Can this be done online? I want to keep it a Real ID. Or does the renewal have to be in person?

Comments

caolle t1_jd8y3z4 wrote on March 22, 2023 at 6:03 PM

The documentation here seems very straight forward.

You cannot renew online if any of the following are true for you:

You didn’t get a new photo taken the last time you renewed your driver’s license.
You’re applying for a REAL ID license for the first time. To get a REAL ID, please make an in-person appointment.
You are active-duty U.S. military or were honorably discharged in the last 60 days and wish to do a no fee renewal. Learn more about how military personnel can renew their driver’s license.
You’re not a U.S. citizen. Please make an appointment to renew in person.
You have a commercial driver’s license. Learn how to renew a commercial driver’s license.
Your license is suspended. Learn more about how to resolve a suspension.
You have a drive-only license. Learn how to renew a drive-only license.
Your license is expired two or more years. Please follow the procedure for getting a new driver’s license.
You have an S, V, A, or F endorsement. Please make an appointment to renew in person.
You do not have a first name or need to update your name. Please make an appointment to renew in person.

If you're not needing a new picture and are just renewing a REAL ID license, you can renew online.

SekritSawce OP t1_jd917tu wrote on March 22, 2023 at 6:23 PM

It did SEEM straight forward when I read it before posting here. But nothing beats a person stating “Yes, I renewed my Real ID license online and got a Real ID one back in the mail.“

iCUman t1_jd9jutj wrote on March 22, 2023 at 8:20 PM

I renewed my Real ID license online in September 2021 and got a Real ID back in the mail. Took about a week. Make sure your address and all info on file is correct before you attempt to renew - I don't believe they allow you to make any changes with the online renewal.

SekritSawce OP t1_jd9k2g0 wrote on March 22, 2023 at 8:22 PM

Thank you for a definitive answer. And fortunately the one I was hoping for!

caolle t1_jd96daw wrote on March 22, 2023 at 6:55 PM

If you meet all the qualifications to renew online, there should be nothing preventing you from trying.

I plan to do the same online renewal process with my REAL ID when it is up for renewal next year without needing any confirmation. Someone has to be first, right?

stopexploding t1_jd821cr wrote on March 22, 2023 at 2:41 PM

I would like to know the answer to this as well. The paperwork is really vague.