Statewide, the Department of Motor Vehicles is altering its appointment scheduling and technology to be more accessible.
Beginning May 1, online appointments will only be available through 11 a.m. After noon, customers can receive service on a walk-in basis.
“We’ve heard from the public that they want more walk-in availability, so that’s what we’re aiming to deliver,” NCDMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said in a press release. “DMV introduced the ability to schedule appointments during the pandemic, but I believe now is the time to better maximize potential efficiencies by allowing for more walk-in capability, given that data indicates up to 25 percent of appointments are no-shows.”
As appointment scheduling shifts more toward walk-ins, a new feature on the NCDMV website will be able to show the public estimated wait times. This will allow customers to make decisions on when to arrive at the office for needed services.
The DMV is in the midst of changing additional online services as well. Soon customers will be able to renew State ID cards and Level 3 Full Professional Licenses online — an option not currently available. The renewals would be available online up to one year after expiration. Driver’s licenses can be renewed up to two years after expiration.
“We realized we had a little inequity in how we are treating ID cardholders and Level 3 permits, so we are taking care of that,” Goodwin said in the release. “This should help shorten lines and wait times at our offices by getting folks that would previously have to come to the office out of the line altogether.”
Starting June 3, Wilmington South’s location will be one of 16 offices statewide offering weekend hours. The 2390 Carolina Beach Road location will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through Aug. 26.
Additional, Goodwin is instituting a pilot program that will initially deploy up to 20 self-service kiosks at strategic locations around the state. The devices will offer driver and vehicle service transactions including driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals.
Goodwin said in the release the plan is to place the kiosks at accessible, 24-hour locations such as grocery stores and pharmacies by the end of the summer.
“If the public responds well to this pilot program, then I plan to make even more kiosks available statewide,” he said. “All with the goal of shorter lines and shorter wait times for persons requiring an in-person appointment.”
NCDMV has not yet announced where the kiosk locations would be.
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