I just got my California Real ID in the mail yesterday. The process to get it was a real pain. I stood in line at the DMV for about 4 hours 2 months ago to give them all of the paperwork they required and answer a few questions. The ID was supposed to be mailed in 2 weeks. Since it hadn't arrived 6 weeks later I called DMV to find out why (45 minutes to get someone on the phone). They forgot to check a box in their system that I didn't need to take the written test so the status was on 'hold'. I had to go back to DMV and stand in line again so I could have someone check the box
Anyway, I have it now and can be considered a law abiding citizen once again.