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Be warned. Yesterday, January 6th, I called DMV to make an appointment for DH and I to go get our Real ID's.
I said we would go to any office within roughly 25 miles of Brier Creek. The agent took a good bit of time searching, and offered appointments at several different offices, so clearly she actually DID look for alternatives (she also was VERY nice).
The soonest appointments were in early May. Some of the offices were booked until July. Morning appointments were the hardest to get.
Be warned. Yesterday, January 6th, I called DMV to make an appointment for DH and I to go get our Real ID's.
I said we would go to any office within roughly 25 miles of Brier Creek. The agent took a good bit of time searching, and offered appointments at several different offices, so clearly she actually DID look for alternatives (she also was VERY nice).
The soonest appointments were in early May. Some of the offices were booked until July. Morning appointments were the hardest to get.
Good to know. I had been wondering how the "rollout in the lead-up to the deadline" would be.
Ill probably just renew my passport instead (employer will pay for it) that I let expire when I married someone who wont fly over water.
From what I've heard, getting the new ID doesn't get you a new expiration date. In other words, it's like a replacement: your expiration date doesn't change. So if you only have a short time to your current license expiration, you might want to wait.
If this is not the case, please let me know. I just use my passport. I always carry it--even when I'm just traveling domestically.
It's been this way for over a year. I've spent more time at the DMV over the past two years than any person should have to - with three teen drivers.
Honestly if you have the time and you need it soon just go to the DMV early and get on line. That's what I did for my kids' licenses - brought a beach chair and a book and was 10th on line.
From what I've heard, getting the new ID doesn't get you a new expiration date. In other words, it's like a replacement: your expiration date doesn't change. So if you only have a short time to your current license expiration, you might want to wait.
If this is not the case, please let me know. I just use my passport. I always carry it--even when I'm just traveling domestically.
Sort of. If you go for your appointment within 6 months of the expiration date, you get a new one. And pay the regular fee.
Outside of that 6 month window - you're right, it's a replacement. The fee is like $18 I think.
The nice lady on the phone actually pointed out to me that if I delayed my appointment for just one week, I'd be within that 6 month window.
We considered just using our passports. But if they get lost, replacing them is a PITA and can take several weeks and/or a trip to the regional passport office (isn't that Charlotte?)
Certainly, those traveling on business wouldn't want to tell their employer, "Oops.
My passport got lost. Cancel all my business travel for the next 3 weeks." Alternatives and backup plans are a good thing. Just MHO.
BTW make a photo copy of your passport and stash it someplace. If you do lose it, it will make replacement a little easier,
We considered just using our passports. But if they get lost, replacing them is a PITA and can take several weeks and/or a trip to the regional passport office (isn't that Charlotte?)
Certainly, those traveling on business wouldn't want to tell their employer, "Oops.
My passport got lost. Cancel all my business travel for the next 3 weeks." Alternatives and backup plans are a good thing. Just MHO.
BTW make a photo copy of your passport and stash it someplace. If you do lose it, it will make replacement a little easier,
Valid points. A couple thoughts for my personal situation.
1. Yes they can get lost, but having grown up overseas, where US passports are worth a pretty penny and targeted for theft as a result, my late mother browbeat the hell out of me to keep em in a safe unless you need em.
2. My employer has a Security Ops team and support vendors that can get you a replacement passport in less than 24 hours (as long as you have a flight booked or if there is an "act of god" situation), so as long as I stay with them, I don't have to go through the "normal citizen channels" to procure a replacement. The famous story my employer tells at orientation is one of their employees was on the "Sully" flight that crashed in the Hudson River (their Security Ops Organization is tapped into all Federal travel Agencies; FAA, DHS etc). The Security Ops team in NYC had the employee a hotel room booked and replacement clothes, computer equipment, identification documents (passport) in a hotel room in NYC within an hour or two. Flew his family in three hours later.
From what I've heard, getting the new ID doesn't get you a new expiration date. In other words, it's like a replacement: your expiration date doesn't change. So if you only have a short time to your current license expiration, you might want to wait.
If this is not the case, please let me know. I just use my passport. I always carry it--even when I'm just traveling domestically.
In anticipation of the hassle, I renewed my DL last fall (it expires next month).
If you renew, it costs a (standard) renewal fee.
BUT if you renew earlier than 6 months prior to expiration date, there is a bigger renewal fee.
Regardless, if you upgrade to NewID, it doesn't cost anything extra,
Getting an appointment is a good idea, but they are so booked up, it's a good idea to ALSO try doing a walk-in at a less-busy office, during less-busy times.
I went in on a Tuesday, at 2 pm, at the office just off Glenwood at the east border of Durham:
101 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703
There were 2 people in line in front of me, and despite a bit of paperwork shuffling, I was still in and out in about an hour. (And a bit in shock as the folks there were friendly and helpful LOL).
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