Siler City Drivers License Department — Local services in Siler City

Just dropping some info about the walk-in experience. I got there at 7am and there was what seemed like 20-25 people ahead of me. I recommend getting there at 6:30-6:45. I got there at 7am and was out of there by 9:15am.

Some things to consider: parking is limited and while there is many places to "make your own" parking spots, staff is constantly coming outside to tell people to move their car. Another reason to get there super early. Otherwise wait until after 7am when people start being helped - you can take their parking spot when they are finished.

You wait outside against the building and they have 10-15 people in the waiting room inside. As people get finished, staff will go outside and let more people in. Once you get in the building, you present your reason for being there and then are given a number and told to have a seat in the waiting room. I waited maybe another 20-30 minutes once inside. If you have an appointment, just walk right in - you'll be processed and given a number and prioritized. I saw a man with a 9am appointment get called in at 8:51...so they seem pretty good about getting those who have appointments in and out.

A couple things I overheard that could help: For license renewals and Real ID, they are taking walk-ins at 7am. The website says all locations start walk-ins at noon but that's probably just for crowd control. Siler City taking walk-ins at 7am. If you're doing a walk-in driving/road test - those don't start until 12pm. You may want to get there earlier but you'll be waiting until 12pm before they even le t you in the building. Bring a lawn chair.

Documentation: For men, they were asking only for drivers license and birth certificate. For married women, they were asking for the same plus a marriage license. That's it...however I would still recommend having a social security card, and the other documents they list on the website to be safe.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you have a certified birth certificate. I saw several people wait for 2 hours only to find out they didn't have an acceptable birth certificate.

I also so a 15 year old present a document presumably from driver's ed? I'm not sure...but it was a copy and not an original and they turned him away. So I would advise you call ahead or double check your documents and make sure to not only have them but make sure they are in an...

Hands down the best experience I have ever had at a DMV office. The efficiency and positive attitudes at this office is beyond 5 stars. I live in Cary which is just about an hour away from this location. I arrived on a Thursday just before 5:30am. At that time I happen to be 3rd in line for the opening at 7am. At 7am one of the ladies come out and let you know the process. They take people 65 and older first so they don't have to stand in the line. Have all your documents you need for your service out and ready. The line for documents move fairly quickly. One lady puts all your documents together and gives you ticket. If there is room in the waiting area you will sit in the waiting room for your ticket number to be called. If there is none, she will take your cell number and text you where you are in line and to be back on the premises once you are 10th in line. The parking lot is not big. They have parking to the left for the 3 employees. Middle has 3 spots by the front of the building. To the right is for law enforcement. The rest of the parking is at the back tree-line. I would say approximately maybe 15 spots. (This is a small, yet very efficient location) keep that in mind. From the time they opened the doors at 7am took the 4 people that were 65 or older, which would put me as the 7th person and got me through the process of getting my real ID I was out before 8am. I can not say enough good about this location and the women that run it. It was that quick and efficient with one person out, imagine if all 3 ladies were there. If you want a smooth and pleasant experience at a DMV I highly recommend you head to Siler City. (Side note) If you aren't able to stand for any length of time bring a chair to sit in while you are in line. Just before 7am you can put it back in your vehicle and get right back in line. Please make sure you have all your documents printed out, they do not accept documents on your phone. They are as accommodating as possible. If you do have it on your phone they will give you a fax number to fax the documents to them. Get a fax app if you have to do this. Be patient and know they are doing the best they can. By the time I left there was no line just people coming in as they started to be 10th in the process....

Ok everyone we all should know by now the entire states’ system is a mess. The employees here are given a crap sandwich every day and are making it work.

Your expectations should be a long standing wait outside in whatever the weather is. There is a bathroom inside available. (I waited 4.5 hours for my renewal as a walk-in.)

Make sure you have the paperwork you need for whatever you are doing they don’t check it while you are in line but for my renewal the lady who was running around throughout the morning and then ultimately processed my new license only checked my passport and old id. Was like seventy some bucks for the renewal.

Place opens at 8am the earlier you get there the closer to the front you will be. If you get there late you will stand in line or risk not making the cut. There were about 25 people in line when I got there at 0730. From the looks of it the workers tag in and out for lunch but operations do not stop.

Very limited parking and the lady had to waste a lot of time coming out to tell people to move away from where the troopers fill up their cars or the curb or off the grass. So if you aren’t in an open spot you’re causing problems for everyone. I parked at the shopping center down the street and walked just to be sure.

I’m not sure if there is a better place to go but with zero appointments available anywhere in the entire state these workers are doing what they can with a good attitude. Imagine having to deal with that mess every day. And I have a feeling because they are such a competent office they are getting even more overloaded with people coming from all over.

My best advice is just get there as early as possible otherwise you will be in line for a long, long time.

If you bring kids for the love of god bring some snacks and drinks for them...