General Discussion

The North Carolina DMV is experiencing staffing shortages at its driver's license offices, leading to long wait times and delays for customers. The agency has requested more positions from the legislature, but state law limits the number of employees allowed in driver's license offices. Efforts to alleviate the situation include offering one-time bonuses to retain existing staff and encouraging customers to use online services whenever possible.
Here's a more detailed look:
Vacancy Rate:
While the vacancy rate has improved from over 25% in September 2021 to under 11% in December 2023, the DMV still needs more staff.
Legislative Limits:
The General Assembly sets a cap on the number of employees in driver's license offices, currently at 568. The DMV says it needs 70 more employees to fully operate all 115 offices.
Reasons for Shortage:
The DMV attributes the shortage to a combination of factors, including population growth, increased demand, and difficulty attracting and retaining qualified staff.
Efforts to Mitigate:
The DMV is exploring various solutions, including:
Increased Pay and Bonuses: The state legislature has provided funding for raises and bonuses to attract and retain employees.
Extended Hours: Some offices are now open earlier or later to accommodate more customers.
Online Services: Customers are encouraged to use MyNCDMV.gov for certain services to reduce in-person wait times.
Closing Offices: In some cases, offices have been closed temporarily or indefinitely due to lack of staff.
Impact on Customers:
The staffing shortages are causing significant delays and long lines at DMV offices, impacting the ability of customers to renew licenses, register vehicles, and complete other necessary services.