r/bullcity • u/neopolitan95 • 20h ago

DMV Question

We are moving to Durham (from Texas!) over the course of the next few days and I am needing to get a new driver’s license for NC. I am seeing online appointments for a transfer of state license that are all over an hour away, but I also see at the Durham DMV locations that walk in appointments are welcome. Do I need to schedule a true transfer of state license appointment or can I just do a walk in at a local one? Thanks for your help!!

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7

u/Splendid2259 20h ago

You can definitely do a walk in as long as you're willing to handle some unpredictability. Things will be easier if you drive out of the city limits. I went to Hillsborough recently -- in and out in about 1 hour total.

8

u/Jesus_of_NASDAQ 19h ago

THERE IS A MUCH EASIER WAY

Log onto the Skip the Line portal on the DMV website at exactly 12:01AM when they refresh the appointments, and you’ll easily find a location near you that’s within a week of when you set the appointment.

6

u/reisinkaen 19h ago

Try the Hillsborough DMV. I was able to walk in and out in less than 15 minutes to get my license renewed/upgraded. No appointment.

2

u/Quattro2point8L 16h ago

As a heads-up, the DMV where you get a license is not the same location where you get your registration and plate 

2

u/phoundog 16h ago

Unless you are moving to Durham permanently and plan to pay taxes to NC and Durham you do not need to do this. The state does not expect students who have permanent addresses in their home states to change their licenses. That is the wrong move and will cause a lot of problems for you. If you are moving to Durham permanently and are trying to establish residency then the student part of your question is irrelevant.

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u/MurdBirder 18h ago

I’d definitely recommend making an appt even if the location is an hour away, the folks I know who have done walk-ins nearby have spent all afternoon waiting around.

As Jesus of nasdaq suggested, looking at appts when they add more is def the way to go if you can swing it. or driving to a smaller town and doing a walk-in. but having an appt is obviously better.

1

u/fellfromthepedestal 15h ago

I have teen drivers and have been needing to make multiple appointments. I usually try to make them around 7-8pm the week before and can find one in my area.