What's causing long DMV lines? A number of things, including you

If you think we’re experiencing record long wait times at the DMV, think again.

According to data put out by the DMV, 17 percent of duplicate licenses are issued through in-person visits and 15 percent of licenses renewals are done in person. Both services can be done online instead.

New driver licenses and REAL IDs must be issued in person. To accommodate the lines that typically come during the busy spring and summer months DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin wants to start walk-in hours at 7:00 a.m. Offices normally open at 8:00 a.m.

“It is my goal to expand walk-in hours, so we have at least half of our offices statewide that open one hour early,” Goodwin said.

Walk-in hours were temporarily expanded last summer, but Goodwin tells WRAL 5 On Your Side that he would like it to become permanent. To do that, Goodwin needs more workers. The DMV currently has a 33 percent vacancy rate. To attract more workers, the DMV recently increased wages and implemented a hiring bonuses.

“If you want to work for a great agency that needs you, we’re hiring,” Goodwin said.

Rodney Baker has worked at the DMV for nearly a decade as an examiner.

“It’s really fun to see people from all different walks of life and to help them get the services they need,” he said.

He says he enjoys the work and is working at the same pace he always has, but would like to see more workers join him.