Real ID in NC
DHS has extended the deadline for implementing the Federal Real ID requirement for flying until May 7, 2025.
I hadn't planned to get a Real ID because I always keep a current passport. BUT, after the fiasco this year with how long it was taking to get passports renewed, I figured I'd apply for the Real ID when I had to renew my driver's license before my birthday next March. That way, if it takes 3 months in 2026 when my passport expires, I'd at least be able to fly if needed since I would have a Real ID.
The NCDMV sent me a postcard 6 months before my license was to expire and I booked an appointment at my closest DMV for today. It was a breeze. I arrived 10 minutes early and was called right away. Turned out that the agent who processed my application only wanted my passport for identification and I didn't need any of the other documents I'd brought --that took me half an hour to pull out of files yesterday --to meet the requirements for identification that it says online are required to prove nationality and residency.
I was very pleasantly surprised at how easy it was and I fortunately had an agreeable agent with whom I shared more than a few laughs as we went through the process. In and out in less than 30 minutes. She did tell me, though, that they are booking appointments for JUNE! So, if you have to renew your license next year, get online soon to find an appointment.
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Sometimes the government really can do things well. We just never know when.
I literally went through multiple files yesterday looking for documents that would satisfy the requirements. Nobody prints your full Social Security number out on 1099's anymore; it's all xxx-xx-last 4 digits. I found ONE 1099 for my CSA pension with the full printed out SS # , but it had my middle initial for my name, instead of the middle name printed out. My SS card has all three names printed out-- no middle initial, yet the 1099 from SS comes printed with a middle initial only!
I am 72, been married twice, changed my name twice, but I did have my original birth certificate and the marriage certificate for my last marriage. Fortunately, when I divorced my first husband, I changed my name back to my maiden name, so the name on my second marriage certificate then matched my birth certificate! Who knew??
We did have our house burn down in 2007 and all my legal documents were destroyed. So, I had to order new copies of my birth certificate and marriage certificate in order to get a new passport after that.
The first thing the agent asked me was if I was married and I told her I was a widow. Maybe she decided not to hassle me at that point, because that's when she said she'd only need my passport, which name does match the name on my current DL. But she never asked me for any additional docs with an address to match my DL address. Maybe I got lucky? 
