Expect to see long lines at North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations this week as the REAL ID deadline quickly approaches.

Starting Wednesday, May 7, a REAL ID will be required to fly domestically in the United States. 

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The DMV has tried to cut down wait times in recent weeks, but long lines and waits have persisted, and those could only get worse with just two days left until the deadline.

WRAL 5 On Your Side has tracked complaints against the DMV for years, but viewer complaints about DMV delays are at an all-time high. Right now, there are three factors contributing to backlogs -- in-person license renewals, staffing shortages and the deadline to get a REAL ID.

Last month, the DMV expanded hours at 42 locations to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The change means 80% of the state's 115 DMV driver license offices are now open 10 hours per day. The agency is looking into new technology and also named a new DMV commissioner, who has said he will work to address wait times, staffing challenges and customer satisfaction.

Only about 52% of North Carolinians have their REAL ID.

What if I don't have my REAL ID yet?

The DMV says there is no rush to get a REAL ID unless you have upcoming air travel. The DMV will continue to issue REAL IDs after May 7.

The REAL ID is not a passport replacement, but a passport can be used for air travel in place of a REAL ID. Veterans also have another option -- they can use their Veteran Health Identification Card, according the TSA. Children under 18 don’t need an ID for domestic travel.

Everything to know about getting a REAL ID.

What to know about a REAL ID

The REAL ID looks similar to a traditional drivers license but has a star in the top right corner, and the process to get one is similar to obtaining a regular drivers license. People must bring: 

  • One document with the person's full name that proves their identity and date of birth
    • One document confirming their social security number
      • Two documents proving they are a North Carolina resident, with their current physical address
        • One document proving liability insurance coverage from a provider licensed to do business in N.C.

          If a person has had their name legally changed -- such as taking a married name -- additional documents may be needed to verify that name change. Additional documents may also be needed for people who are not U.S. citizens.

          The state Department of Transportation (DOT) does note that the REAL ID is optional. It is not a requirement for: 

          • Driving
            • Voting
              • Apply for or receiving federal benefits
                • Entering federal facilities not requiring federal identification, like the post office
                  • Access to hospitals or receiving life-aving care
                    • Participating in law enforcement proceedings or investigations such as serving on a jury or testifying in court

                      Anyone under 18 is also not required to have a REAL ID to travel on airplanes. A full list of documents required to obtain a REAL ID is available on the DMV website.

                      5 On Your Side: REAL ID scam to avoid

                      Scammers know the REAL ID deadline is here and are looking to take advantage of people who still need to get one by promising to expedite the process.

                      Experts warn is no third-party organization or fast track that can accelerate the process to get your REAL ID.

                      "If you start Googling, 'How do I get my REAL ID sooner?,' then there will be websites that will promise for a fee that they can get you your real ID faster," explained Ian Bednowitz, general manager of LifeLock. "Not only do you lose the fee, but then you give them your personal information."