With 2020 around the corner I'm pretty sure you must go in in person with your birth certificate,social security card and two proofs of residency. The Auburn DMV is pretty quick you should not have a problem
The level of difficulty is not the problem. I will be out of the state on work until after my license expires. I would hope to not have to fly in just to go to the DMV when Ill be back in Ca at a later time. So renewing online for now to keep it valid and then replacing it with Real ID later seems my only real option.
You have to go in person for a Real ID. You can do a lot of the prep work online. Very simple. Then go to the DMV with your Social Security card, proof of residential address and your passport. Be sure to check the checklist and carry all paperwork. You should be done within half an hour. Your Real ID will be mailed to your home address. Arrives within two working weeks.
The best time I find showing up at that DMV is around 3:30pm and 4pm. I think the max I waited around then was 20 minutes.
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