NCDMV statewide license delay continues, relief is in the near future

CAPE FEAR REGION (WWAY) — In order to vote, you must have a valid ID. The North Carolina DMV, however, is still experiencing production delays.  

With one election on Tuesday and the general election in November, some people say they are worried about getting their ID in time. The fear is that voters awaiting their renewed license or ID will not have it in time to cast their vote.  

On Monday, WWAY spoke with a spokesperson for the NCDMV and there’s good news. 

“We hope to have this cleared up as soon as we can, even before then if possible. So, we’re looking into whatever we might be able to do,” Spokesperson with the Division of Motor Vehicles Marty Homan said. 

A printing problem with a private contractor is slowing down the process for people to receive their photo ID’s and drivers licenses in the mail.  

Marty Homan is a spokesman with the NCDMV. He said they are transitioning to a new vendor. 

“We expect this backlog to be cleared up in the next couple of months but definitely in plenty of time for the November election,” Homan said. 

Sara Long recently got married. She’s changed her last name on all required documents but is still awaiting her license she renewed about two months ago.  

“Definitely, I mean, I’m gonna vote. So, I’m gonna do whatever I have to do. I just really am praying I get my license in time. Because it’s my form of identification. It’s crazy, you feel like not a person without it,” Long said. 

There is a solution, North Carolina registered voters can get an acceptable photo ID from their county Board of Elections. While that’s good news for Long, her current concern is an upcoming trip and how’ll she’ll travel without her ID.  

“I reached out to Wilmington International, which is where I’m flying out of, and they said that’s ok because it’s a statewide, North Carolina, issue. But Connecticut, getting home, which is where I’m flying to, is going to be an issue getting home,” Long said. 

Homan offered advice for those traveling in the near future. 

“We encourage you to call TSA and to call your airline and let them know that ahead of time. That way, they know that and perhaps you can bring another piece of identification or something that they might require,” Homan said. 

If it’s been more than a month and you still haven’t received your license or ID, you should follow up with the DMV.