Gov. Stein: DMV needs to be fixed, pushes for more staff and investment

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Gov. Josh Stein highlighted on Friday ongoing challenges at the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles and called for increased investment and collaboration across state government to improve the customer experience.

“Hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians each year visit the DMV, and they need to be able to take care of their business in a timely manner,” Stein said during a press conference alongside Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins and DMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “We are tackling this problem head-on, and Secretary Hopkins, Commissioner Tine, and I are committed to working with our legislature and Auditor Boliek to make the DMV work better for everyone.”

The remarks follow Stein’s appointment of Tine as DMV commissioner on April 30.

“Since my appointment a month ago, I have dedicated myself to meeting with DMV customers and team members to learn more about the challenges our state is facing,” Tine said. “While we have begun raising pay for examiners, simplifying the website, and finding opportunities to get more people through offices this summer, we know there is much more work to be done.”

Hopkins added that the DMV’s performance affects every driver in the state. “Every North Carolinian on our roads will need to interact with the DMV at some point, so we have a responsibility to get it right,” he said.

As part of the solution, Stein’s proposed 2025-2027 state budget includes funding for 61 new driver license examiners and 24 positions to support new and expanded offices. The N.C. House budget includes the same staffing increase.