topic Re: Went to DMV in Community Chat

Went to DMV

Runner26 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 14:54:49 GMT

I went to DMV on Wednesday to apply for a California Real ID driver's license. (My Illinois driver's license expires next month.)

I first went on the website and looked at the checklist for obtaining a California Real ID and started the application. (You do not have to start the application online.)

I must've picked the perfect day/time (Wednesday 11:30 am) because there was only one person ahead of me.

Once I was called to a window, I handed my passport and Illinois driver's license, mortgage statement and insurance statement for proof of residency. (I did not need my social security card.) They asked me if I ever had a California driver's license; I told them in the '90's which they located in their system. They took my thumb print electronically. Paid 39.00, took an eye exam. Sent me to another window for my photo, took photo. Told me to go to any computer to take my written test.

Well, I haven't taken a written test since my first driver's and I didn't realize I had to take one. I asked how many times I can take the written test; they said 3 times and then you have to pay again. I decided to take the test. I had to submit a thumb print and took the test. I passed! Got 2 wrong. You're able to skip 3 questions. Gave me a temporary license and my Real ID will be in mail 1-3 weeks!

Of course, because I'm such a child I treated myself to a new Skechers shoes and a cheeseburger at In-and-Out!

Yay for me!

Re: Went to DMV

BlueFinch — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:06:16 GMT

@Runner26 Always feels great to get these unpleasant tasks completed. Love your style in rewarding yourself with a burger and sneaks. You deserved it.

Re: Went to DMV

AnnieBelle — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:08:09 GMT

Congratulations on passing that test! I doubt I'd be able to do that after nearly 50 years of driving. You deserved that special treat! Drive safely.

Re: Went to DMV

drizzellla — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:32:00 GMT

I am impressed on SO MANY levels.

First, how in the world can there only be one person ahead of you when you entered. In the past 20 years there have been no less that 25 people ahead of me in line. And in the past few years the line is out the door and down the building. Sometimes I try 4-5 times to find the best time/day and just give up and stand in line for over an hour because I had to get the Real ID.

And congratulations on passing the written test. When I was getting my licence. I carried the book with me and studied and studied. Haven't touched it since. Good for you! I am impressed.

What better way to reward yourself. Making your tummy and feet happy. Good for you!

Re: WDHent to DMV

kaydee50 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:59:16 GMT

DH got his real ID drivers's license here in Chicago. There is a separate line for "seniors." He was in and out very quickly. The times we've gone to the DMV here we've been very impressed and happy with the service.

Re: Went to DMV

Desert Lily — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:17:39 GMT

I got my Pennsylvania Real ID driver's license last month and was impressed by PA's service.

Re: Went to DMV

Desertdi — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:20:02 GMT

I don't know....but it IS POSSIBLE. This past Wednesday, I walked straight up to the window at the Scottsdale, AZ MVD. Took about 10 minutes to renew my driver license.

In the past, the place was always packed and you could wait hours for your number to be called.

Re: Went to DMV

Susan345 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:25:44 GMT

Isn't is great when things work out better than expected. I got mine a few months ago and was amazed at how easy it was.

I've lived here for 32 years and still had to prove my residency. I didn't expect it to be so easy. Here we still have the option of getting a "regular" licence. Which does not make sense but sensible people don't make the laws.

I brought all the stuff that they required but did not expect it was enough but would have been happy to get the regular one. To my surprise I was in and out in 20 minutes with a "real ID".

Actually my biggest fear was not being able to pass the eye test. But I passed with flying colors.

Re: Went to DMV

mspemberley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 16:32:02 GMT

@Runner26

I'm glad you posted this, I have to do this soon. You've put me at ease. I'm not looking forward to the written test. Did you have to get a new picture? Not looking forward to that either.

Re: Went to DMV

millieshops — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 17:29:16 GMT

I renewed my license in a kiosk in my nearest Publix. I had done the Real ID years ago. Walked away with what is perhaps my last-ever license. Unless I cause an accident, I am good for another 7 years. So glad I could renew last year because this year I think my age would have made me ineligible to renew without testing.

Probably because my laptop is frequently unco-operative, I couldn't renew online from home, I was happy to pay a few extra dollars to avoid the lines. Even with an appointment, some neighbors encountered long waits.

Real ID years ago

Re: Went to DMV

meallen616 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 19:48:43 GMT

@Runner26,

Good for you!

Re: Went to DMV

Jk9 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 19:53:20 GMT

My experience getting a real id wasn't so smooth. I needed to renew my driver's license so I decided to get the real id designation at the same time. I did my on line research and I had all the stuff with me (I thought). I was married over 50 years ago and divorced about 40 years ago. We "ran away" and married in the adjacent state. I didn't have the original marriage certificate from my first marriage but I had my divorce decree that granted my divorce in that married name. I had social security cards for all name changes and my marriage certificate for my second marriage. I was told I have to have a certified marriage certificate for my first marriage since my divorce decree didn't order a name change (like back to my maiden name). Even though I had my original soc sec card with that married name (which I got based on that marriage certificate)! So I just got a regular driver's license since I didn't know how long it might take to get a certified marriage certificate from 50 years ago.

I had the date of my marriage in my divorce decree and I figured out the town/county of my first marriage. So I paid for and got a certified copy of the first marriage certificate and had to pay the additional fee for re-issuing the license as a real id.

Of course, the dmv was busy both times, too.

Re: Went to DMV

beckyb1012 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 19:59:27 GMT

My last trip to the DMV this past June was my easiest since I became a driver in the '70's. We are by appt. only and that was so quick and easy. They did however make one tiny mistake when they gave me my temporary new driver's license they had put some "old woman's face" on MY license.

Re: Went to DMV

781Florist — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 20:14:00 GMT

My Real ID license experience was incredibly easy! Did you know that if you are a AAA member that you can get your RealID at a local office? I needed to renew my license in May there is an online form at the MA DMV that you fill out. I made an appointment at my AAA office and when it was time I went in with my documents, they accessed my online info, gave me the eye test, took my picture, took my money...and that was it!

I did not take any test at all. I think that pehaps that is because Boston area drivers are so universally recognized as about the best there are on the planet.

Faint here > ___

Anyway...easy as pie! (Boston Creme)

P.S.-

They also give you the temporary license until your plastic one comes in the mail.

Mine came in 4 days. I am pretty sure that the Guiness Book of records is looking into that. A MA governmental record of some sort.....

Re: Went to DMV

Sage04 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 21:08:20 GMT

@mspemberley wrote:
@Runner26

I'm glad you posted this, I have to do this soon. You've put me at ease. I'm not looking forward to the written test. Did you have to get a new picture? Not looking forward to that either.

@mspemberley maybe @Runner26 had to do the written test because her license was from a different State. Talking about pictures, I'm still trying to figure out who is on mine. My goodness, I ask the lady "Who is this" she couldn't stop laughing. I was hoping that when I got the permanent one that it would look different. Guess what? It looks the same.

It seems as if in Georgia the pictures are now in black and white. Just got it earlier this year so next year I will get lost and I will get a new one. Hope I recognize the person on the license.

Re: Went to DMV

Sage04 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 21:13:20 GMT

@781Florist wrote:
My Real ID license experience was incredibly easy! Did you know that if you are a AAA member that you can get your RealID at a local office? I needed to renew my license in May there is an online form at the MA DMV that you fill out. I made an appointment at my AAA office and when it was time I went in with my documents, they accessed my online info, gave me the eye test, took my picture, took my money...and that was it!
I did not take any test at all. I think that pehaps that is because Boston area drivers are so universally recognized as about the best there are on the planet.

Faint here > ___

Anyway...easy as pie! (Boston Creme)

P.S.-
They also give you the temporary license until your plastic one comes in the mail.
Mine came in 4 days. I am pretty sure that the Guiness Book of records is looking into that. A MA governmental record of some sort.....

@781Florist ok you win. Got mine in 5 days.

Re: Went to DMV

vermint — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 21:32:04 GMT

I was able to make an appointment to renew mine last year, so it went very quickly. I'm in SC. Wasn't able to get the Real ID, because my birth certificate was "hospital issued" not "state issued"--even though it was the only one my mother ever had, and it got me into school and married! So I sent to my home state of California for an official one, and will go back at some point for the Real ID.

No written exam for me, and my eye doctor filled out a form that meant no eye test, either.

My DMV has always made our licenses on the spot...no waiting for the mail!

Re: Went to DMV

sunshine45 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 21:40:25 GMT

that is interesting......have never heard that you had to take the written (or now computerized) test over again if you are just renewing your license or changing it to another state?

Re: Went to DMV

Sage04 — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 21:46:49 GMT

@sunshine45 traffic rules are different in most States. Some you can make a left on red if no traffic is in sight and some you can't. There are a lot of different things. I don't know if it depends on the State or what.

@sunshine45 wrote:
that is interesting......have never heard that you had to take the written (or now computerized) test over again if you are just renewing your license or changing it to another state?

Re: Went to DMV

mspemberley — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 23:18:22 GMT

@Sage04

🤣🤣🤣

Yes, that's what I'm afraid of....I won't recognize that lady!