Renewing CA Driver's License / Real ID (Poway: credit card, home, closing)

[moved]

Normally, you have to wait until DMV sends you a notice of renewal, but you can still make an appointment before you get it. You don't need an eye exam unless it's stated on the renewal form, you don't have to take the written test again, and with an appointment, it doesn't take very long.

[jnojr]

Originally Posted by moved

Normally, you have to wait until DMV sends you a notice of renewal, but you can still make an appointment before you get it. You don't need an eye exam unless it's stated on the renewal form, you don't have to take the written test again, and with an appointment, it doesn't take very long.

It didn't used to. There were about three times I made an appointment, walked in, took care of business, and was out within 15 minutes. The last couple of times, all it got was to skip the ridiculous line... it still took F-O-R-E-V-E-R to get anything done. Glad I never have to deal with them again.

[TimTheEnchanter]

Originally Posted by CNYC

I was curious to know how soon in advance can I renew my CA license ? It expires in October on my 50th B'day so I want to get that out of the way. Spending my 50th B'Day at the DMV would be awful. I guess I need to get this RealID thing to board planes so I cannot do this online correct ? Maybe my Global Entry Card is considered a REAL ID ? I would appreciate any information.

If you have a passport, passport card, SENTRI or any Trusted Traveler card you don't need a Real ID. You can get a standard CA drivers license.

[Axxlrod]

You can renew your DL anytime you want. Just tell them you lost it, and go to the DMV to get a replacement, and bring the dos with you to get a REAL ID.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Normally I'd find it easy to bag on the dmv but I was in and out in 15 min tops for real ID.

[Mahme22]

Originally Posted by CNYC

I wonder if getting the eye exam at a local optometrist before the appt date would save me time ?

So I walk into any optometrist. They are all legit as far as the DMV is concerned ?

Back in NYC when I renewed is was a simple process but in CA there is even talk of another written test ??? I guess I should re read the dmv pamphlet before I visit once more.

When I got my real ID last month, I had to read one line from the eye chart above the DMV clerk ( I wear glasses and it was easy and fast, so I wouldn't bother with an appt with your optometrist.

I also had to take a written test ( if I had renewed online I wouldn't have had to ) There are online DMV tests you can take beforehand, which I did, several, just in case. I only missed 1 question.

Btw, I also provided 2 proofs of residence. Apparently the DMV is going to be asking people who recently got their real ID's to come back and provide a second proof of residence, as they are now requiring them this year. My DMV clerk was really on top of things, and although not required last month, asked if I had a second proof of residence to avoid any hassles in the future.

[jnojr]

Originally Posted by Mahme22

I also had to take a written test ( if I had renewed online I wouldn't have had to ) There are online DMV tests you can take beforehand, which I did, several, just in case. I only missed 1 question.

When I moved back to CA from Virginia, I went to get my CA drivers license back, and they surprised me with the written test. I hadn't read anything, zero preparation. I went ahead and took it, figuring the worst case, that I failed, would be the same result as not taking it at all. For every question, I chose the answer that was the most simpering, the most pandering to whiny special-interests, or that reflected the greatest possible amount of government intrusion in our lives. I scored 100%. So there's that...

[kettlepot]

I received my notice 90 days in advance of my birthday. I almost immediately made my appointment, with the earliest possible date at 30 days in advance of my birthday. The first 60 of the 90 days were already booked. However, my response answers a different question than your query about how far in advance of your actual birthday can you go in.

You can anticipate your October due date by assuming you will get your notice in July. Around April/May, you can call into the system and make an appointment for July. Make the appointment for late July to ensure you have your renewal notice in hand.

[moved]

It's easier to make an appointment online, that way you can check all the different offices to see who has the earliest appointment. But you can always show up at any office before they open and wait in line without an appointment, and sometimes they're pretty fast.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by moved

It's easier to make an appointment online, that way you can check all the different offices to see who has the earliest appointment. But you can always show up at any office before they open and wait in line without an appointment, and sometimes they're pretty fast.

Days with nasty weather keeps people away