Yeah, any new license or renewal in my state is a real id. I think it costs the same, but I wasn't sure since it was 10 years since the last time I renewed.
Other than the hassle, is there a reason to not get the new id when license renewals come up?
It was barely a hassle when I did it but I also have a certified copy of my birth certificate already so it may be harder for people that have to go get that for the citizenship requirement. The more annoying thing was just finding and printing the address proofs NCDMV wants because most of my bills are digital or in my wife's name now.
Other than the hassle, is there a reason to not get the new id when license renewals come up?