REAL ID must reflect full name, says DMV

Q I am loving all the DMV information in your column these days, as I'm about to do the big 7-0 renewal. I am also going to get a REAL ID. I obtained a copy of my birth certificate for the REAL ID. I learned that, after a lifetime of being Gayle, my birth certificate says my name is Gail.

When I filled out the online form to start the process, I was asked if there's a name difference between the birth certificate and current name on the license. They also asked, “If so, how did it occur?” I checked the “Legal change” box, but really, it was just honest parental oversight.

Will this minor spelling discrepancy cause problems at renewal/REAL ID time? — Gayle Goldblatt

A The DMV responded and said that a REAL ID must reflect the customer's legal full name. If a customer has another acceptable identity document, such as a U.S. passport, with their first name spelled the preferred way, they can use that instead of a birth certificate when applying for a REAL ID. If a customer does not have another acceptable identity document or a name change document with their preferred name, they must use their legal/true full name as it appears on their birth certificate. Q When a person with a REAL ID driver's license stops driving due to disability, can the person get a “plain vanilla” REAL ID at the next license renewal date without visiting a field office or supplying new documentation? Everyone now needs an authentic photo ID for medical treatment, as well as for travel, as mentioned in one of your recent columns.

— Lynne Ellinwood,

Richmond A A customer may obtain a REAL ID identification card at their next renewal date, but would still need to visit a DMV field office to do so. The proof of identity and proof of residency documents would not be requested again for the renewal. Q In my perfect world, everyone would have to take their driving test in a manual transmission car in San Francisco. In fact, the city would exist for that purpose. Anyone who wants to drive in California would have to pass that test. — Deb Goldeen A Good one! That test would significantly reduce the number of licensed drivers in California. What would others include as part of your ideal driving test?

Q Kudos to the “phantom contractors” who fixed the big dips on both sides of Interstate 680, apparently without much of a road closure! How did they do that? — Dana Charles

A Not sure who the Caltrans contractor was on this project, but we're passing on your kudos here.