Wait times for Real IDs stretching NC residents’ patience

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — In a couple of weeks, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license will be required for boarding flights and entering certain federal facilities.

A Real ID is optional and isn’t needed if you are driving, voting, or getting medical care at a hospital.

However, it is needed for federal purposes, such as flying domestically, visiting military bases, or visiting any federal buildings, including courthouses and prisons.

You can get a Real ID by going to any NC Department of Motor Vehicles office via either an online appointment or walk-in.

According to Russell Dougherty, the wait for walk-ins is too long.

“You can quite see that the line’s substantially long and they’re not taking people in.,” Dougherty said. “If you get here on time, you’re gonna wait 4 hours before they let you go in the door so I’m kind of upset with that. They should handle things better.”

Several people waiting in line said the earliest date available to book an appointment was later this summer, which is why they decided to wait in line.

A Real ID can be identified by the gold or black star in the upper right corner of your license.

The Real ID Act will start being enforced on May 7th.

The good news is that your US passport also counts as a Real ID.