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NC DMV audits call out failures and proposal fixes.
DMV frustrations just got receipts: Two audits released in August validate long-standing concerns, prompting NC State Auditor Dave Boliek to recommend splitting the DMV from the Department of Transportation entirely.
Giving new context to the department’s well-documented challenges, the audits found the average DMV visit clocks in at one hour and 15 minutes, and ~13% taking over two-and-a-half hours. And to try to sidestep those waits, nearly half skip their local office for a farther one.
Boliek emphasized that the economic toll of such inefficiencies—including missed work and school days—calls for immediate intervention. So, what exactly would a DMV/DOT breakup fix?
The audit cites “structural challenges” tied to the DMV’s current status as a DOT division: no financial autonomy, little say in statewide decisions and a lack of performance tracking.
“DOT needs the DMV, not the other way around,” said Boliek, noting that while the DMV reins in 30% of NCDOT revenue, it receives just 3% of that funding in return.
Despite NC’s population growing by 2.5 mill over the last 15 years, the state has only added 52 license examiner positions—160 still sit vacant.* Boliek proposed the General Assembly add 40 more examiners and introduce market-based salaries to combat chronic staffing shortages and employee burnout.
Meanwhile, a new law signed by Gov. Josh Stein suspends the expiration of Class C driver’s licenses, allowing them to remain valid for driving purposes for up to two years post-expiration date. That said, the law does not address ID requirements for air travel, alcohol purchases or loan applications—meaning a haul to the DMV may still be in your future.
*As of press time
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