For some folks, getting a REAL ID been a breeze: Roadshow

Q: All the moaning and groaning about the long DMV waits had me worried about going in for a REAL ID and to renew my driver license. But I made an appointment a couple of months ago for 10:40 a.m. Thursday at Walnut Creek DMV, and that must be a good time, day and place. I was out of there at 11:17.

Only 37 minutes to give them the documents for the REAL ID, fill out a couple of forms, take the eye test, pay $36, take a written test on a computer and get my picture taken. All very efficient. So what’s the big fuss about DMV?

Ray Christie,Walnut Creek

A: Waits are coming down.

Q: I know. How can you combine great experience and DMV in one phrase?

Happened the other day. I needed to renew my license but still dreaded the thought of lines etc. I had an appointment scheduled but I would have to go to Capitola and I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains close to Los Gatos.

I have had many enduring visits to the Los Gatos DMV in the past, even with appointments, and did not relish returning. However, my wife kept insisting that I just drop in late in the day and that it would be fine.

I made a link to the office to monitor wait times. I get off work at 4 p.m and sure enough, on a Friday afternoon, ‘00’ minutes wait time.

Walked in and immediately got a window. Not only that, but my DMV agent was friendly, affable, and we had a great chat about living in Santa Cruz County. I was out in 20 minutes.

There it is!

Greg Richtarek

A: And from a guy who has clout over Mr. Roadshow.

Q: I need your advice. My wife and I just got our notices from DMV to renew our licenses. It says we can renew through the mail, but we won’t get a REAL ID that way, correct? We’d have to go in, right?

Based on all your knowledge and feedback, should we make an appointment or just show up on a day that we can make it in? I know you recently suggested making an appointment wouldn’t help.

Is that your advice?

Mike-a-Merc-Editor

A: Yes, exactly. You need to go in for a REAL ID. But an appointment can be several weeks out, so go down on a Saturday afternoon and walk in.

Q: I did and was out of the Redwood City DMV in around 23 minutes. It was a breeze. I told the DMV woman Mr. Roadshow was right.

Mike-the-Merc-Editor

A: Hey, Mikey, you doubted me?

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