Long lines are nothing new for people in North Carolina hoping to get a driver's license. But state officials hope staffing up will help ease the problems.

Gov. Josh Stein announced 80 new license examiners in hopes to speed up services at N.C. Division of M​otor Vehicles offices across the state.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Josh Stein announced 80 more workers to help speed things up at the DMV

  • Before statewide deployment, officials said employees will undergo nine weeks of training

  • The move comes as the federal government officially enforced Real ID across the country earlier this month

  • Residents can find what documents they need to bring with them to upgrade to a Real ID by heading to the DMVs website

The new examiners were welcomed by Gov. Josh Stein and secretary of the N.C. Department of Transportation Joey Hopkins on Friday. They made the announcement at a driver's license office in Raleigh.

Before statewide deployment, officials said employees will undergo nine weeks of training.

DMV chief Paul Tine said he wants to improve DMV services statewide.

(Spectrum News 1/Ashley Van Havere)

“At DMV, we are a customer-focused organization. Our mission is to mak​e every interaction with our customers as smooth, efficient, and as positive as possible,” Tine said. “The driver license examiner’s professionalism, patience, and expertise shapes the customer’s experience and their perception of who we are as an agency.”

The move comes as the federal government officially enforced Real ID across the country earlier this month.

North Carolina residents know whether they have a N.C. Real ID by the star in the top right corner of their license.

Non-Real ID licence holders can still fly, but Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem said last month, they’ll now take extra steps. Noem told a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the Real ID requirements.

Homeland Security says REAL ID, a state-issued ID card, is a more secure identification. It was a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission and signed into law in 2005.

Officials said there are many ways for North Carolina residents to make their DMV visits faster, even with employee additions.

  • Make an appointment – Customers with appointments are serviced daily from office when the office opens until noon. Appointments can be scheduled up to 90 days in advance
  • Walk-in availability – Each full-time driver license office accepts walk-in customers on weekdays from noon-5 p.m. Part-time and express offices service only walk-in customers
  • Be prepared – Check the DMV website to make sure you bring the required documentation for your desired service. One frequently forgotten item is a printed document proving liability insurance

Residents can find what documents they need to bring with them to upgrade to a Real ID by heading to the DMVs website.