Motor Vehicle Commission proposes 50% licensing fee increase amid multi-year deficits

Department of Commerce and Insurance staff told the Government Operations committee the Motor Vehicle Commission’s reserve has fallen below recommended levels after deficits totaling roughly $250,000 in fiscal year 2023 and about $790,000 in fiscal year 2024. Candace Dawkins, the department’s legislative director, said the package increases many licensing fees by about 50% (with a smaller flat increase for salesperson licenses) and expands the commission chair’s authority to grant additional time to reconsideration petitions when the commission’s quarterly meeting schedule creates an automatic denial window.