Journey to the DMV

June 2024

After careful planning and negotiation, the City of Raleigh completed the purchase of the former DMV headquarters on June 24, 2024, for $20 million. This 5.88-acre site is now ready for a transformation that reflects the vision of the Raleigh community.

January 2024

In January 2024, the City Council took essential steps to buy the former DMV headquarters. They approved the purchase agreements, property closures, budget amendments, and the use of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds. At the same time, council also approved an engagement plan to make sure the community’s voice would help shape the site’s future.

City Council Presentation

September 2023

The required 90-day notice period ended, moving the City one step closer to buying the property.

June 2023

On June 6, 2023, the North Carolina Council of State officially approved the sale of the DMV headquarters site, bringing the City of Raleigh closer to acquiring the land.

January 2023

The City of Raleigh created a high-level vision document for the DMV site. This document outlined key goals for the site based on the New Bern Station Area Plan.

Vision Document

July 2022

The North Carolina state budget allowed the property at 1100 New Bern Avenue (the former DMV headquarters) to be sold.

March 2022

The City of Raleigh had the DMV headquarters site officially appraised.

July 2021

The Raleigh City Council gave city staff the green light to find and make offers on properties near transit investments, with the goal of creating more affordable housing.

March 2019

The DMV officially decided to move its headquarters to Rocky Mount.

January 2019

The City of Raleigh started talking with NCDOT and some state legislators about the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) headquarters. Since the DMV planned to move to Rocky Mount, the city saw a chance to buy the site for future use.

Related Information

Former DMV Site Working Group

Former DMV Site Project Page

Related News

Meet the Project Working Group

Former DMV Community Kickoff Event

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