Charlotte DMV Offices Just Ranked Worst in the Nation. What Now?
By Nell Thomas, Strolling Ballantyne
It might be easier to get a table at Supperland on a Friday night than to renew your license at the DMV on Arrowood. In a finding that surprised absolutely no one who has spent more than five minutes in a North Carolina driver’s license office, a new study has ranked Charlotte’s DMV offices the worst in the United States.
The study, released by Sudoku Bliss (yes, the puzzle people), reviewed customer reviews from 140 DMV locations in 30 major cities. Their conclusion? If purgatory had fluorescent lighting and a number system, it would be Arrowood Road.
The Data Doesn’t Lie—But It Might Cry
Charlotte had three of the five worst DMV locations in the nation. The Arrowood location earned the gold medal in frustration, with more than 30% of Google reviews falling below three stars, citing everything from rude staff to Kafkaesque wait times. Others landing high on the “do-not-recommend” list include 6635 Executive Circle and 6016 Brookshire Boulevard.
Arrowood earned special ire for what one reviewer described as “a new low in humanity,” while another offered, “This is not a DMV. It is a social experiment gone wrong.”
NCDMV Responds—Kind Of
In response to the Charlotte Observer’s inquiry, NCDMV Commissioner Paul Tine issued a press release stating, “There is no shortage of challenges facing our division.” He promised improvements in wait times, website usability, and customer service. No timeline was provided.
But walk into any of the 115 license offices across the state, and you’ll find the same saga: no appointments, long lines, and employees who look like they’ve aged five years by lunch.
What If You Can’t Get In? What Then?
If you have a scheduled appointment and get pulled over for an expired license, you may be eligible for a warning ticket, according to NC State Highway Patrol’s Master Trooper Christopher Casey. But be warned: North Carolina offers no grace period for driving with an expired license. A single day over, and technically, you’re on the hook.
Your best bet? DMV kiosks.
Where the Kiosks (and Sanity) Are
Skip the lines and head to a DMV self-service kiosk, where you can renew your license, order duplicates, and even pay your vehicle property tax. Charlotte locations include:
- Town Center Plaza, 8600 University City Blvd
- Central Avenue, 1704 Central Ave
- Quail Corners, 8538 Park Rd
- Riverbend Village, 4701 Smith Farm Rd
Want to complain? There’s a form for that. Or a hotline. Or an email. Or maybe just scream into a bag and hope someone at NCDOT hears you.
DMV Reform? Don’t Hold Your Breath
The DMV claims it’s rolling out a new QR-code-based check-in system. Great in theory—until you realize the internet in some of these offices has the download speed of a rotary phone. The average citizen’s options remain unchanged: book three months out or block off a full day, bring snacks, and practice your sudoku.
Local Solutions: Drive to the Suburbs, Then Celebrate with a Bagel
While Charlotte may be the DMV capital of chaos, smaller towns like Monroe and Shelby offer some relief. If you’re willing to make the drive, it’s worth it. Bonus: You can grab a turkey sausage and egg white sandwich at Einstein Bros. Bagels in Ballantyne afterward. That’s what we call government service and self-care.
About the Author
Nell Thomas writes for The Charlotte Mercury and contributes to Strolling Ballantyne, reporting from behind the wheel and occasionally from behind a maple shmear. She files her best DMV horror stories over a steaming cup of Einstein Bros. coffee at 13736 Conlan Cir, Charlotte, NC, which, let’s be honest, is far more efficient than your local licensing office. Open daily until 2 PM with WiFi, a drive-thru, and bagels that forgive all sins.
Looking for more? Dive into our full local lineup at strollingballantyne.com, where we cover everything from shine-worthy car detailing at At The Hop Auto Services to Charlotte’s realty power couples. Strolling Ballantyne is part of The Mercury, your home for hyperlocal truth, sass, and bagels. 🥯
Send us your stories or DMV meltdown photos at ballantyne@strollmag.com, and don’t forget to RSVP to the Sip and Stroll on May 22!
