New DMV: Tarboro opens new driver license office, fills gaps in eastern NC

James Kearney's daughter just turned 16. Waiting in line to get her driver's license on Friday, she was one of the first customers at the new North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Tarboro.

Previously, Kearney's daughter would have had to go to the DMV office in Wilson County, which is 30 minutes away from her house. Her dad said they had been there before.

"The line was too long, so we just left, and the waiting room was crowded. So we waited for this one to open," Kearney said.

Friday's grand opening brought people from all over town to see the new building and take part in a ribbon cutting.

CG Forbes remembers visiting the previous driver license office in Tarboro. In December 2022, that DMV closed for repairs, making the closest office in Wilson or Rocky Mount.

The new office at 100 East Hope Lodge St. replaces the old one.

"I know a lot of people in the last few months who have had to go to Greenwood, Rocky Mount, Wilson and other places when they would rather go right across the street," Forbes said.

North Carolina's DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin said expanding access in eastern North Carolina is a priority.

"It is vital that we have DMV offices as accessible as possible," Goodwin said.

There are currently 115 open driver license offices in the state, which are more spread out in eastern North Carolina than in other areas.

"Having one not far from your home, not far from your business, will help provide more flexible opportunities," Goodwin said.

On Tuesday, Kearney's daughter walked away with a license in about 30 minutes, about the same amount of time it would have taken them to drive to another office.

"It's really great," Kearney said.

The Tarboro driver license office hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state holidays. Complete services will be offered to walk-in customers, including initial driver licenses, state-issued IDs, REAL IDs, renewals and duplicates.