Real ID appointments

[clifffaith]

I'd just planned on using our passports which don't expire until 2022, but Cliff wanted to go ahead and get Real IDs. Of course that chore is on my list, and the only way it's going to happen is if I handle it. So I filled out the online forms this afternoon, then went ahead and made appts figuring I'd take sometime late in the day in the next month. First appts were Sat March 4 10:20 for me, when I put Cliff's info in it came up 12:40 that day. I wasn't even aware DMV was open on Saturdays, but maybe they are for Real ID applications. There is NO parking, so Cliff will dump me off and then hover until he can find a spot to leave the car. I'll bring a book while I wait for him. I plan on bringing a full folder of utility bills, etc, in addition to the mortgage bill and property tax bill I told them I'd be presenting. I've heard folks say on Facebook that they'd been turned away with documents that seemingly would qualify.

 

[Cornell]

I don’t know where you live but it was a giant time suck and headache for my daughter to get a Real ID (Illinois). I decided no thanks and got a passport card through the mail.

 

[pedro47]

The big thing for me in Virginia was waiting in line to see the DMV information clerk. Who assigned you a number to see the DMV processing clerk, who process the paper work. Please bring all your documents, social security card, passport, photo ID (I used my DMV ID), and your proof of address. That whole process took less than 20 minutes; but standing in lines to see the DMV information clerk and the final processing DMV clerk took over 2 1/2 hours.. I received my Real ID (Virginia) back from Richmond in seven (7) working days.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

I'd just planned on using our passports which don't expire until 2022, but Cliff wanted to go ahead and get Real IDs. Of course that chore is on my list, and the only way it's going to happen is if I handle it. So I filled out the online forms this afternoon, then went ahead and made appts figuring I'd take sometime late in the day in the next month. First appts were Sat March 4 10:20 for me, when I put Cliff's info in it came up 12:40 that day. I wasn't even aware DMV was open on Saturdays, but maybe they are for Real ID applications. There is NO parking, so Cliff will dump me off and then hover until he can find a spot to leave the car. I'll bring a book while I wait for him. I plan on bringing a full folder of utility bills, etc, in addition to the mortgage bill and property tax bill I told them I'd be presenting. I've heard folks say on Facebook that they'd been turned away with documents that seemingly would qualify.

Some states allow the American Automobile Association (AAA) to process and handle Real ID Drivers License applications and luckily Massachusetts is one such state.

Average wait time for the Real ID at the Mass Registry of Motor Vehicles appeared to be many hours (actually initially started there) and ended up going to AAA and was in and out of there in less than 30 minutes.

We experienced all of this in 2018 when we did this process. Fast forward to today and I can see why the wait times and lines are now getting progressively worse the closer and closer we get to that 2020 deadline. And things will continue to get worse in all 50 States as the actual implementation date creeps up.

My guess is this will become such a large problem everywhere that the Government may have to step in and push the start date back to deal with the looming issues of processing in a shortening time frame. But in reality who knows what will actually happen.




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[Talent312]

March? Gosh, I thought waiting a week until 12/20 was a bit much.

I'm bringing my Passport, SS card, SSA 1099, W-2, Voter ID card & Vehicle Registration.
My primary concern: My DL photo is from 2009. The new one will age me 10 years.
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[mdurette]

Some states allow the American Automobile Association (AAA) to process and handle Real ID Drivers License applications and luckily Massachusetts is one such state.

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This is what I did...I was in and out in less than 20 minutes, no appointment needed. It is easy process, but only as long as you bring the exact ID information they want. Take the time to read the requirements and you will be fine.

 

[pedro47]

March? Gosh, I thought waiting a week until 12/20 was a bit much.

I'm bringing my Passport, SS card, SSA 1099, W-2, Voter ID card & Vehicle Registration.
My primary concern: My DL photo is from 2009. The new one will age me 10 years.
.

Talent312
Your suggestions of documents to bring are right on point.

 

[Brett]

The big thing for me in Virginia was waiting in line to see the DMV information clerk. Who assigned you a number to see the DMV processing clerk, who process the paper work. Please bring all your documents, social security card, passport, photo ID (I used my DMV ID), and your proof of address. That whole process took less than 20 minutes; but standing in lines to see the DMV information clerk and the final processing DMV clerk took over 2 1/2 hours.. I received my Real ID (Virginia) back from Richmond in seven (7) working days.

I also went through the dreaded Va. real ID process but the wait at the DMV office just across the Yorktown bridge was a lot shorter. (but had to pay the toll)

 

[bogey21]

I lost my Drivers License a while back; went on the DMV Website and paid the $13 or so to get a replacement. Guess what? The replacement came back with the Gold Star. Maybe worth a try...

George

 

[geist1223]

So much hassle. Glad we just got the PastPort ID Cards last time we renewed our Passports.

 

[pedro47]

bogey, you were lucky, in Virginia, DMV scanned all your documents for a Real ID into their DMV database.

 

[Luanne]

I've been told that in Santa Fe if you are over 65 you can go to the main office and have you DMV needs taken care of. Usually no wait.

 

[isisdave]

Faith, I did it by driving 90 minutes to Indio, because the line at the Temecula DMV was always longer than that. But others say that if you can get there when there is little line, you can be out in half an hour. Often you can walk in and get it done. The point is, you don't have to have an appointment, so ask friends when the not-so-busy time is. And there was no hassle; just bring what's on the list. Your passport, SS card, and two residence proofs should do it.