Long Lines at DMV Cause Frustration

DOVER, Del. – Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles offices reopened Monday after being closed for a week following a fatal shooting in Wilmington, but long lines and confusion are frustrating customers statewide.

DMV offices across Delaware closed Tuesday, Dec. 23, and reopened Monday, Dec. 29. The backlog caused by the closure left offices with wait times of up to three hours. Many customers said the process was confusing and emotions were running high.

Michelle, a DMV customer in Dover, called the lines “chaos.”

“They have you scan your phone to get a number, but some people are getting paper numbers. They’re out of order,” she said.

Another customer waiting in line said she had been there for two hours to get a duplicate ID.

“My condolences,” she said. “But the ripple effect that’s happening, we’re feeling it here.”

Delaware Department of Transportation officials are waiving late fees for customers with December and January expirations and are encouraging people to use online services when possible.

Many customers were forced to wait outside the Dover location and were only allowed inside once their number was called. Laura Goldberg, who recently moved to Delaware, said the process was frustrating.

“Why we are outside, I don’t understand it,” Goldberg said. “Someone could come outside and do the same thing they did inside.”

For others like Middletown resident Lisa Snider, the delays cut into family milestones.

“It’s my son’s birthday today,” she said. “We’re getting his license, and we’ve been waiting an hour. We tried Delaware City, but it was also really crowded.”

DelDOT officials said customers should expect delays through the rest of the week and asked for patience as staff work through the backlog.

Online services are available at deldot.gov/onlineservices.