If you’re headed to the DMV for a new driver’s license, WYDOT recommends allowing extra time for your visit.
The federal Real-ID Act now requires states to verify more personal documents and to scan them before issuing a license. The measure is meant to prevent fraud and identity theft.
Don Edington works for WYDOT’s Driver Services program. He says renewing a license takes about 20 minutes –twice as long as it took before, and a new license can take more than 40 minutes.
“Try to have your documents in order,” says Edington. “Come in early; don’t wait till the last minute. That just makes things harder on everyone. And be patient with us, we’ll get you there.”
Edington says the increased work load has meant longer lines for patrons.
WYDOT has requested that five new positions in DMV field offices be included in the state’s 2013-14 budget.
Gov. Matt Mead recommended two positions, and asked that a third be transferred from within the department to “minimize growth in government.”