Upgraded my driver's license
By Lena Kovadlo
@lovebuglena (52144)
Staten Island, New York
November 10, 2021 2:24pm CST
Went to the DMV today to get my license renewed. While there I decided to uprade to the Real ID one so that if I travel domestically I won't need to carry my US passport.
I had to schedule an appointment to do that as you can't walk in without doing that first. My appointment was at 11. I came in a few minutes before then. I told them what I was there for and they gave me a number. I had to wait for that number to be called before I could do anything. The first time it was called I had to take a photo. The second time it was called my renewal/upgrade was processed.
I left the DMV about an hour later. Maybe slightly after that. The wait both times was much longer than my time at the clerk's window. What's the point in making an appointment if you still have to wait a long time to be taken?
I will get my new Real ID driver's license in two weeks. It cost me $80.50. Since I paid with my credit card I will get 1.5% cash back on this charge.
Had to wear a mask the entire time I was there. Interesting how masks are not required to shop in stores and yet I need it to go to the DMV.
5 people like this
4 responses
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
10 Nov 21
Oh the mask attack poor Lena.
Wow that is a big chunk of change but good youll get a bit of cash back.
Yeah whats the point of the appointment then.
I must remember go get the eye test..glad you got it done now.
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
10 Nov 21
Weird thing is the clerk never asked me to take it. Maybe she forgot. And I didn't realize it until I had already left.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
10 Nov 21
I was lucky that being in the mask didn't make me all hot and sweaty. I felt that way yesterday when I went to the library where I had to wear a mask as they are required there. Couldn't even browse for books. Even when I yanked it off briefly I still felt that way so left quickly.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
12 Nov 21
Here in Oregon, masks are still required in all public places. It's gotten to the point where they don't bother me at all.
Oh, why would you need your passport to travel domestically?
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
12 Nov 21
Sometime in 2023 Americans will need a Real ID driver's license or Real ID non-driver's ID to travel domestically. If you still have your standard license you won't be able to use that for domestic travel and will need a passport. I think it applies to the whole country and not to NY specifically. Unless I am wrong.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
12 Nov 21
@lovebuglena Oh, right, I recall that now. It will apply. We need to do that too.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
12 Nov 21
@JamesHxstatic It doesn't cost extra to upgrade to a real ID. When I was renewing my license I told them I want to upgrade to a Real ID. I just paid the fee to renew my license. No additional charge.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84703)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Nov 21
You should move to Daytona, while signs might say you need a mask, no one's going to say a thing to you. I can go into labs, doctors offices, and even the DMV to do whatever, and no mask. At least you were able to update your picture.
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
11 Nov 21
$80.50?!!! Wow. I wonder what ours cost? I will find out next year maybe.
@lovebuglena (52144)
• Staten Island, New York
11 Nov 21
Yep. And I think it's for 8 years.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
12 Nov 21
@lovebuglena That's a long time. I might not even live that long. lololol
1 person likes this
