Governor Josh Stein and N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Paul Tine marked the opening of a new driver license office in Brunswick County today. This temporary location will operate while construction is underway for a permanent office in Leland. The office is the second of four new DMV offices being launched under House Bill 125, which Governor Stein signed into law last August. Previously, a new DMV office opened in Garland in December, with two additional offices planned for Fuquay-Varina and Cabarrus County later this year.
“New DMV offices mean shorter lines and faster service,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We’re making steady progress to improve the DMV experience statewide, and I’m grateful to team NCDMV for its efforts to create an experience that helps North Carolinians get in, get out, and get on with their day. But we know we have more work to do.”
“I want to thank Governor Stein and the General Assembly for their support,” said NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine. “We’ve made significant progress, leading to shorter wait times and better service statewide, but we have much work ahead to become the exceptional customer service organization outlined in our Strategic Plan, and we’re committed to that vision.”
Brunswick County has been identified as the fastest-growing county by percentage in North Carolina and ranks eleventh nationally for growth rate. Governor Stein’s visit comes as part of broader efforts by the NCDMV to enhance customer service across the state.
To address long wait times and job vacancies at DMV offices, Governor Stein signed Senate Bill 245 last September. This legislation enabled over 175,000 North Carolinians to complete transactions remotely within just over four months instead of requiring an in-person visit.
Additionally, funding approved last summer allowed NCDMV to add 64 new driver license examiner positions which have now been filled.
At today’s press conference, Governor Stein announced a new feature providing estimated wait times online for DMV services such as renewals or replacements. The tool is now available at visitDMV.nc.gov.
The agency also eliminated a training backlog by updating courses at its Driver License Examiner Basic School; this included graduating its largest class ever. As a result, examiner vacancy rates dropped below five percent statewide.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves as chief executive for the entire state—executing laws, leading the Council of State, directing budgets, granting pardons, serving as commander-in-chief of the National Guard, and appointing executive officials (official website). Josh Stein is currently serving as North Carolina’s 76th governor (official website).
Further information about NCDMV’s Strategic Plan and Staffing Plan can be found through official channels.