PennSilverTaco's "Perfect 5-Lug Regular Cab" Build, Aspergers, and General BS MegaThread!

@6 gearT444E
@98tacoma27
@BkerChuck
@ColoradoTJ
@Just_A_Guy
@RustyGreen
@shakerhood
@Squatting Pigeon
@Taco critter
@TnShooter
@wilcam47

Who here has gotten the RealID driver's license? I know it varies from state to state, but due to COVID and I'm guessing a few other factors, it will be possible to use a normal Pennsylvania driver's license to board a commercial flight and gain access to federal property until May 2025.

I first got my driver's license in May 2011, my current driver's license expired the day after my birthday in March 2023, and I didn't get a RealID when I last renewed in 2019 because it was literally right before they became available and they weren't required to board planes; I am also in a very unique situation as an autistic Navy brat because my dad's DoD-provided health insurance determined that I could stay on the policy after I turned 26 (they initially wanted to kick me off, but my parents fought it). I am technically on my dad's insurance until I turn 65, and my military privilege card (looks like my dad's military ID) expires the day after my birthday in 2054; I plan on having a fulltime job with health insurance about three decades before then. Either way, my military ID is 100% valid form of federal identification which technically negates the need to carry a RealID license...

However, as stated above, I do not plan on maintaining "dependent" status on my dad's health insurance until I'm 65 and I will likely end up having to turn in my military ID before the end of this decade.

That said, it is a royal pain in the ass to get a RealID. My dad tried to apply for one online over a year ago, but hasn't heard back. Even though I already showed my birth certificate and social security card to get my learner's permit back in 2009 and I am in the system, I have to bring my birth certificate, my social security card, and two forms of ID to the DMV to get a RealID. Thankfully, my current valid license and insurance card for the truck will suffice for the latter two. There are reasons, which I probably should not mention publicly on TW, that I think the whole "showing proof of citizenship to get an enhanced license" issue is a huge crock of shit.

It is $30.50 to renew a license; I am writing a check and sending it in tomorrow, and as in past years, I will probably get my camera card sometime in early January and renew my license within a day or two. In addition to the initial renewal fee, I have to pay an additional thirty bucks for the RealID (which is a one-time fee, and it will revert back to like thirty bucks per renewal as long as I live in Pennsylvania)! I don't know when I am going to have to relinquish my military ID, and I really don't feel going back to the DMV in 2025 when the RealID law takes affect for Pennsylvania residents (in PA, driver's licenses and ID cards are valid for 4 years, so my license will have another two years left when the law takes affect).

What does everbody else think?

 

I got mine last year. Not bad to get in NJ, took a few weeks to come in the mail.

 

I just got mine renewed last year so still the old style

 

It’s really not that bad getting a Real ID. Assuming you bring the correct documents.

Take your passport plus two other forms of ID. Make sure your IDs comply to the standard. Typically will need something with full SSN, I got turned away once for not meeting that.

If you bring what they request, it’s a breeze.

 

My passport expired in 2021; I've got my birth certificate, social security card, and the aforementioned military ID...

 

Never understood how an ID that requires such effort to receive, can be stuck in the mail. Ironic.

But this is not a hill to die on. Get the ID. It’s easy.

 

That should work just the same. I would renew that passport though.

 

I was surprised they didn't print it right there at the DMV. They take my picture and I sign all these documents and then they tell me, "oh yeah it'll be here in 3-4 weeks" LOL

 

When you renew either type of NJ license, do actually have to get it in the mail? In Pennsylvania, when you are a newly licensed driver or a new resident transferring an out-of-state license, you get a temporary license that's valid for like two weeks or a month. It is blue and gray and says "TEMPORARY" in big red letters; I got one of these when I first got my license. Exisiting PA residents renewing a license get their new license printed right there on the spot, and they will even take a new picture if you don't the first one!

 

You only had to take a written test when first moved to OH from PA, right? Now you just pay a fee and get a new license?

 

A regular license (non realID) renewal is also through the mail. For the last 10 years up until I got this realID I did not have to go to the DMV to get a new license. It came via USPS.

 

Years ago NJ used to print (pre RealID) licenses on the spot. Never got an NJ real ID.

The other states I’ve gotten real ID in print a temp paper for you to carry around, then mail you the real ID.

 

Yeah I’m with you. Jump through all these “security” hoops, then ship via non secure method.

 

At least we don't live in Europe, where in most if not all countries you have to take the driver's test in a stick shift vehicle if you don't want to be restricted to automatic; I can drive a stick shift, but I didn't learn how to drive a stick shift until more than three years after getting my license. I do believe that over 50 years ago, PA put a restriction on your license if you took the road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission; I actually took my road test in my Tacoma, and I remember that the examiner was very happy because it was warm that day and a lot of prospective licenses showed up in shitboxes with A/C that didn't work. My truck was a year and half old with like 12K miles on it and had ice cold A/C!

 

12.5 here. She was 41 1/2 to my 29 when we started dating.

Mine was a pain because I have a unique situation, plus they were just starting so they were unsure how to handle some situations.

Here if you have a passport I believe that is all you need. Sounds like if you renew your passport it's just that, not a bad idea IMO.

 

I should probably get one.
Plus, I don’t look anything like the current picture on my license. I have actually been questioned if i was using my own ID.

 

Is your unique situation because of the DUI two decades ago?