DMV delays for license, ID may impact voters

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles is dealing with delays issuing driver licenses and IDs, which could pose a problem for voters.

Posted 3:45 p.m. May 9 — Updated 6:05 p.m. May 10

Shaun Gallagher

, WRAL reporter

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles is dealing with delays issuing driver licenses and IDs, which could pose a problem for voters.

Blaming a third-party contractor for the lag, a spokesperson with the NCDMV said a typical 15-day turnaround to receive IDs in the mail has jumped to roughly six weeks. There are about 50,000 per week added to the backlog across the state, according to the NCDMV.

The NCDMV issues a temporary paper ID, which is only valid for 60 days. According to the State Board of Elections, the paper ID is not an acceptable photo ID to vote in the upcoming election.

In late March, NC State graduate Reed Ballus received a temporary ID. It expires in less than three weeks.

"I can't rent a car or I can't rent a hotel room or get on a plane or anything," Ballus said. "So, there's just a myriad of things that I'm really worried about not being able to do."

A woman told WRAL News her temporary ID expires in two weeks, and she hasn’t been told when her real ID will arrive.

North Carolina's second primary election is on Tuesday, May 14. For those who don't get their ID in time, the State Board of Elections website lists acceptable alternative IDs, like a passport.

Voters can also pick up a free photo ID from their local county board of elections office until Saturday.

As a last resort, voters can fill out a Photo ID exception form on Election Day to cast their vote.

On the form, check Box 3, which reads: "I applied for a photo ID but have not received it."

"I'm really interested in voting in this election, but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to," Ballus said. "Regardless of voting, it should not be taking this long to get an ID."

The state does have a website for people to check to see when they'll get their ID.

The site also provides help if someone is close to their temporary ID expiring. People can call 919-861-3555 for assistance.

The NCDMV couldn't provide a timeline for when things should get back to normal.

However, North Carolina Department of Transportation communications director Marty Homan said the state should start making progress this month when a new vendor starts and begins helping with the backlog.

Homan said he's confident the state will get back to normal by the November general election.