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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMy plan to get a 'Real ID' driver's license has been temporarily (hopefully) delayed
I have to renew in June, and I was SURE this was a renewal that had to be done in person, which was fine since I want to convert to a Real ID. Then I noticed it said I can renew by mail, again. I went to make an appointment, anyway but now I've found out that they have temporarily "paused" that program. Weird, since they could require everyone to make an appointment to limit how many people are in the building, at one time. And, that six foot social distancing thing wouldn't be a problem since the further away I am from the camera, for my new photo, the better. Perhaps they might be persuaded to add some filters to that camera, too.
So I'll be sending in my renewal, by mail, and hope I can convert to the Real ID when things start to return to something nearing normal.
Wawannabe
(5,651 posts)(First ever) on Feb 27, 2020
They cashed my $140.00 ck March 2
Passport site says significant delays.
We were to plan a trip to Portugal.
Its off the table now but the feds still have my original birth cert. and my money.
Stuck waiting.
Siwsan
(26,260 posts)I didn't want my birth certificate lost in the chaos.
Once I get the Real ID situation sorted, I'll probably apply for a passport. I had one, for years, but life got out of hand, and I didn't renew it within the time allowed. So, I'm starting from scratch. Again.
yonder
(9,663 posts)I figured it'd take longer.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,848 posts)for this kind of delay.
Every time I've gotten a passport it has taken almost no time at all, for which I was always grateful.
The last time I renewed I also got the Passport Card, which is always in my wallet these days.
wryter2000
(46,037 posts)We'll see.
Siwsan
(26,260 posts)I contacted them, via email, to make sure of my options, down the road. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get a response. I'm sure they have people working - just not with the public.
wryter2000
(46,037 posts)You have to wait a long time for an appointment,
I'm not too concerned. My regular license doesn't expire for a long time, and I have my passport. As if I wanted to get on an airplane...
Siwsan
(26,260 posts)My time is my own and I can be to the 'super center' in about 10 minutes. I have until October to get one for any flights - yes, as if I want to get on a plane. The main reason I want one is to travel to Canada, when the border reopens.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)This was on the website for my state, but I assume the extension is universal.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline an additional year to Oct. 1, 2021. Current Illinois driver's licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until Oct. 1, 2021.
https://realid.ilsos.gov/
Siwsan
(26,260 posts)It seems if it is federally mandated, all states should be covered under the same time line. And, regardless, I'd need it to travel to Canada.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)We have passports, so Im waiting till things die down later in the year. Not going anywhere now anyway!
Siwsan
(26,260 posts)I have been thinking about taking a trans-Canada train trip but will be putting that off, for another year.