DMV director urges modernization, warns of workforce strain and urges Real ID uptake

Kevin Shweto, executive director of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, told the House Education and Public Works Committee the DMV must modernize its aging systems, expand capacity and address high staff turnover to maintain service levels as the state grows.

Shweto said South Carolina’s population has grown from about 4 million to 5.3 million during his tenure and the DMV has seen corresponding demand without comparable staffing increases. "I have a 33% turnover rate annually. 500 of the 1,500," he said, describing the recruitment and retention pressures that force constant training cycles.

He described the DMV’s broad responsibilities — 444 transaction types tied to statutes and federal requirements — and said the agency still operates on a legacy system known as Phoenix written in COBOL. He told members the DMV’s modernization need is roughly $100 million and warned states that attempted certain vendor transitions lost substantial investments. "When we grow, the reason that we are still fast in terms of in terms of modernizing right, or getting you through lines, it's because I've got certain procedures that we've used... but it's going to continue to grow until you help me monitor this," he said.

Shweto urged South Carolinians to obtain Real ID credentials before federal restrictions tighten: he said about 60 percent of the state currently has Real ID and warned that without it travelers and others will face access limits. "If you don't have your Real ID, you're making a real mistake there because you will not get on an airplane on July," he said, adding Real ID is required for entry to many federal facilities and military installations.

He outlined operational changes the DMV plans: centralized issuance of cards beginning in September (so replacements are mailed rather than issued on the spot) and future mobile driver’s‑license capabilities that he said could improve security and reduce fraud long term. Shweto said modernization would make identity verification and fraud prevention more effective and reduce long‑term costs.

On public‑safety topics, he highlighted DUI statistics and argued South Carolina’s law framework contributes to recidivism; in response to a committee question he said first‑offender DUI counts have averaged about 25,000 annually.

Shweto also described the DMV workforce demographic and compensation history, noting a prior salary increase moved many entry positions from about $22,000 to roughly $33,000 but that inflation had eroded purchasing power. He urged the committee to consider modernization funding and noted the DMV’s customer service commitment and willingness to work with legislators on technical issues.

The presentation did not include a formal vote.