Q: Hi Honk, I have a weird question to ask. Some years ago I got the California Real ID. And when my license came it had the California bear with a star in it in the upper-right corner of the license. I just noticed that my new license, which I got two years ago, has the words “Federal Limits Apply” with no bear or star. Is it considered a Real ID, or do I have to go through the whole process again?
– Jim Stedt, San Clemente
A: No, Jim, you no longer have a Real ID.
But, thanks to Geovana Herrera, a spokeswoman for the Department of Motor Vehicles, and a co-worker or two, you won’t have to provide your documents again to get that Real ID.
When people renew their licenses, they are asked if they want the Real ID.
“In California, customers have the option to add or remove the Real ID selection at the time of application or renewal,” Herrera told Honk in an email. “Customers going through renewal/application process must ensure they choose the Real ID option, if they want to use their driver’s license or ID card to enter secure federal facilities or board domestic flights.”
Jim told Honk: “Since I already had it, I didn’t check the box.”
So be careful, folks.
Those realizing they went down the same path as Jim can call the DMV at 800-777-0133.
“I got a call from your DMV contact today, and she said they will re-cut a new corrected license and send it to me so I won’t have to go in!” a happy Jim told Honk. “I was sweating it there for a while!”
Those with the Real ID on a license or a state-issued ID don’t ever have to re-submit paperwork for it; if one moves, though, proof of the new residence is required.
The Real ID — finally — kicks in on May 7. Some other IDs can be used as well, such as passports.
Q: Hey Honk: At the interchange of the 55 and 91 freeways there are three very tall light standards that have been dark for more than six months. At night, this is a dangerous area. What gives?
– Bob Wolkowicz, Anaheim Hills
A: Those three light clusters, Bob, are on poles that reach up 180 feet into the sky.
Workers can replace the lights by lowering them via a durable steel cable and then return them up top and lock them into place.
They have been victims — like so many other street and freeway lighting systems — of vandals. Many of the thieves will then hawk the wiring.
“Several months ago, our service cabinets and wiring were vandalized at this location,” Sheilah Fortenberry, a Caltrans spokesperson, told Honk via email. “All our wiring and mechanisms used to power up the lights were stolen. There is no estimated time for repairs yet, as we are waiting for the delivery of necessary supplies to complete the repairs.”
HONKIN’ FACT: One method used by California Highway Patrol officers to determine a driver’s speed is “bumper pace.” CHP officer and spokesman Duane Graham, who is out of the Westminster station, explained: “Bumper pace is simply where the officer matches the speed of the patrol vehicle to the speed of the violator. … This can be done from directly behind or … at various distances away.”
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk. To see his columns on X: @OCRegisterHonk