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Renewing Your Driver's License and the REAL ID Program in California

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Real Estate Agent

I wouldn’t be surprised if there were many Californians who haven’t heard about an important development which will affect their lives when it comes to boarding flights domestically, or accessing any secure federal buildings beginning October 1, 2020. It is the REAL ID program which is being fascilitated via your DMV. Even those who have knowledge of the program, sometimes find confusion surrounding it. The REAL ID program will affect folks in all states.

A few days back, I received notice from the California DMV that my driver’s license will expire on my birthdate. I had heard rumblings about REAL ID, and had also heard it sometimes took a while to get an appointment with the DMV to facilitate a renewal or obtain a REAL ID. This morning I found the earliest appointment the DMV can accommodate me is March 12th. Yep, folks, that’s two months from now.

For those living here in California, needing to renew your driver’s license soon, I recommend you visit the DMV website and make your appointment early. There is quite a backlog. Also, information is available about what documentation will be required of you to acquire a federally mandated Real ID, which will be required to board planes domestically, or enter secure federal buildings October 1, 2020.

The California DMV has posted sample driver tests on their website. They can be accessed via: California DMV Sample Driver Tests

For more information about the Real ID Program, you can visit: REAL ID Act Information, Application and Check List

I hope this helps!

 

Posted by

Myrl Jeffcoat ActiveRain Signature
  

Comments(20)

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George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Myrl this just sounds like one more way to further squeeze more money out of people!!!

Jan 11, 2019 04:45 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat

It's difficult to say whether it is a national security or a fee generating thing.  One thing for certain, if we plan on boarding a plane, or enter a federal building or facility, we all need to gear up for it, no matter which state we are in.  California seems to be lagging behind in getting up to speed, but I understand other states are too.

Jan 11, 2019 05:46 PM
Francine Viola
Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA - Olympia, WA
REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

Washington State also will require “enhanced” driver licenses soon.  I needed to renew my passport so I also got a passport card (same size as a driver’s license) and that only has to be renewed every 10 years.  So at least I can keep and pay for the cheaper unenhanced driver’s license as long as I have my passport card in my wallet.  

Jan 11, 2019 08:03 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Doing mine this year although not due for 3 years or more

Jan 11, 2019 09:21 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Myrl, I knew about this and I find some irony that we are so focused on the DMV getting Real ID, but when you vote you do not need to show ANY ID's, hence there were around 1.5 million people who voted in the last two elections in CA that should not have... just sayin, Endre

Jan 11, 2019 11:21 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat

I agree with what you are saying, Endre!

Jan 12, 2019 04:02 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have been hearing about this for a couple of years now, but I have not had mine changed to it.  I think it incorpates our passport along with it too.

Jan 12, 2019 05:45 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Myrl. Wow....what a mess. In Massachusetts there is no paperwork sent for renewals and I was driving with an expired license for two months. Fortunately a provider saw and advised me. It was a long haul but I'm done.

Jan 12, 2019 06:04 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Myrl... I got my read id here in North Carolina about a year ago... and I believe all new licenses issued are automatically real id's now.

Jan 12, 2019 07:13 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Myrl,  I just renew mine last year in Colorado, so I wonder now if we need to renew in 2020?

Jan 12, 2019 08:26 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat

Will - I think there may be issues that vary from state to state.  You might want to check with your local DMV.

Jan 12, 2019 09:20 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

We've got the same thing happening here.  Expecting the same kind of issues in delays with folks that has expiring licenses.  For me, it will be an option if I wish to get an even newer license for the this purpose.  I haven't flown in decades.

Jan 12, 2019 08:52 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat

That's the way it is here as well, Chris Ann.  I fly about once every year, so I need to get with the program.

Jan 12, 2019 09:21 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Myrl,

Thank you for the heads up and we are not due to renew our licenses for a while yet, and we are known as frequent flyers and usually get TSA precheck.  A

Jan 12, 2019 11:09 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Myrl Jeffcoat - you just reminded me that I need to renew my passport. Ten years goes fast! Yikes!  - My (2 year old) license specifically states that it is not a Federal ID card.  So Zonies should check that. 

Jan 12, 2019 02:23 PM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I have read about this and to my knoweldge Oklahoma has not gotten onboard.

Jan 12, 2019 02:47 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat

It seems many states are lagging behind, which is leaving confusion for their citizens.  

Jan 12, 2019 08:28 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

We are scheduled in 2020 Myrl Jeffcoat 

 

 

 

I hope you are having a great weekend...

Jan 12, 2019 09:40 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, Mryl, for telling us about the long delays for appointments. This is great information to share.

Jan 13, 2019 11:58 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Thanks for posting this information, Myrl. 

Jan 14, 2019 07:03 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Myrl Jeffcoat - Thanks for the "heads-up!" I have not heard about it yet. I also have a birthday coming up and just checked, the license says I'm not due until 2020. However, it will make me pay attention in case the change needs to be made before next year. 

Yikes! Can you believe my license was issued in 2014 with an expiration in 2020. I don't look anything like that photo anymore!

Jan 15, 2019 07:42 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Myrl Jeffcoat - This is great information to know and I hope it gets featured. Not only for AR members sake but for ALL people to know.

I'm very glad you wrote about this new change which impacts everyone!

Jan 15, 2019 07:44 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

It shouldn't have to take so long to get a new drivers license!  Too much bureaucracy.

Jan 16, 2019 12:38 AM
Elizabeth Weintraub Sacramento Broker
Elizabeth Anne Weintraub, Broker - Sacramento, CA
Put 40 years of experience to work for you

Most people do not realize this, Myrl, but you absolutely do NOT have to renew your driver's license early to have RealID compliant documentation as long as you carry a valid passport.

You do NOT need a RealID driver's license to board a plane. You can use your passport.

Jan 16, 2019 10:15 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

I agree with Elizabeth and not going to do it till it is time to renew it in a few years. I have my passport for travels, it is enough. 

Jun 13, 2019 04:38 PM
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