Division of Motor Vehicles
State agency handling driver and vehicle services
Latest stories
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Fact-check: RNC says 54% of NC's commercial driver licenses were issued illegally to noncitizens
The Republican National Committee claimed that 54% of North Carolina commercial driver’s licenses were issued illegally to noncitizens. That number is based on a sampling — not a full accounting — of CDLs issued in the state.
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NCDMV says wait times down nearly 90%; new Fuquay-Varina office aims to cut them further
A new DMV driver's license office is scheduled to open in early 2027 in a former Walgreens building in Fuquay-Varina.
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Bed bugs to close Durham DMV driver's license office for weeks
According to NCDMV, the office located on South Miami Boulevard will be closed until Monday, July 13. A spokesperson for the DMV said bed bugs were discovered in the office.
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DMV wait times down 87% in North Carolina, Gov. Stein says
Governor Josh Stein is encouraging residents to take advantage of new tools and services at the DMV designed to reduce wait times and, in some cases, eliminate the need for an office visit altogether.
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NC DMV now lets eligible 18-year-old drivers upgrade license online
If you are 18 years or older with a Level 2 Limited Provisional License, you can now get your Class C driver's license online.
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NCDMV announces 10 new self-service kiosks in Raleigh, Apex, Wake Forest, Fayetteville
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles announced a new batch of self-service kiosks on Monday across Raleigh, Apex, Wake Forest and Fayetteville.
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Why NC driver’s license offices scaled back hours
North Carolina driver’s license offices have returned to standard 8 a.m. opening times after the exhaustion of federal grant funding used for extended morning hours. Despite the reduced hours, the DMV reports significantly shorter wait times compared to previous years.
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NC DMV welcomes around 150 license examiners for broader goal of reducing wait times
Nearly 150 new DMV license examiners graduated on Wednesday to join the ranks of a state agency trying to lessen the load on overworked and understaffed personnel.
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NC elections board pressures DMV to share drivers’ full Social Security numbers
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles is reviewing whether it can legally share drivers’ full Social Security numbers with election officials who have requested it as part of an effort to verify voter eligibility. Opponents of the practice worry the data could fall into the wrong hands.
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TSA could charge travelers without REAL ID $18 under proposed rule
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proposing an $18 fee for travelers who do not have a REAL ID to cover the costs of new biometric technology needed for identity verification.
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NCDMV unveils 5-year plan: Aims to cut wait times to 15 minutes
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) released its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. It aims to reduce wait times from an average of 90 minutes to 15 minnutes.
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DMV boss tells NC lawmakers wait times are down, but key funding is running low
NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine gave state lawmakers an update on appointments, wait times and other improvements he said he’s made in his first six months.
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North Carolina DMV makes Level 3 license upgrade easier with new online process for teens
North Carolina teen drivers can now upgrade their Level 2 Limited Provisional License to a Level 3 Full Provisional License entirely online. This initiative saves time by eliminating DMV visits, part of broader online service expansions under Senate Bill 245.
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Committee says NC DMV staff additions haven't kept up with growth over time
Department of Motor Vehicles officials claim shorter waits, better service, and more efficiency. On Wednesday afternoon, a government review painted a much less flattering picture.
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NC DMV head tells lawmakers wait times have fallen as he commits to overhaul of agency
The average DMV wait time is now about 90 minutes, down from more than two hours in July, the agency's top official told lawmakers Wednesday.
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NC woman’s license nearly suspended due to database error
Stephanie Layton nearly had her license suspended due to a mistaken Maryland speeding ticket she never received. Despite the DMV's initial inaction, Layton's persistence and the intervention of WRAL 5 On Your Side finally cleared her record.
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On WRAL at 6: Local woman's licensed almost revoked over DMV's mistake
A local woman's license was nearly revoked over a crime she didn't commit. She had trouble getting it fixed until she called 5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur.
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DMV works to shorten lines with more staff, changes for teen drivers and expanded online renewal
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) continues to make changes to improve customer experience and wait time, Gov. Josh Stein said on Monday.
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Stein signs bills loosening DMV rules, funding disaster relief and Lenovo Center
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein signed a pair of bills Tuesday. One bill allows North Carolinians to renew their driver's license online more frequently. Another provides new funding for victims of tropical storm Chantal.
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NCDMV certifies private driver's ed schools for teen road tests, reducing wait times
This collaboration is set to streamline the licensing process, providing more convenient options for students eager to hit the road.
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Waiting for hours: Cary DMV among longest wait times statewide
The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles released new data on the average wait time spent at the DMV. The average wait time across the state is roughly two hours and 45 minutes, but each location has significantly varied times.
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NCDMV commissioner talks improving customer experience
North Carolina DMV Commissioner Paul Tine spoke at the NC Transportation Summit on Thursday in Raleigh.
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DMV commissioner keeps foot on gas toward modernizing locations
A discussion involving North Carolina DMV leaders at the NC Transportation Summit was all about improving the customer experience, which is sorely needed throughout the state.
