South Carolina's DMV is facing significant challenges as the state grapples with a 25% population increase, yet struggles to maintain adequate staffing and resources. During a recent Finance Committee meeting, DMV Director Carlos Shweta highlighted the urgent need for modernization and increased salaries to retain skilled employees.

Shweta reported that despite the growing demand for services, his department has not seen a corresponding increase in personnel or budget. He emphasized that the DMV's current workforce, which is predominantly female and includes a significant number of African American employees, is underpaid and overworked. Many employees earn around $33,000, which, when adjusted for inflation, effectively returns to the $22,000 level they were at four years ago. This has resulted in a staggering 33% annual turnover rate, with many employees leaving for better-paying jobs.

The director underscored the complexity of the DMV's operations, noting that employees handle over 444 different transactions that require expertise in various legal areas. He expressed concern that without competitive salaries, the DMV will continue to lose valuable staff to private sector jobs that offer significantly higher pay.

Shweta also addressed the pressing need for a modernized IT system, which has been in request for seven years. He warned that the outdated system, built on technology from the 1990s, could fail at any moment, disrupting services not only at the DMV but also affecting law enforcement and identity verification processes statewide. He urged the committee to prioritize funding for this modernization to prevent a potential crisis.

In addition to staffing and technology issues, Shweta discussed the importance of the Real ID program, which is essential for air travel and access to federal facilities. He noted that only 60% of South Carolinians currently possess a Real ID, and he urged residents to obtain one before the upcoming deadlines.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for committee members to advocate for the DMV's needs, emphasizing the critical role that the department plays in public safety and service delivery. As South Carolina continues to grow, the DMV's ability to adapt and serve its citizens effectively will depend on the support and resources provided by the state government.