Renewing CA Driver's License / Real ID (Temecula: DMV, military, office)

[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.

Thank You

[cruitr]

Here's the Real ID checklist:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid

[CNYC]

Originally Posted by cruitr

Here's the Real ID checklist:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid

Thank You Sir.

Would you by chance know how early I can renew the license ? I think I read that they send you a reminder two months out ? I'd like to do it much sooner than that.

[cruitr]

Originally Posted by CNYC

Thank You Sir.

Would you by chance know how early I can renew the license ? I think I read that they send you a reminder two months out ? I'd like to do it much sooner than that.

I'd call the DMV. Either their main number or your local field office. Be prepared for a long wait.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmvfooter2/contactus

[DanceswithBeagles]

I got a mail reminder about 2-1/2 months before my birthday and booked an appointment online the same day.

The earliest appointment I could get was for 1 month *after* my birthday, in the Temecula office.

I’d suggest trying up to 3 months or so ahead of your birthday, if not earlier.

On a positive note, with all my docs ready, I got in a bit early and was out in less than 20 minutes. My DL with RealID arrived a week later.

[hitman619]

Originally Posted by cruitr

I'd call the DMV. Either their main number or your local field office. Be prepared for a long wait.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmvfooter2/contactus

This
Call this number 1 (800) 777-0133

It will tell you how long a wait you have, Choose the option to have them call you back at a later time, its actually faster imo.

[CNYC]

OK.

Thanks for the information.

I am dreading the process but.....it has to get done.

[malcorub16]

I think id's such as passport book, passport card and SENTRI Card and GOES Global Entry would be sufficient so that you did not have to get this REAL ID, especially if you are simply traveling within the USA. I would ask about that.

[Jenkay]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

I think id's such as passport book, passport card and SENTRI Card and GOES Global Entry would be sufficient so that you did not have to get this REAL ID. I would ask about that.

You for sure don't need a real ID if you have a current passport or current military ID. The website says "or other federally approved document" but since I keep an active passport I haven't done the research to see which other forms of ID fall under that category.

EDIT: got curious, did a google. Looks like you can also use the other things you mentioned

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-...identification

[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.