Two DMV offices in Wake, Durham counties extending summer hours

Two DMV offices in Wake and Durham counties are extending their hours this summer in anticipation of longer lines and busier days.

Posted 1:57 p.m. Jun 19, 2019 — Updated 11:07 a.m. Jun 20, 2019

DURHAM, N.C. — Two DMV offices in Wake and Durham counties are extending their hours this summer in anticipation of longer lines and busier days.

Starting Monday, the offices at 101 South Miami Blvd. in Durham and at 131 South Fuquay Ave. in Fuquay-Varina will both open at 7 a.m., or one hour earlier than usual, on weekdays to assist customers during the summer rush.

The extended hours will continue through Aug. 30.

Both DMV offices offer full services, including driver license and REAL IDs, state-issued IDs, duplicate licenses and renewals, road skills and knowledge testing.

DMV offices across North Carolina experienced a rush of customers last summer that prompted multiple calls to WRAL complaining of long lines. Officials attributed the lines, which peaked in August, to a rush of high school students trying to obtain permits and licenses before heading back to school.

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

Another cause of the long lines, officials say, was people seeking REAL IDs.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Beginning in October 2020, people will be required to have a REAL ID or valid U.S. passport for flying, entering federal facilities and visiting military installations. Some military installations already require REAL ID.

A REAL ID costs $13 if your license isn't due for renewal. If you wait until it's due, it won't cost any more than the standard renewal. An estimated 1.1 million people in North Carolina have a REAL ID nearly two years since the state started issuing them.

Make appointment, gather documents to get REAL ID

To obtain a REAL ID, people must bring the following to their DMV:

One (1) proof of identity/date of birth: Certified birth certificate or unexpired U.S. passport
One (1) proof of full Social Security Number: Social Security card, W-2 or 1099
Two (2) proofs of current physical address: Driver license, vehicle registration card, voter registration card, utility bill, cable bill, bank statement
Proof of name change (if applicable)

More information about REAL IDs can be found online.

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