Q: I want to give a huge shout-out to the much-hated DMV. I had an appointment on April 2 to renew my license that I had to do in person. I just assumed that I was going to use up a bit of the COVID-19 extension since my birthday was soon.

Much to my surprise, I received a call from the local branch last week with an offer of an appointment the next day. That is follow-through!

Chrissie Stevenson, San Jose

A: DMV services have been difficult during the pandemic, but it is getting better now that 25 offices have reopened, with more openings in June. Steve-the-DMV-boss says one big change is getting to upload many REAL ID and other documents ahead of time through its virtual office. Waits for those with appointments are down to 10 minutes.

Q: I had an appointment on April 9 at the Senter Road office to renew my license and get a REAL ID. Offices were closed and the appointment canceled. But the next day, I got an unsolicited human being telephone call from the DMV asking if I wanted to make a new appointment. Simply amazing.

Rich Seifert, Los Gatos

A: It’s happening more often. The DMV may contact you to finalize the process, saving time and a trip to an office. DMV visits are required for REAL ID, all driving tests, for those over 70 and a few other transactions.

Go to www.dmv.ca.gov for more details.

Q: Reporting a DMV success!

  • Created a DMV ID.me account; completed, scanned and downloaded all documents.
  • Arrived at Senter Road office in San Jose at 9:30 a.m.
  • Showed ID.me confirmation number at the door — zero wait time.
  • Confirmed documents by presenting originals at the window —  zero wait time.
  • Picture taken at next window — zero wait time.
  • Temporary license received at next window — zero wait time.
  • Left before 10 a.m. Total time, less than 30 minutes
  • DMV score — an A.

Bill Densham, Los Gatos

A: Sounds like they deserve an A-plus.

Q: You advised a reader who had her DMV REAL ID appointment on March 5 and still hadn’t received it, that this is the new normal wait time. In fact, the problem might lie with the USPS.

I had my REAL ID and renewal appointment on March 26, the day before offices shut down. My REAL ID  was mailed from the DMV on April 9, but I never received it.

I called the DMV in mid-May and was informed that the USPS had returned my REAL ID to DMV with no explanation. Because of REAL ID security restrictions, they won’t just send it back again.

Eric McDaniel, Santa Clara

A: I advised you to give it a few more days and, bingo, the REAL ID arrived in the mail.

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