DMV TRICKS: HOW TO GET A QUICK REAL ID, MAKING FAST APPOINTMENT & GETTING IN AND OUT IN UNDER AN HOUR

Ok, so this isn’t my typical type of blog post. I mean, is there anything more snooze worthy than the DMV? BUT, I pride myself on finding hacks, money saving tips & tricks for “working the system” completely legally. This blog is in no way sponsored (I mean really, would I actually post something sponsored about the DMV?). But, I want to share some super legit DMV hacks. More specifically: how to get a fast DMV appointment, everything you need to know about getting a quick REAL ID or driver’s license & how you can get in and out of the dreaded DMV in under an hour. These apply to the California DMV (where I live) and DMVs throughout the United States.

totally legit & legal DMV TRICKS

I’m prefacing this with the fact that everything I’m recommending is legit & legal. I spent hours googling and felt the need to share the knowledge.

Backstory: I lost my driver’s license about a month ago. More specifically, I lost my license in our house. Don’t ask, I just can’t find it. I assumed it would show up when we were cleaning or in the dryer. But weeks later, I realized I had to bite the bullet and go to the DMV.

When I tried to make an appointment, the DMV in San Diego didn’t have any appointments for 3 months! I kid you not. I considered dragging myself down there and waiting in line, but after a little research (and driving by the DMV at different times), realized the average wait time is over 2 hours. No one wants to do that. It’s miserable. Not to mention, because I’m self employed the thought of sitting for 2 hours without access to my computer gives me major anxiety.

I even looked into other nearby locations. Driving to Orange County or Los Angeles. Even scheduling an appointment around visiting my family in the Bay Area and Sonoma County. But it was the same throughout California. The average wait times were over 2 months.

Since I couldn’t wait for 2 months to get a driver’s license, I decided to start doing a little internet sleuthing. And, if I was going to make a trip to the DMV, I might as well get the new REAL ID that will be required on October 1, 2020 for US citizens to fly domestically.

How to Get a Fast DMV Appointment

If you’ve never been to the DMV, you’ve got two options: make an appointment or show up and wait in line.

Right now, because of the surge in DMV traffic with people needing REAL IDs, appointments are backed up and wait times are over a month. For some cities (like San Diego), wait times are up to 3 months.

So, how can you get a fast DMV appointment? Whether you need a REAL ID, driver’s license, registration renewal or driving test, you have to go through the same process. But I found a GAME CHANGING website. Shoutout to YoGov!

What is YoGov?

YoGov is a California based company that helps people with government services. They’re available in 40+ cities and 20+ states.

It was founded to solve the exact problem I was encountering: it takes months to deal with the DMV to solve a problem that should only take a few minutes. Not to mention all of the confusing forms and paperwork you need.

Now, they solve DMV problems and improve the process of passports, visas, traveler programs, parking tickets, business licenses and more. To put it simply, they make government services more accessible.

SIGN. ME. UP.

It’s not just for people like me who are busy (ok maybe a little lazy). If you’re pregnant and about to have a baby, you need a driver’s license before you gift birth to take care of your child. Family emergency in a different country? You’ll need a quick passport. Or maybe you can’t afford to take time off from work to wait at the DMV.

YoGov has personal concierges that book appointments. Their service is the equivalent to having a personal assistant check the DMB website for last minute openings or cancellations. No bots. No software. Real people.

Their goal is to find you an appointment nearby within a few weeks. In my case, it only took a couple hours for them to find me an appointment 2 days later! I asked for an appointment on a Wednesday and had a DMV appointment booked for Friday! They also send you an email reminder the day before your appointment so you don’t forget to go, which is super helpful.

What Services does YoGov Provide?

Express DMV Appointment – an appointment within 3 weeks or your money back.
DMV Line Concierge – need to go to the DMV asap? Pay YoGov to wait in line for you.
Express Passport Renewal – they’ll pickup your old passport, take your photos and get your new passport to you in a few days.
Car & Driver for Road Test – they provide you with a registered and insured car & licensed driver to pick you up and drop you off.
TSA Pre-Check Enrollment – set up a TSA Pre-Check appointment with under a 5 minute wait time.
REAL ID Appointment Packages – they’ll make your appointment and help with paperwork.
Registration Renewal Reminders – easy reminders to renew your car registration so you don’t pay late fees.

How much does YoGov Cost?

To get an express DMV appointment, it costs $24.99.

Once they find an appointment for you, they send you a confirmation. If the first option doesn’t work, you get one free reschedule.

I also want to point out that when you buy an express appointment, you help subsidize free expedited appointments for low income people, pregnant women & people with disabilities. I love that they’re helping improve DMV accessibility for those who need it most.

In all honesty, it was worth the $25 not to have to wait for 3 months or wait in line for 3 hours. I understand the price isn’t right for everyone, but if you’re in need of a quick appointment it’s the best option.

Everything You Need to know about getting a Quick Real ID

This applies for anyone getting a REAL ID. Whether you need one ASAP or are planning ahead.

Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

The REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane.

Even if you have TSA Pre✓, you’ll still need a REAL ID. Unless you want to carry your passport with you domestically, it’s a must.

So what exactly is goes into applying for a REAL ID?

How to get a QUICK REAL ID

States vary slightly on requirements, so you’ll want to check with your driver’s license agency. But you’ll have to go in person and present documentation to verify who you are and where you live.

First things first. Waiting at the DMV feels like torture. Since I’ve only ever lived in California, I can’t speak for other states. But generally, they’ve got an unpleasant reputation. The below information includes links for the California DMV. All of these details will help you prepare for your appointment and get a quick REAL ID.

Real ID Checklist

Check your state DMV for a checklist of what to bring with you to your appointment. For California, you need proof of identity, proof of social security number and two proofs of residency. Here’s a link to an interactive checklist. For other states, just google your state DMV and the site should have more details on how to obtain a REAL ID, acceptable forms of identification, REAL ID compliant licenses, enforcement deadlines, types of REAL ID licenses, etc.

For proof of identity, you’ll need one of the following:

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
Original or Certified copy of U.S birth certificate
U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
Unexpired foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document, Card I-766 or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action
Valid/expired Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action or Approval Notice
Unexpired foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility

If the name on your identity document is different than your current name, you need to bring:

Certified marriage certificate
Court filed adoption documents
Court certified name change document
Domestic partnership documents
Certified dissolution of marriage document with new name

For proof of your social security number, you’ll need one of the following:

Social security card
W-2 form
1099 form
Paystub

For your proof of Residency, you’ll need to different documents (copies are ok, but they have to be printed/not on your phone):

Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
Deed or title to a residential real property
Mortgage bill
Home utility bill (this can be your cell phone bill)
School documents that include your date of birth.
Medical documents
Employment documents
Insurance documents (this includes medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle insurance)
Tax return
Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
Property tax bill or statement
Faith-based document that includes the name and address of organization
Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard
Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California
An original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption
Court documents that list you as a resident of California
Letter attesting that the you reside in California from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer or government agency within the US
A document issued by a U.S. government agency
California Certificate of Vehicle or Vessel Titles or registration
A DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification form

How to Get Through Your DMV Appointment Quickly

So you have your appointment scheduled and have compiled all of your documents. How exactly do you get in and out of the DMV for that coveted easy and quick REAL ID?

This step is extremely important to getting in and out of the DMV quickly. I no joke, got in and out in 24 minutes. That’s right, I spent under 30 minutes at the DMV and walked out with an updated REAL ID / driver’s license.

Fill out the Drivers License / ID Application Online before your visit

By completing the electronic application, you’ll save yourself a ton of time. You won’t have to fill out any paperwork on your knee while waiting. You’ll actually get expedited to the front of the line.

You’ll need to create an account with ID.me, which is how the DMV safely checks your identity electronically.

Once you fill everything out, you’ll get a confirmation code. Screenshot the code! DO NOT LOSE IT. I screenshotted it and texted it to myself.

When you get to the DMV, go to the line for people with appointments. This will save you a ton of time. Ask around if you can’t find it before getting in the wrong line.

When you get to the check in area, they’ll ask you for your confirmation number. Then, they’ll confirm you brought all of your documents (proof of identity, social security number & residency). Don’t forget to bring them! When in doubt, bring a few extras. And triple check that the name and address all match.

After you’re checked in, they’ll give you a piece of paper with a queue number. After I sat down, I waited 4 minutes (I timed it). Then, went to the counter I was called to.

They asked me for my paperwork, processed my information, got my fingerprint, rang me up (it costs $35 to get the REAL ID) & took an updated picture.

24 minutes in and out! That’s it!

It cost me $65, but I was able to get a REAL ID / replacement drivers license in 2 days – and waited under a half an hour to process it!

I can’t 100% guarantee it will take you 24 minutes or you’ll get an appointment in 2 days, but I’m willing to bet you’ll get a quick appointment using YoGov & if you’re prepared and follow the above instructions, will have a quick and painless trip to the DMV!