No one enjoys waiting in long lines, especially at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However that’s exactly what’s happening at several offices across the state.

At the DMV on Avent Ferry Road Tuesday, people are so desperate to get in that some are camping out, often waiting all day for multiple days, only to be turned away.

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Instead of showing up at the DMV office, some services can be done right from home. (© WRAL)

Erin Tonkovich, who recently moved from Pennsylvania to Moore County, shares the frustration.

“It’s been frustrating to keep telling my boss that I need to go to the DMV and I don’t know how long I’ll be there – it could be all day,” she said.

Tonkovich is in a bind. Her car registration is about to expire and she needs to get a North Carolina license. She told WRAL News that the long wait times have made it nearly impossible.

The DMV acknowledges the problem, citing a 10% staff vacancy rate and overwhelming demand. They’ve been trying for years trying to improve the situation, and have asked the state legislature to fund more personnel.

Tonkovich says she’s hopeful they find other ways to fix the issues she and so many others are facing just to get a driver’s license.

“I’m trying to do the right thing, get my driver’s license, get my registration, get registered to vote this fall," Tonkovich said. "These are all important things, and it’s a critical piece of the government, and it’s not working for the people.”

The DMV is piloting a self-service kiosk program to address the issue, allowing people to handle services like license renewal at locations like Harris Teeter. So far, though, there are only three kiosks statewide, at:

• The Corners at Brier Creek (4221 Corners Parkway, Raleigh)
• Riverbend Village (4701 Smith Farm Road, Charlotte)
• Highland Centre (2800 Raeford Road, Fayetteville)

North Carolina DMV questions and answers:

What is the goal to reduce wait times?

  • We encourage people to use our online services whenever possible. We're also exploring ways to supply documentation ahead of time, making license and ID renewals quicker in-office.
    • We've implemented Q-Anywhere, allowing customers to scan a QR code to hold their place in line via text, so they don't have to physically stand in line at the DMV.
      • Summer is the busiest time, so we've added Saturday morning walk-in availability at 16 locations from June to August 24. Additionally, 45 offices now open an hour earlier at 7 a.m.
        • In June, DMV transitioned to a new vendor for producing licenses and ID cards, which has improved efficiency and speed.

          How many people have used the new DMV kiosks, and are they helping?

          • Over the last four months, more than 3,400 transactions have been completed at the kiosks. We plan to announce six more kiosks later this month.

            Has the state added DMV offices, hours, or employees to match population growth?

            • DMV has filled over 250 vacant positions in recent years, reducing the vacancy rate to around 10%. However, more positions are needed to keep up with growth, and this requires legislative approval.
              • What about concerns related to voter ID and upcoming elections?
                • DMV takes its responsibilities seriously and will continue working to provide credentials in a timely manner. Remember, voter IDs can also be obtained from County Boards of Elections and other approved sources.