MISSION, Kan. — The summer-time rush of people renewing and getting their driver's license for the first time created huge lines Tuesday at the Kansas Driver's License Office on Johnson Drive in Mission, Kansas leading to some frustrated customers being turned away.
"This is my fourth time coming and each time I've come I registered online before I came and I get here and they say they are at full capacity and it doesn't matter that you registered online, you are still not able to be seen," said Christina Twardowski, a Kansas resident.
Signs were posted on the door that the office was at capacity and unable to assist any more customers at this time. 41 Action News texted a picture of the sign to the public relations person at the Kansas Department of Revenue in Topeka. Five minutes after the text, the manager at the Mission office removed the capacity signs.
"I've been here three times and I've heard the same thing every time. Last time I was here there was a security guard, police officer, sitting outside as soon as you walked in the door and he said, 'No way, like, you just can't come in,'" said Scott Bluhm, a Kansas resident trying to get his driver's license.
Jenna Burzinski did receive her driver's license, but she had to wait four hours to get it.
"I thought it was ridiculous but I needed to get my driver's license so I just waited it out," said Burzinski.
The public relations executive said they are trying to reduce wait times and improve customer service. She said they are working to fix the online registration and check-in system, and they have hired more people at the Mission office, but those people are in training so the process takes longer.
The Olathe driver's office has experienced some of the same long-lines and delays. Late Tuesday, the Division of Vehicles announced it would expand the Olathe driver's license office hours. It will now be open on Mondays starting July 23 from 7 am to 4:45 pm. The additional Monday hours will end on August 20.
