DMV appointment reselling scams under investigation in Florida, Nevada

Officials are addressing the issue of DMV appointment reselling as the Real ID deadline approaches. Some appointment resellers are booking slots and selling them to residents for a fee, causing frustration for those trying to access these essential services. In Miami-Dade County, Florida, officials revealed a network of scammers who booked hundreds of DMV appointments and profited from reselling them. This trend isn't limited to Florida; lawmakers in Nevada have also raised concerns about third-party sellers making it harder for residents to find available DMV appointments. Selling public appointments is generally legal in many U.S. states. However, local policymakers are beginning to take action. Nevada State Senator Fabian Doñate is pushing for legislation to ban such reselling practices, stating it creates unnecessary obstacles for people needing DMV services. Additionally, Miami-Dade County is considering an ordinance to criminalize the resale of DMV appointments, with fines and possible jail time for violators. This measure aims to protect residents from being exploited by resellers. As the Real ID requirement deadline of May 7 approaches, people nationwide are rushing to renew their drivers' licenses. This has led to overcrowded DMV offices and long wait times, with some residents resorting to camping out for appointments. Recent findings suggest that resellers in Nevada could be making significant profits from selling appointments. The Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s office warns that these practices worsen the existing appointment backlog and create fake demand, making it even more challenging for residents to secure necessary appointments.