This shouldn't be a stressful thing. I just did it -- I printed the list from the internet and gathered all the necessary documents on a clipboard. I was in and out in about 15 minutes. The thing is, you need to get a copy of the requirements and BRING THE RIGHT STUFF. If you follow the list, you cannot go wrong.
I don't know if it's the same in every state, but here's what I had to have:
- One document proving my full name /birth date. I brought my driver's license and my birth certificate (one would've done, but I brought both). A passport or Green Card would also have been acceptable.
- One document proving my social security number. I couldn't lay my hands on my SS card, so I took my W2 from last year's taxes -- every category allows several different choices for documentation, but whatever you bring MUST be from the list.
- Two documents proving my address. I think I brought a bank statement and my car registration /insurance. Other options included a voter registration card, school records, a mortgage or renter's agreement. They allow about a dozen different things in this category, and a utility bill is only one of the choices.
- Since I'm married, I also brought a copy of my marriage certificate to prove my name change.
It's not a lot of stuff, but -- again -- you must PLAN and bring the right things. Do not think that they're going to allow you to sub in different things -- you must have the items from the list.
Gathering these things is never going to be convenient, so go ahead and do it. You'll never have to do it again. Eventually it'll be required, and it doesn't cost any more than a standard driver's license.