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NC DMV Office Hours & Holiday Closings

3 min read

Knowing when your local North Carolina DMV office is open can save you time, stress, and unnecessary trips. Most NC DMV offices operate Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at select locations. However, hours can vary by county and office type (driver license offices vs. vehicle registration offices), making it important to check before visiting.

You can confirm current hours using the Finding NC DMV Locations Near You tool, which lists all North Carolina offices with addresses, contact numbers, and available services.

Typical NC DMV Office Hours

  • Driver License Offices:
    Generally open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with some locations offering extended hours on certain weekdays.

  • Vehicle & License Plate Agencies:
    Typically open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, with select offices open on Saturdays from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Check each location’s schedule before visiting as rural offices may close for lunch hours or operate on reduced schedules.

NC DMV Holiday Closures

The North Carolina DMV follows the state holiday calendar, closing on the following days:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

If a holiday falls on a weekend, closures may occur on the preceding Friday or following Monday. During the holiday season (mid-December through early January), offices may have reduced staffing, leading to longer wait times.

You can check holiday-specific closures on the NCDMV Official Website under the “Office Locations & Hours” section.

Timing Your Visit

To minimize your wait:

  • Arrive early in the morning or mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday).
  • Avoid visiting on the first and last days of the month, as these tend to be the busiest for renewals.
  • Use the Scheduling a DMV Appointment in North Carolina option whenever possible to secure a specific time slot.
  • Many services, including vehicle registration renewals and some license updates, can be handled online, reducing your need to visit in person. If you need to renew, you can review Renewing NC Vehicle Registration Online to handle it remotely.

Additional Tips Before Visiting

  • Bring required documents for your service to avoid delays.
  • Check your office’s specific services, as some smaller locations may not process Real ID applications or CDL testing.
  • If preparing for a knowledge test, review Preparing for the NC DMV Written Test before visiting to ensure you are ready.

Staying aware of NC DMV office hours and holiday closures helps you plan your visit efficiently, reducing your wait and ensuring you complete your tasks in one trip.