A Delightful VDMV Experience

When we moved to Northern Virginia from Capitol Hill one of the first stops was to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a Virginia Drivers License. We had to bring a lot of documentation to get the RealID license. It was also very crowded and took a long time. What a difference five years makes! My husband needed to renew his license before March. We filled in the paperwork at home and also got his vision documentation from the eye doctor since he had an appointment within three months. Then we were able to make an appointment on line - and they sent reminders. When we got to our destination this morning I tried to “skip the line” by logging on to his appointment via text, but it didn’t work or I didn’t know what I was doing. Once we had gotten past the information desk we were already being called to a window. We handed over the paperwork and license. My husband had his photo taken, we paid twenty dollars, and got back the license and a temporary paper. The new license should be mailed within two weeks, and you can track the progress. The whole process took less than fifteen minutes. We were both surprised about how organized and courteous the staff were. It was actually a very pleasant experience. 

Real ID and Driver License Renewal at the DMV

When we lived in the Midwest it was easy to get to the DMV station to renew your driver’s license. There was always ample parking and a short drive. I don’t remember having to provide so much documentation! My license was up for renewal and I couldn’t update it on line as I did the last time because I had to get a REAL ID. That would require physically going to the DMV station and providing all the required documentation - a passport, social security card, and two items that showed place of residence like a property tax receipt and bank statement. So we decided to kill two birds with one stone by getting our morning walk in and getting the driver’s license renewed in SW - a fifteen minute walk from our house. Of course when we arrived the long line was wrapping around three times over, but for whatever reason it seemed to move. I noticed the cars constantly driving around the tiny parking lot trying to find a space to park. Once we got to the first desk, we needed to state the reason for the visit, show our documents, get a form to fill in, and get a number. The large sitting area was not quite full, and the numbers were consistently being called. Everything kept moving and it was actually quite efficient! When my number was called, I went to the assigned desk (there were at least 20) and everything was completed in one place - documents scanned, eye test, photo, temporary license. I got my old license back after it was punched as invalid. The new license is supposed to arrive in the mail within 15 days. All in all it wasn’t very painful. We get to do it all over again in a month or two because my husband’s license expires. His will require medical authorization because of his age. But we still have to make a visit to the DMV for his REAL ID. It’s going to be a lot colder outside! 

Driver License Renewal Notice - Real ID Credential

Last week I received a notice that my drivers license will expire soon. When we first moved here from the Midwest twelve years ago I remember it was a royal pain to get a DC license. But everything here is a royal pain. We had to go to Georgetown, find parking, and sit there for quite some time. I do vaguely remember getting to renew it on line the last time. My husband, on the other hand, needs to get medical authorization for vision and health before he can renew his. But he’s been able to do it all by mail. So I tried to renew this time on line. That requires taking a five question motor safety quiz. I got that far when it said I couldn’t renew on line because I don’t have a “real ID” and I already used up my one opportunity. So we will need to make a trip to a motor vehicle service station. The closest one is in southwest. But you also need to bring something with your birthdate on it - like an unexpired passport - a social security card, and two items that prove you live in DC. Since everything is digital these days, I had to make a copy of a bank statement and a property tax bill with my name on it. I understand the need for all the documentation but it’s really aggravating nonetheless. I wanted to go this week to get it over with but came down with this ugly sore throat and flu like condition that is lasting much too long. It’s taken all the life out of me and I don’t feel like doing a thing. Getting a drivers license just isn’t on the top of the list - even if I was feeling good.