Gov. Cooper orders DMVs in western NC to ease requirements and fees

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order Wednesday intended to ease Division of Motor Vehicles requirements and fee collections in North Carolina counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.

According to the governor’s office, the DMV will suspend the collection of various applications and late fees, suspend certain requirements for both residents and businesses and extend certain licenses for mechanics and businesses. The North Carolina Council of State unanimously concurred with the executive order the day it was issued.

Four weeks after Helene struck North Carolina and caused devastation in the western area, the governor’s office said several DMV facilities remain closed and many vehicles were destroyed by the storm.

Many residents of impacted counties are also unable to access an open facility to obtain services, which has delayed their ability to obtain registration and other required documents for their vehicles. Those who lost documents in the storm would normally be required to pay various fees to replace them.

The executive order will allow the DMV to support disaster recovery by expediting the issuance of vital motorist records, identification, and documentation, while also providing relief for residents of impacted counties to restore some of their property.

“Western North Carolina was deeply impacted by Hurricane Helene and many people have lost vehicles, licenses, and other important documents,” Cooper said in a statement. “This executive order will support the DMV’s critical work and help affected North Carolinians as they recover from this storm.”

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