Raleigh, N.C. — (May 1) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has named Paul Tine as the new Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles, effective May 6, 2025.

Governor Josh Stein praised the appointment, citing Tine’s experience as a business owner and former legislator. “Paul knows how to get things done and move at the speed of business,” said Governor Stein. “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, who owns the Midgett Insurance Agency, previously served two terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing Dare, Hyde, Washington, and part of Beaufort counties. While in the General Assembly, he co-chaired the Transportation Appropriations Committee and served on the Joint Transportation Oversight Committee. He also held a position on the Board of Trustees for Elizabeth City State University.

Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins expressed confidence in Tine’s leadership. “At some point, every North Carolinian relies on the DMV,” 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.”

Tine acknowledged the work ahead in a statement: “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.”

As part of a broader strategy to modernize the DMV, Governor Stein’s proposed budget includes funding for 61 new driver license examiners and 24 additional staff for new and expanded license offices across the state.

With the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline approaching on May 7, 2025, Tine also emphasized public awareness. “Unless you have upcoming air travel, there is no need to rush to the DMV,” he said. REAL IDs will still be issued after the deadline, and alternative IDs such as passports, military IDs, and global entry cards will continue to be accepted for air travel. Travelers without these may still fly but should expect additional airport screening.

For more information on REAL ID requirements, visit NCREALID.gov.