The one place that we all hate to go to is the DVM. I got the notice in the mail that it was time to renew my drivers license and it said I could renew mine on line. I immediately got excited that it could be that easy. Then as I read further, it said if you need a "Real ID" you'd have to go to a local office. I typically go to the one in Bethalto, IL, but heard the one in Jerseyville was less busy, so I thought I'd give them a try. It was an easy drive, about the same distance if I had gone to the one in Bethalto. There was ample parking and once inside, there was plenty of chairs to sit and wait for your number to be called. Unfortunately I arrived at 11:55 AM and there was only one associate working the counter for drivers license. My number was 45 and the next number called was 40. It was a relief to me, it then became obvious that many of the others waiting had friends with them and they all weren't waiting. As time passed, more workers came back from lunch and the numbers started to be called more quickly. When my number was called, I mentioned to the clerk what my letter said and I told be I needed the Real ID. She informed me that since I already had one, I could have done it on-line. I showed her the letter and she rolled her eyes. Typical government, did not make it clear that it was only for those needing/wanting a Real ID for the first time. Any how, I got my picture taken, took my eye test, paid my $5 fee and got a new drivers license. I was in and out within 45 minutes. I could have been out sooner, but my clerk had to help another associate with an issue and that had me waiting about 5 minutes. She should have finished my transaction, then assisted her. When it's time to re-new again in five years, I'll be back. When I got home, the notice for my plates to renewed was in the mail. That I know I can do on-line, so I am good to go. read more

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