Raeford DMV office now open full-time, joining statewide expansion
RAEFORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raeford has joined other Sandhills locations, such as Pembroke and Lillington, in offering longer hours at DMV offices. The Raeford office used to serve about 140 people a week during three days, but now three examiners are working there full-time.
Starting Wednesday, the DMV office will be open full-time instead of part-time. This change should make it easier for people to get service and could help reduce long wait times. Raeford was the last of eight locations to switch to a full-time schedule.
"Wait times have been cut way down, way down," said Lynn Harris, who was at the DMV to renew his license. After dealing with a wait of more than two hours in the past, Harris said things are finally improving.
"They're finally doing a good job," he said. This time, it took him just 20 minutes to renew his license, compared to hours last year.
When the ABC11 I-Team checked wait times in September, the average was 2 hours and 42 minutes. In February, it dropped by nearly an hour.
Still, not everyone is convinced.
"Prove it. I hope that it does. We need it here," said Brooke Lucido, who tried renewing her license but walked out after seeing the line. "Pretty frustrating. I have about a week before my license expires, and I am a mom. So, being that the kids have all for spring break this week, I was trying to, you know, at least get a chance, you know, maybe in between."
Fifteen-year-old William Avilez, who went to renew his state ID, waited more than an hour.
"When we came in, they told us they were going to send us a message. And it's been like about 30 to 40 minutes for sure," he said. He even received a text from the DMV apologizing for the delay.
State officials admit the transition hasn't been perfect, but say they're optimistic.
"It took us a little while to get there, maybe a little longer than we were hoping. We're hopeful the community comes out and takes advantage of the service," said Marty Homan, NC DMV communications director. "We're excited about being able to provide that increased level of service in that community."
