Where the Winston-Salem DMV is located and what it handles

The Winston-Salem Division of Motor Vehicles office is located at 2709 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. This is a full-service DMV location run by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and it handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and new applications; vehicle registration and title work; and address changes for both licenses and registrations.

The office serves Forsyth County and surrounding areas. If you live outside Forsyth County, you may have a closer DMV branch, but Winston-Salem's location is open to anyone in North Carolina who needs service there. Hours and staffing can change, so calling ahead before you go is a practical step.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winston-Salem DMV is at 2709 University Parkway and handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, titles, and address changes.
  • You can change your address online through the North Carolina DMV website for both your license and vehicle registration without visiting in person.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction before you go to the office.
  • Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; early morning and mid-week visits typically move faster than afternoons and Fridays.
  • The office accepts cash, check, and card payments for most services, but calling ahead confirms what payment methods work for your specific transaction.

How to change your address without visiting the office

North Carolina allows you to change your driver's license address online through the DMV website without going to the Winston-Salem office. You log in with your license number and date of birth, update your address, and pay a small fee by card. The change takes effect when ready for your license record, though your physical card will still show the old address until you renew it.

Vehicle registration address changes also happen online through the same system. You enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number, update the address, and pay the fee. This change is effective right away in the state system. If you need both your license and registration updated at the same address, you can do both transactions in one session.

The online route works if your address change is within North Carolina. If you are moving out of state or need to update your address and renew your license at the same time, you will need to visit the office in person.

What documents to bring for an in-person visit

For any transaction at the Winston-Salem DMV, bring your current driver's license or ID card. If you are renewing your license, bring the license itself. If you are explore for a new license, bring a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and two documents showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.

For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration card, the vehicle's title (if you have it), and proof of insurance. If someone else owns the vehicle or you are adding a co-owner, bring that person's ID and signature on the title or process form. For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner.

Address changes require proof of your new address. A utility bill dated within the last 60 days, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your new address all count. If you do not have a document in your name at the new address yet, a signed letter from a landlord or property manager stating your move-in date works in most cases.

How long the process takes and when to go

Wait times at the Winston-Salem DMV range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on when you arrive. Early morning — the office opens at 8:15 a.m. — and mid-week days (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter lines. Avoid Friday afternoons and the lunch hour (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) if you can, as those are the busiest times.

The actual transaction at the counter usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach a clerk. Renewal transactions move faster than new applications or title work. If your transaction requires a road test (for a new driver's license), you will need to schedule that separately and return another day.

Some transactions can be completed the same day you arrive. Others — particularly title transfers or new registrations — may require the office to mail documents to you within 5 to 10 business days. Ask the clerk before you leave what to expect for your specific transaction.

Payment methods and fees

The Winston-Salem DMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card for most services. Exact payment methods can vary by transaction type, so call the office at the number listed on the DMV website to confirm what they take for your specific service before you go.

Fees vary widely. A driver's license renewal costs less than a new license process. Vehicle registration renewal costs less than a title transfer. The DMV website lists current fees for each service, and the clerk will tell you the exact amount when you arrive. If you pay by check, make it out to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

For address changes, use the online system described above — you do not need to visit the office. For driver's license renewals, North Carolina offers a mail-in renewal option if your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions. You can request a renewal form from the DMV website and mail it in with your fee and a new photo.

For transactions that require an in-person visit — new licenses, title work, or vehicle registration for a new vehicle — you must go to the office or contact a DMV agent in your area. Some counties have satellite DMV offices with shorter hours; call the main Winston-Salem office to learn about one is closer to you.

Contact information and office hours

The Winston-Salem DMV is at 2709 University Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours can shift seasonally or due to staffing. Check the North Carolina DMV website or call before you go to confirm the current hours and to ask about wait times.

You can also reach the office by phone to ask questions about what documents you need, what fees explore, or whether a particular service can be done by mail or online. Having those answers before you arrive saves time and reduces the chance you will need to make a second trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Winston-Salem office?

North Carolina does not offer full online license renewal yet, but you can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have no violations or suspensions. Request a renewal form from the DMV website, mail it with your fee and a new photo, and your renewed license will arrive by mail. If you need to renew in person, the Winston-Salem office is open Monday through Friday.

What if I moved to Winston-Salem from another state?

You have 30 days to get a North Carolina driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license, birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and two documents showing your new address in Winston-Salem. You will need to take a written test and a road test, so plan for two visits to the office unless you pass both on the same day.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Winston-Salem DMV operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need an appointment. Arrive early or mid-week to avoid long waits. Call ahead to confirm hours and ask about current wait times before you go.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement?

Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and two documents showing your current address. The replacement license costs less than a new license process. You can also report a lost license online through the DMV website and order a replacement by mail if you prefer not to visit the office in person.

Can someone else pick up my documents or license for me?

In most cases, you must pick up your own license or documents. If someone else needs to collect them, call the Winston-Salem office ahead of time to ask what power of attorney or written authorization they require. Policies can vary by transaction type.