The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in North Carolina is facing long lines and wait times due to a lack of funding for additional staff. Despite efforts to open offices early and introduce Saturday walk-in hours, the demand for appointments far exceeds availability, especially in urban areas. DMV spokesperson Marty Homan acknowledged the staffing shortage and highlighted the need for the state legislature to allocate more positions, a request that has not been met in the past 20 years. The situation has forced some rural offices to close indefinitely due to understaffing, affecting residents who must travel long distances for DMV services.
The issue has prompted frustration among residents like Eileen Gates, who struggled to find an appointment to renew her license before an upcoming trip. Gates considered traveling to a rural office to avoid the long wait times in urban areas. The DMV plans to request funding for new positions during the next legislative session in 2025, but in the meantime, they are exploring additional solutions to alleviate the pressure on existing staff. However, Homan emphasizes that more staff is needed to address the growing demand and reduce wait times for residents across the state.
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