Former state Rep. Paul Tine has been chosen to serve as the new North Carolina Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV). The North Carolina Department of Transportation, which oversees the NCDMV, made the announcement in a press release Wednesday morning.
His first day is May 6.
“At some point, every North Carolinian relies on the DMV — whether it’s to get a driver’s license, renew a plate, or handle other essential services,” NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins said. “The people of this state deserve a DMV they can count on, and I’m confident that under Paul’s leadership, we’ll continue to improve the experience for all. His unique perspective and commitment to service will be invaluable as we move forward.”
Tine owns Midgett Insurance Agency. He previously served two terms in the NC House, representing Dare, Hyde, Washington, and half of Beaufort counties. During his time in the General Assembly, Tine was co-chair of Transportation Appropriations and served on the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Elizabeth City State University.
“As a long-time business owner and a former member of the General Assembly, Paul knows how to get things done and move at the speed of business,” Democrat Gov. Josh Stein said in the release, “He is the right person for this job, and I have charged him with urgently identifying ways to make the DMV work better for North Carolinians.”
Tine said he was very excited to begin work as the next commissioner.
“There is no shortage of challenges facing our division, and it is critical that we get to work quickly to reduce wait times, make our website more user-friendly, and empower our frontline staff to ensure the highest level of service to our citizens,” he said.
Tine replaces Wayne Goodwin. Under Goodwin’s tenure, which began in 2022, the DMV was widely perceived as in chaos, with frustration reported by many in the public trying to use its services. Common complaints include being unable to book an appointment online or waiting in long lines at a DMV location.
He announced in February that he would step down when his term ended.
The NC House Oversight Committee grilled him at a hearing the same month.
Most of the legislators revealed they had received numerous phone calls and emails, and had even been stopped in the grocery store for the terrible service they received from the DMV.
“Under your tenure, the DMV has been one of the most dysfunctional agencies in state government,” committee co-chair and House Majority Leader Rep. Brenden Jones, R-Columbus, told Goodwin.
Goodwin told the committee that he would not reapply for the position given that there are various positions being posted under Democrat Gov. Josh Stein’s administration. He would comment later in the hearing that, “I had the best sleep of my life last night because I made the change.”
Goodwin blamed the 2.5 million people moving to the state in such a short time span, the need for more staff and offices, employees being overworked and underpaid, and the need for more modernization as the reasons for the long wait times in line and waiting for months to get an appointment.
Legislators also discussed taking the DMV out of the DOT following years of complaints over the long wait times and ongoing dysfunction.
Wednesday’s press release said Commissioner Tine will work to improve North Carolinians’ experience with the DMV by addressing wait times, staffing challenges, and customer satisfaction.
Tine also encouraged North Carolinians to be informed about requirements for air travel with the TSA beginning to check REAL IDs on May 7.
- Unless you have upcoming air travel, there is no need to rush to the DMV.
- DMV will continue to issue REAL IDs after May 7, 2025.
- Passports, military IDs, and global entry cards are all acceptable substitutes for a REAL ID.
- If you do not have any of the above forms of ID, please plan to arrive at the airport early for additional screening. You will still be able to travel.
- To learn more about REAL ID requirements and guidance, visit NCREALID.gov.
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