Real ID stories

Regarding Christopher Reynolds’ “Californians, Learn From my DMV Fiasco in Pursuit of Your Real ID,” Feb. 5 online: I recently had to renew my license, and appointment times were three months out for offices near me in Valley Village.

I booked an appointment in Bakersfield that was one month out just to expedite the process, but that cost me a day’s work and the gas and mileage to get there.

Even with the appointment, walk-ins were being served first and my appointment was easily 30 minutes late.

I have a valid passport and purchased the passport card so I wouldn’t need a Real ID California drivers license. Even though you can renew your driver’s licenses on the DMV website, this option wasn’t available for Real ID, which forced me to go to the DMV office.

It felt as though I was being blackmailed by the government to show up and prove who I am. Allan Black Valley Village

My wife and I both recently renewed our licenses (Real ID). We both went to the office in Ventura several weeks apart.

We had made appointments and had all the required docs.

In both cases the experience was a breeze. The office was crowded but not packed. Each time we were in and out in just under an hour. All the clerks were courteous, patient and helpful. Phil Sorensen

Ventura

My California driver’s license was set to expire at the end of year. I had tried to schedule an appointment with my local DMV in Orange County, but no appointments were available that worked for me.

I have been teaching in Alhambra, and one student asked to be excused to get that coveted Real ID. The next week, he shared his story of how he was able to do business with the Pasadena DMV on Rosemead Boulevard. I followed his example.

I went into that branch in mid-November and got into the no-appointment line.

I was finished in 45 minutes.

As this student had advised, the key is to visit a more remote DMV branch that does not have heavy traffic. Go in mid- to late afternoon. Frances Gee

Anaheim