Navigating the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can be a challenging experience for many North Carolina residents. Understanding office hours, service availability, and location options is crucial for efficiently managing driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and other essential motor vehicle services. This comprehensive overview will help you plan your DMV visit with confidence and minimize wait times.
Official Latest Updates
DMV Office Hours
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) has expanded its service accessibility in 2025. Currently, 92 out of 115 offices open at 7 a.m. instead of the traditional 8 a.m., providing customers with an extra hour of service time during weekdays.
Standard Weekday Hours
- Monday through Friday
- 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Available at most NCDMV locations statewide
Summer Saturday Walk-In Services
During the summer months (May 31 – August 23), 20 DMV offices will offer walk-in services on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. These Saturday locations are strategically placed across different regions of North Carolina to improve accessibility.
2025 Saturday Service Locations Include:
- Charlotte (Multiple offices)
- Raleigh (East and West locations)
- Elizabeth City
- Greenville
- Jacksonville
- Wilmington South
- Andrews
- Graham
- Greensboro West
- Kernersville
- Clayton
- Durham East
- Winston-Salem South
Services Available During Saturday Hours
Customers can access the following services without an appointment:
- Driver’s license or ID card renewals
- Duplicate license orders
- Address changes
- REAL ID issuances
- Road tests (for those who have completed knowledge and written tests)
Appointment Recommendations
While Saturday walk-in services are convenient, the NCDMV recommends:
- Check online services first
- Complete transactions online when possible
- Use walk-in services for complex needs
- Verify specific office capabilities before visiting
REAL ID Information
DMV Commissioner Paul Tine emphasizes:
- REAL ID is not immediately required for all residents
- No need to rush unless you have upcoming air travel
- Passports and military IDs can serve as alternatives
Contact Information
For additional assistance:
- General DMV Questions: 919-715-7000
- Mailing Address: 3101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3101
Online Resources
Before visiting a DMV office, utilize these online services:
- License renewals
- ID card replacements
- Address changes
- Voter registration applications
Planning Your Visit
To ensure a smooth DMV experience:
- Check office hours in advance
- Bring required documentation
- Consider online alternatives
- Use Saturday services for convenience
- Arrive early during peak seasons
North Carolina continues to improve DMV accessibility and customer service, making government interactions more convenient for its residents.
FAQ
Is the NCDMV open on the weekends?
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WXIIhttps://www.wxii12.comDMV offices now open on Saturdays in North Carolina | Full list – WXIIMay 30, 2025 — The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will now have offices open on Saturdays at select locations. Last summer, nearly 17,000 customer…
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Raleigh News & Observerhttps://www.newsobserver.comNC DMV offers Saturday hours at select offices statewideJun 3, 2024 — Sixteen DMV offices will be open for walk-in customers from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from now through Aug.
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Raleigh News & Observerhttps://www.newsobserver.com42 NC DMV driver’s license offices to open earlier April 7Apr 2, 2025 — Need a REAL ID? These NC ( North Carolina ) driver’s license offices are extending opening hours List: NC ( North Carolina ) driver’s license offices…
Do they take walk ins at NCDMV?The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) has expanded walk-in services across 82 statewide driver license offices, allowing customers to without appointments to walk in any time during business hours.
What’s the best day to go to the DMV in NC?Both Thanksgiving and the day after are holidays for state employees so DMV will not be open. Any week where kids are out of school will be heavier traffic and mid week Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday are usually slightly better.
How long can you drive with an expired license in North Carolina?
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ncdothttps://www.ncdot.govNCDMV Announces Moratorium on Driver License Expirations – ncdotJul 8, 2025 — ROCKY MOUNT – The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) announces that, effective July 1, 2025, Senate Bill 391​ has been signed into law by Govern…
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Quorahttps://www.quora.comHow long can I drive with an expired drivers licence in NC without getting a ticket?Jul 15, 2018
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/customer-service/Pages/extended-hours-offices.aspx
The NC Division of Motor Vehicles offers extended hours at driver license offices during the week. Currently, 92 (out of 115) offices open at 7 am instead of 8
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-05-27-summer-saturday-service-2025.aspx
The division is expanding from 16 to 20 offices offering services from 8 am – 12 pm on 11 Saturdays from May 31-Aug. 23 (offices will be closed on June 28 and
