Navigating the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) can be a crucial task for residents seeking driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and other essential motor vehicle services. Understanding office hours, locations, and service options can significantly streamline your DMV experience and save valuable time.
Official Latest Updates
DMV Office Hours and Accessibility
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles has implemented extensive accessibility measures to serve residents more effectively. Currently, 92 out of 115 offices open at 7 a.m. instead of the traditional 8 a.m., providing an additional hour of service time for customers.
Summer Extended Hours
During the summer months (typically June through August), 20 NCDMV offices offer Saturday services from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. These walk-in only services provide additional flexibility for residents with weekday scheduling constraints.
Appointment Scheduling
The NCDMV strongly encourages customers to make appointments for in-office license and ID card services. Online appointment scheduling helps minimize wait times and ensures more efficient service delivery.
Key Appointment Considerations
- All driver license offices now serve walk-in customers from open to close
- Customers without appointments no longer wait until noon
- Road test services are not available after 4 p.m.
Regional Office Variations
Extended Hours Regions
- Asheville
- Charlotte
- Eastern Mountains
- Fayetteville
- Northern Coastal
- Rural Piedmont
- Southern Coastal
- Triad
- Triangle
- Western Mountains
Each region offers slightly different operating hours, with most offices operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Important Service Limitations
Road Tests
- Available only until 4 p.m.
- Limited availability across all locations
Holiday Closures
All NCDMV offices remain closed on state holidays. Customers should plan accordingly and check specific location hours before visiting.
Contact and Support
NCDMV Customer Service
- Phone: (919) 715-7000
- Mailing Address: 3101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-3101
Helpful Tips for DMV Visits
- Check office hours online before visiting
- Schedule appointments when possible
- Bring all required documentation
- Verify specific location services
- Plan for potential wait times
Technology and Accessibility
The NCDMV website requires JavaScript to be enabled for full functionality. Customers are advised to:
- Enable JavaScript in their browser
- Use modern web browsers
- Contact customer service for alternative assistance
Understanding North Carolina DMV hours and locations can significantly reduce stress and improve your service experience. By leveraging online resources, scheduling appointments, and staying informed about regional variations, residents can efficiently manage their motor vehicle needs.
Stay updated by regularly checking the official NCDMV website and following their social media channels for the most current information on office hours, locations, and services.
FAQ
Can I walk in an NCDMV without an appointment?Every driver license office now serves walk-in customers from open to close, or until the capacity for that location has been reached.
Is the North Carolina DMV open on the weekends?The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will now have offices open on Saturdays at select locations. Last summer, nearly 17,000 customers were served at 16 offices during the 12 Saturdays of the 2024 season.
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.
Why are there no NCDMV appointments?
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N.C. Department of Transportation (.gov)https://skiptheline.ncdot.govNCDMV Online Appointment Scheduler
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ncdothttps://www.ncdot.govOfficial NCDMV: Driver License Office Appointments – ncdotJun 25, 2025 — Appointments can be booked up to 90 days in advance. Appointments for the new 90th day out will be added each day just after midnight.
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WFMY News 2https://www.wfmynews2.comNC DMV struggle: Why it’s so hard to find an open appointmentFeb 25, 2025 — There are only so many appointments out there. The NC DMV only makes appointments from open to noon every day. This means from 12 to 5 pm every day,
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Reddithttps://www.reddit.comAny decent DMV to go to tomorrow if I have only that day to go? : r/raleighMay 1, 2025 — DMVs have a limited number of morning walk-ins that are mixed with morning appointments before switching to walk-ins only in the afternoon. If you wa…
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Facebookhttps://www.facebook.comIs there a DMV around that takes walk-ins without long wait times?May 30, 2025 — If you get online early in the morning everywhere in NC will have appointments. But there is only about 14 spots per DMV, so you have to get online …
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Reddithttps://www.reddit.comCary DMV : r/raleighMar 3, 2023 — Comments Section As a general heads up, DMVs are moving to walk-ins only in the afternoons starting May outside of existing appointments being honore…
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WCCB Charlottehttps://www.wccbcharlotte.comNC DMV now accepting walk-ins all day – WCCB Charlotte’s CWJun 29, 2025 — Now, anyone can walk up to a DMV office during normal operating hours. Previously, customers without an appointment had to wait until noon to be see…
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/customer-service/Pages/extended-hours-offices.aspx
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.. Saturday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (May 31-Aug. 23). Hendersonville. 125 Baystone Drive.
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-services/locate-dmv-office/Pages/dmv-offices.aspx
Customers without an appointment no longer have to wait to be seen until noon. Road test services are not available after 4 p.m.. DMV-web-
