[where's_the_Outrage?]

But this shouldn’t be so hard.

Exactly, it shouldn't be hard. And it used to be easy. But not now. Go here:

CAC Online

Click on the option and the verification process starts.

[Alas Babylon!]

My experience getting a new ID wasn’t hard at all. So several others have also stated.

I don’t doubt it was a pita for you, but it shouldn’t be for anyone, nor is it a pita for everyone.