgaw and handles vehicle registration, driver's license services, and title work.
  • Hours of operation are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but you should confirm current hours before visiting.
  • You can call the office at (910) 259-1220 to ask about wait times, required documents, or whether a specific service is available that day.
  • The office does not take appointments, so you should arrive early or during slower periods to reduce wait time.
  • Bringing all required documents before you go prevents having to return for a second visit.

Hours and contact information

The Burgaw DMV office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so calling ahead is worth the time if you are traveling from a distance.

The main phone number for the Pender County DMV office is (910) 259-1220. Staff can tell you whether a specific service is available, how long the current wait is, or what documents you need to bring. You can also reach the North Carolina DMV's general customer service line at 1-888-275-6311 for questions about state-level policies.

What documents to bring

The documents you need depend on which service you are seeking. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing after it has expired, you may need to pass a vision test.

For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in North Carolina, bring the title from your previous state and proof of a passing emissions inspection if your vehicle requires one. The specific requirements vary by transaction, so calling the office before you visit prevents a wasted trip.

No-appointment policy and wait times

The Pender County DMV office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take appointments. You walk in, take a number, and wait for your turn. Wait times vary throughout the day and by day of the week. Early morning, typically between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., tends to be less crowded than midday or late afternoon.

Mondays and Fridays are usually busier than Tuesday through Thursday. If you have flexibility in when you visit, a Wednesday or Thursday morning will likely mean a shorter wait. You can call ahead to ask about current wait time, though the staff cannot reserve a spot for you.

Services available at this location

The Burgaw office provides the full range of DMV services for Pender County residents. This includes driver's license issuance, renewal, and replacement; vehicle registration and renewal; title transfers and duplicate titles; vehicle inspections scheduling; and commercial driver's license (CDL) services. You can also handle address changes, name changes on your license, and vehicle plate exchanges at this location.

Some specialized services, such as certain commercial vehicle registrations or out-of-state commercial license reciprocity, may require a trip to a regional office. Call ahead if you have an unusual transaction to confirm the Burgaw office can handle it.

Parking and accessibility

The office is located on South Dickerson Avenue in downtown Burgaw with street parking available nearby. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations, with a ramp entrance and accessible restrooms. If you need information due to a disability, staff can help you through the process.

Burgaw is a small town, so parking is generally not difficult to find. The office itself is straightforward to locate on the main north-south route through town.

When to use this office versus online or mail options

You must visit in person for a new driver's license, a license renewal that requires a vision test, a vehicle title transfer, or your first vehicle registration in North Carolina. You can renew your driver's license by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions, which saves a trip to Burgaw.

Some vehicle registration renewals can be handled online through the North Carolina DMV website if you have no changes to your vehicle or insurance information. Check the state DMV website before driving to Burgaw to see whether your specific transaction can be completed remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the phone number for the Burgaw DMV office?

The main number is (910) 259-1220. You can call to ask about wait times, confirm hours, or find out what documents you need for your specific transaction.

Can I make an appointment at the Burgaw office?

No. The office operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait than afternoon or Friday visits.

What if I need a service the Burgaw office does not offer?

Call (910) 259-1220 to ask whether your transaction can be handled there. If not, staff can direct you to the nearest regional office that handles it, which may be in Wilmington or another nearby county.

Can I renew my driver's license by mail instead of visiting in person?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Check the North Carolina DMV website to see if your renewal qualifies for mail renewal, which saves a trip to Burgaw.

Is the Burgaw office open on Saturdays?

No. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.