I could have renewed online, but only for the current version of a CA DL, which isn't compliant with Real ID. I wanted to get that, so I had to go in person and present ID credentials - including 'original' birth certificate, and Social Security Card. (BTW, my car registration was due last month and that I was able to easily do online.)
Also, a heads up for anyone planning to apply for a CA Real ID before the 2020 deadline... In 1999, I applied for a Passport and couldn't find the ancient 'original' of my birth certificate, so I applied for and received a "Certification of Vital Record" and was able to get a Passport. Later, I did find it and fortunately decided to toss it all into the same folder, which I had with me at the DMV. Turns out they wouldn't accept the Certification of Vital Record issued by the county where I was born! |
