https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/06/24/now-is-time-to-get-real-id-roadshow/

Q: I wanted to share my experience with renewing my driver’s license and switching to a REAL ID. I took the advice of several of your readers and completed everything online first. and uploaded photos/scans of my passport, cell phone bill and proof of insurance. I didn’t have to set up an appointment to visit the DMV since I was given an express pass to print out.

I went to the Santa Clara DMV on a Wednesday at 2 p.m. Queued up outside the DMV were dozens of people who didn’t make appointments. I simply joined the appointment line (there were only four people in line) and after a few minutes was called to check in outside. Once that was done, a digital waiting number was sent to my cell phone. I waited briefly outside, and then was brought inside.