Real ID California drivers licenses have been talked about for years out here. There were even extensions granted to the deadline for their requirement. I got mine when renewing last year. I needed my old license, my passport and two pieces of mail with my address on them to get it. One of the pieces of mail I used was the very renewal notice the DMV sent me. It was a long wait but not a difficult process at all. The only rub is that you need to fill out some online forms on the DMV website first. With my new license, my passport and my passport card, I now have 3 forms of photo ID. It was well worth the trouble.
Of course, I'll admit it was probably easier when there was no pandemic.