Raeford DMV Office Now Open Full-Time, Joining Statewide Expansion

The Raeford office was the last of eight locations to switch to a full-time schedule, aimed at reducing long wait times.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a DMV office sign or logo repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the modernization of DMV services in North Carolina.The vibrant expansion of full-time DMV services across North Carolina aims to streamline operations and reduce frustrating wait times for residents.Pembroke Today

The DMV office in Raeford, North Carolina has transitioned to a full-time schedule, joining other Sandhills locations like Pembroke and Lillington that have also expanded their hours. The change is part of a statewide effort to improve service and reduce long wait times at DMV offices.

Why it matters

The expansion of full-time DMV offices across North Carolina is an attempt to address persistent issues with long wait times that have frustrated residents, especially those who need to renew licenses or IDs. The Raeford location was previously only open part-time, serving around 140 people per week, but the new full-time schedule with three examiners is expected to significantly improve access and convenience for local residents.

The details

The Raeford DMV office is now open full-time, with three examiners working there compared to the previous part-time schedule that only served about 140 people per week. This change is part of a broader statewide expansion, as Raeford was the last of eight DMV locations to switch to a full-time schedule. The goal is to reduce long wait times that have plagued DMV offices, with some residents previously reporting waits of over 2 hours.

  • The Raeford DMV office transitioned to a full-time schedule on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • In September, the average DMV wait time across North Carolina was 2 hours and 42 minutes.
  • By February, the average wait time had dropped by nearly an hour.

The players

Lynn Harris

A resident who was at the DMV to renew his license and noted that wait times have significantly improved compared to over 2 hours in the past.

Brooke Lucido

A resident who tried to renew her license but left after seeing the line, expressing frustration with the DMV's service.

William Avilez

A 15-year-old resident who went to renew his state ID and waited over an hour, even receiving a text from the DMV apologizing for the delay.

Marty Homan

The North Carolina DMV communications director, who acknowledged the transition hasn't been perfect but expressed optimism about the expanded service.

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What they’re saying

“Wait times have been cut way down, way down.”

— Lynn Harris

“Prove it. I hope that it does. We need it here.”

— Brooke Lucido

“When we came in, they told us they were going to send us a message. And it's been like about 30 to 40 minutes for sure.”

— William Avilez

“It took us a little while to get there, maybe a little longer than we were hoping. We're hopeful the community comes out and takes advantage of the service.”

— Marty Homan, NC DMV communications director

What’s next

State officials are optimistic that the expanded full-time DMV service in Raeford and across North Carolina will continue to improve wait times and accessibility for residents.

The takeaway

The transition to full-time DMV offices in Raeford and other North Carolina locations is a positive step towards addressing the long-standing frustrations with wait times that have plagued the state's motor vehicle services. While the rollout has had some hiccups, the expanded hours and staffing are expected to significantly improve convenience and access for local residents.