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By Aliss Higham
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Millions of drivers in North Carolina could see rules around license expirations and renewals change.
Why It Matters
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were more than 7.7 million motorists in North Carolina in 2021.
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But the process of renewing a license has become difficult due to a large backlog at the state's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
A spokesperson for the North Carolina DMV told Newsweek that while the office does not comment on pending legislation, the number of employees "has not kept pace with the explosive population growth over the last two decades."
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What To Know
In North Carolina, standard driver's licenses are valid for eight years for those between 18 and 65 years old, and five years for those 66 years and older.
Under House Bill 821, which received approval by the House Transportation Committee in April, a Class C driver's license would remain valid for up to two years after its expiration, which would permit motorists to continue driving without penalty in the state. The two-year grace period would expire at the end of 2027.
The extension would not apply to drivers whose licenses have been canceled, revoked or suspended.
"The General Assembly finds that there is a backlog of drivers unable to renew their drivers licenses in person. It is the intent of this act to eliminate that backlog," the bill reads.
It was introduced by three state lawmakers: Republicans Jay Adams, Keith Kidwell and Mike Schietzelt. According to local outlet NC Newsline, Republican lawmakers of a GOP-controlled legislature have regularly criticized the state's DMV.
The bill has been introduced due to a backlog of in-person appointments, which are required for new residents, first-time drivers and those getting their first REAL ID. Staffing shortages have been primarily blamed for the backlog and local outlets have reported that technology used by the DMV is also outdated.
"DMV cannot just hire more people and open more offices on its own like many people think it can," the North Carolina DMV spokesperson said. "Those positions need to be created and funded by the legislature, as would money for new offices. DMV is again asking for more employees and funding for new offices this budget cycle. Hopefully, this year is the year."
In the fall of 2024, the DMV's outgoing commissioner Wayne Goodwin, a Democrat, requested funding to hire over 60 new employees, but the request was denied. The DMV also announced in April that it had added 42 offices that would be open for an extra hour on weekdays, on top of the 50 that already do.
In February, Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek announced he would be looking into the issues at the agency.
What People Are Saying
Jay Adams said, a key sponsor of the bill, said according to a report by NC Newsline: "Right now, apparently you cannot make an appointment to get your license renewal anywhere in the state. I spoke to somebody the day before yesterday who spent five hours getting his daughter's driver's license issued."
Representative Harry Warren, a Republican, said: "This bill would basically be facilitating the incompetency of the DMV by alleviating them of their responsibility of their job."
Wayne Goodwin, DMV's outgoing commissioner, told legislators in February: "We frankly had more successes than challenges. But as is life, and as is public affairs, state and federal government, you will likely hear more about what is not working than what is working."
What Happens Next
The bill has been referred to the House finance committee.
Update 4/29/25, 9:20 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from a North Carolina DMV spokesperson.
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