DMV offices in Whiteville closing over COVID-19

By DEUCE NIVEN

tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com

     Driver’s license renewals and other Department of Motor Vehicle business may be a bit tougher for Columbus County residents, for now, with the closing of DMV offices in Whiteville effective Wednesday.

     About 60 driver license offices across the state will close because “they have the fewest examiner stations or have office setups that make it difficult to provide customers with the recommended space recommended by the CDC,” an agency news release said.

     The decision “will consolidate in-person services to offices large enough to maintain social distancing as defined by the Centers for Disease Control.”

     DMV offices that remain open will accept customers by appointment only. Appointments may be made by calling 919-715-7000. Some offices offer an online service for making appointments, but none in southeastern North Carolina, though more offices are being added to the system, the DMV said.

     Officers in Elizabethtown are also closing, while officers in Lumberton and Wilmington remain open.

     A number of DMV services, including license plate renewals, in some cases driver license renewals, and others can be don online here.