Last Updated on May 27, 2016 3:09 pm
Governor Pat McCrory applauded a major milestone as the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles’ online driver license renewal program had more than 355,000 North Carolina drivers renew their licenses online, resulting in customer time savings of 177,900 hours.
“Transforming the culture of customer service across state government, particularly when it comes to getting a driver license, was a promise I made when I entered office,” said Governor McCrory. “Our reforms to DMV are providing drivers with more options and leveraging 21st century technology to better serve North Carolinians.”
As a part of the governor’s ‘Driving Change' initiative, the McCrory administration implemented a testing program for online renewal of driver licenses on June 4, 2015. The renewal program launched statewide on October 12, 2015.
“Reaching this milestone means DMV is reaching thousands of North Carolina drivers who have found it quicker and more convenient to renew their license with a credit or debit card and have it delivered right to their door,” said N.C. Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson. “We invite drivers to give it a try and join the more than 355,000 North Carolinians who already have.”
Online renewal is just one of the many changes DMV has introduced over the past two-and-a-half years through the governor’s ‘Driving Change' initiative. During this time, DMV has modernized and enhanced offices by adopting new equipment to speed driver license transactions. The Division also recently began accepting credit and debit card payments for the first time.
Many DMV offices have added extended hours, enabling 85 percent of the state’s driver license customers to be within 30 miles of an office with extended hours. Staff members have undergone training to enhance customer interactions, and smaller, more flexible mobile units have been introduced in remote areas of the state.
In the coming year, there are plans to add even more drivers to the online renewal program. But, for those who must still visit the office, the Division is adding staff and opening offices during more convenient times for the public.
Two additional programs serving the growing populations of senior citizens and military veterans are slated to be improved. The medical review program is set to grow and become more efficient. Similarly, the military veteran CDL training program, introduced in 2012, will become a permanent part of the state’s assistance to returning veterans and their spouses.
