My plan to get a 'Real ID' driver's license has been temporarily (hopefully) delayed

[Siwsan]

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]

1. Applied for a passport

(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.
It’s off the table now but the feds still have my original birth cert. and my money.

Stuck waiting.

[Siwsan]

3. That's kind of why I'm going the Real ID route - besides having no overseas travel plans

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]

5. Thanks for the passport info. I've been waiting too with a Feb. 21 application.

I figured it'd take longer.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

8. I suspect they've laid off a lot of people who normally process passports

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]

2. I have an appointment in May

We'll see.

[Siwsan]

4. I didn't even bother setting up an appointment

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]

7. I made the appointment before the virus struck

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]

9. I wonder if they have a cancellation list.

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]

6. The deadline for Real ID has been extended by a full year

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]

10. Michigan is still under review - what ever that means

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]

11. Good luck

We have passports, so I’m waiting till things die down later in the year. Not going anywhere now anyway!

[Siwsan]

12. I saw something from our SOS, Jocelyn Benson. It sounds like an extension is in the works

I have been thinking about taking a trans-Canada train trip but will be putting that off, for another year.