North Carolina DMV wait times drop statewide; more big changes coming
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Average wait times at North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles offices have fallen to slightly more than 20 minutes statewide, according to state officials, following efforts to add staff, open more offices and expand online services.
Gov. Josh Stein announced the improvement during his NC Strong update this week. The decrease came after an ABC11 I-Team investigation last year found some Triangle-area DMV offices had among the longest wait times in the state.
"We've made a lot of great progress over the last year. Wait times are way down. They're down to around 20 minutes, 22 minutes," said Marty Homan, communications director for the NCDMV.
DMV officials attributed the shorter waits to increased staffing, additional office locations and legislative action that provided support for the agency. They also pointed to a growing number of services available online.
"More offices, more employees. The Legislature took some action last year that helped us out in that regard. More transactions can be done online. We've had about 350,000 transactions done online in the last nine or 10 months," Homan said.
Some drivers said they have noticed the difference.
"We went to another DMV yesterday. And the wait times were really short there," said Erika Branch of Cary.
Branch also recalled longer waits in the past.
"That's amazing because I remember when we first started this, it was months ago, and it was you had to have an appointment or you don't get in," she said.
Despite the improvement, officials said they are continuing efforts to further reduce wait times.
"We still have a long way to go. Our goal is to get to 15 minute wait times," Homan said.
The agency is also preparing for changes to vehicle registration procedures. Beginning Oct. 1, the DMV will transition to electronic vehicle registrations. Physical registration cards will be replaced by electronic versions, and traditional registration renewal stickers will be eliminated. Law enforcement agencies will access registration information electronically. Drivers may still request printed copies of their registration for a fee, and vehicle inspections will remain required.
"There's really no need for the sticker, and the legislature made this change. They actually removed funding from our budget, about $4.8 million, for the printing and mailing of all the stickers," Homan said.
DMV officials said drivers should not encounter problems with law enforcement, including agencies outside North Carolina, because registration information is already widely accessible electronically.
"People are concerned about law enforcement. How will they prove who they are with stickers not there? How will they know if I don't have a registration card? They know they don't need it the way it is already. They already have the license plate readers in their cars or they're checking you before they even get out of the car," Homan said.
The DMV also said it is working to upgrade its computer systems. By the end of the year, drivers are expected to be able to add a virtual copy of their driver's license to a digital wallet. Officials said the feature is expected to roll out around the holiday travel season.
