During my last appointment at VA Manila they took my picture and ordered my ID card. They told me it would take 2 weeks to arrive and to pick it up my next appointment.
Wife renewed her card in less than 15 minutes at Ft. Lewis, just last week. Was really a short, quick and pleasant encounter. Card was still warm when we were driving away. Dependent cards only good for 4 years now.
Ya, I know, freeze my a$$ off just like Anchorage this time of year. That is why Alaskans call Anchorage, "NORTH SEATTLE".