Visits to DMV full of mixed emotions

QMy license expires on Jan 3. I am over 80 and my license is REAL ID compliant. But I found the DMV website to be circuitous and inconsistent. After several attempts, I sent an email to the “Support” link asking for advice and received a message back that online appointments were not available and to check back 30 days before the expiration date.

I’m hoping that your readership doesn’t include so many others in a similar situation that you are being inundated with appeals for help.

— Gregory Bauer, Oakland

AInundated doesn’t begin to describe my email these days about the DMV.

Drivers 70 and older whose licenses are set to expire in 2021 will have to go to their nearest field office to renew. Alas, no appointments are currently available, and walk-ins are seen as time and space allow.

At least that is the current game plan, but the DMV has made numerous changes, so stay tuned to see if an extension is allowed.

Q

The DMV website does not specifically say the REAL ID feature is also extended for one year. I assume it does, but I have been unable to get a phone confirmation or appointment. We are planning a flight to Maui in the spring. It will be more than disheartening if we get

to the ticket counter and can’t get on the plane.

— Don Olson, Fremont

APut on a facemask, pack the sunscreen and fly off to Maui. The REAL ID deadline has been moved to Oct. 1, 2021.

QI am over 70 and needed to renew my license and apply for the REAL ID in person. I went online, completed my paperwork and uploaded my documents. I walked up to the DMV in Pleasanton, where they had a table for prescreening, stated my needs, was asked if I had my paperwork, which I did, and was checked in by the clerk. She immediately directed me to a window where they reviewed my documents and gave me a vision test. I had my picture taken and was out the door in about 20 minutes! Now that’s service,

A QAnd …

I’d like to give a shout- out to the Capitola DMV. On Oct. 7, I walked into the office at 10 a.m. to renew my REAL ID. I didn’t have an appointment. I filled out the application, took the eye exam, paid my $37 and was out of there by 10:30.

I got my license in eight days. I happily put it in my wallet. Everyone was polite and friendly.

AI’ve fielded many similar comments that walking into an office without an appointment can work. Keep the faith, folks.

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