Hi Joan! Hope you're doing well!
I believe there are a variety of variables, such as driving record, whether or not you need to take a vision test, possibly how long it's been since the last photo, and whether or not they want you to retake the written or driving test. I don't know the when or why, but I vaguely recall that the renewal notice will say. [Age may have something to do with it. ]
I had to go in for my last renewal (the year before Covid, fortunately), even though my driving record was clean, I think for an eye test. I did end up getting a new photo, too. I've had good luck walking in without an appointment mid-afternoon two different times. Once on a rainy day and another time on the Friday before a 3-day weekend. (I guess the DMV isn't where people want to be on those occasions... ) Both times I was in and out in about an hour - including the sign-up on their computers, the eye-test & new photo. (I didn't have to do any other testing.)
The last time I had to renew, I tried to get an appointment the day after I got my renewal notice, but one of the offices within somewhat reasonable driving distance was closed, so the first appointment I could get anywhere in my county was a month after the expiration date! So I just tried popping in.
|