Real IDs, young drivers create long lines at multiple DMV locations

Some people waiting in line at the N.C. Department of Vehicles in Cary on Wednesday say they have been in line since 6:30 a.m.

Posted 3:02 p.m. Aug 8, 2018 — Updated 10:26 p.m. Aug 8, 2018

Adam Owens

, WRAL reporter

CARY, N.C. — Some people waiting in line at the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles in Cary on Wednesday say they have been in line since 6:30 a.m.

The lines were out the door at the DMV located at 1387 SE Maynard Road, and officials said long wait times have been reported at more than a dozen other DMVs in the area.

"My son needs to get his license and he has tried for four days waiting in line and we woke up early, got to the DMV and there are over 100 people in line!!! The State of NC - we have got a problem here," tweeted one of the witnesses.

DMV changes policy after woman with international marriage license had issue getting REAL ID

During a press conference, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Torre Jessup said his agency is taking several steps to reduce the wait times of customers standing in line, including:

Having DMV employees walk through the lines to ensure that customers have the required documents they need so as to not waste their time.
Urging customers to look into completing their transactions online as opposed to going to a DMV office.
Having DMV call center employees work with callers to find field offices where wait times are shorter and more appointments are available.
Actively working to fill 80-plus jobs at the DMV that are currently open. The positions are posted on the state's jobs website.

Anjali Velu, a woman waiting in line, said this is the fifth day she has tried to get inside for help with her permit. This time, she says she is determined to stick it out no matter how long it takes.

"This is the day I said that I am not doing anything else. I am just going to sit here all day until I get it," she said. "I guess I have been here for two or three hours, and I haven't even [gone inside] to get a ticket yet."

Some people waiting in line said they have been waiting for four hours.

A DMV official said the longer lines are due to students trying to get permits and drivers licenses before school starts.

He also said it is due to people hoping to get a Real ID, which will be a requirement beginning October 1, 2020 for those who fly or visit federal buildings, military installations and nuclear facilities.