Getting the "Real ID" in CA

[quikah]

also, if you renewed your passport recently enough, meaning it has all of the current biometrics, then some states will just let you update your DL online and via mail....I was able to do that because I moved to MD at a ~convenient time, using my newly-renewed passport as sole ID for new in-state, pre-REAL ID DL. I checked a few months ago, and I since my state allows over-the-mail renewals and replacements, I already qualified for appoint-free renewal, because having gone through that with the passport.

...I'm guessing all states don't allow online/mail renewal, though.

You can renew an ID in CA using the online DMV portal, but to get a RealID you need to apply in person. Once you have a RealID you should be able to renew it online.

Muse, I don't know about East Bay, but everybody in South Bay recommends going to the San Jose DLPC on Senter Rd if you can't get an appointment since they only do driver's license there. Check the DMV website page for the offices, they have an estimated wait time there, though I have no idea how accurate it is.

 

[ElFenix]

also, if you renewed your passport recently enough, meaning it has all of the current biometrics, then some states will just let you update your DL online and via mail....I was able to do that because I moved to MD at a ~convenient time, using my newly-renewed passport as sole ID for new in-state, pre-REAL ID DL. I checked a few months ago, and I since my state allows over-the-mail renewals and replacements, I already qualified for appoint-free renewal, because having gone through that with the passport.

...I'm guessing all states don't allow online/mail renewal, though.

My DL is real ID, renewed 2 years ago online and didn't do anything special. Passport is from 2011 iirc. Maybe precheck was the enabling thing?

 

[zinfamous]

Everything I've heard says a current/valid passport will let you board domestic flights after Oct. 20, 2020. I got my passport something like 2 years ago. I needed my birth certificate to get that. I evidently need to go in person to a DMV office to apply for a Real-ID compliant driver's license, at least in CA.

Since I have my code, I may just pick a weekday morning, say Thursday, and get their 1/2 hour early with a good book, my kindle, smartphone and headphones and see how it goes (tough it out).

2 years ago for your passport, and you didn't have to do the biometric stuff? I find that...odd.

 

[zinfamous]

My DL is real ID, renewed 2 years ago online and didn't do anything special. Passport is from 2011 iirc. Maybe precheck was the enabling thing?

I haven't done precheck or global entry yet...reminds me that I need to do it, though. I don't recall when I renewed my passport...maybe around 2012? Not sure, but I seem to recall going through the business for that, when in CA.

Somehow, I didn't have to do anything here in MD, despite having a non-Real ID DL that was issued in 2015. I just requested a replacement DL, which they mailed to me as a REAL ID.

 

[Muse]

AAA, at least in California, does not handle driver licenses. The DMV services they do provide, though, are fast and efficient.

I've been deliberating joining. I used to. I have been driving so little these days, though, less than 1500miles/year. But my 1997 Mazda's long in the tooth, but young on the odo ~33,000. Really, it's the free towing I'm thinking about. Don't know why else I'd sign on.

 

[Muse]

2 years ago for your passport, and you didn't have to do the biometric stuff? I find that...odd.

AFAIK, there's nothing in my passport or passport card that's biometric. Could have been 3 years ago I got it, I don't have a firm date. It was right when their requirement kicked in that you couldn't take your passport photo with glasses on. I was really really ticked off because I applied a few weeks before that requirement became law. But they didn't care, they rejected my application anyway. I was really mad because, well, I always wear glasses, I get dozens of compliments on my glasses, and I really liked the photo I had with them on! The one on my passport (without spectacles) really really sucks. I guess my disappointment showed.

Edit: OK, I looked it up. The requirement to not wear glasses kicked in Nov. 1, 2016, so I've had my passport about 3 years. Still haven't used it.