My driver's license expired on my birthday, which was a little over a month ago. There were a couple of times I intended to go to the DMV, but life got in the way; I couldn't seem to find two solid hours to devote to waiting in line. Plus, the standing part just didn't sound like any fun.
Part of the reason I didn't push myself to go renew my license is that I actually have a decent picture on my license. I didn't really want to give that up. One day, I thought, “this is the day”, and then we had torrential downpours. The thought of getting soaked, and looking like a drowned rat just didn't seem like a good idea. Go ahead and say it, I'm vain. Yeah, a little bit. Keeping a picture that I hate for years to come just wasn't appealing to me.
Today I decided to conquer the DMV.
I had totally forgotten that they put seats in at the DMV, so I wouldn't have to stand the whole time! Awesome surprise number one!
The woman at the information counter was a childhood friend of mine. She gave me the form to fill out to apply for the enhanced license. In New York, we can get an enhanced driver's license, which will allow us to go to Canada without a passport. Since I live about 10 miles from the border, I figured it would be a good idea to have an enhanced license. My kids have never been to Canada, and by the time I was their age, I had been there countless times. Kids can still cross the border with only a birth certificate, so I see a trip to Canada soon.
Since the woman at the information counter knew me, she told me that she couldn't process my application. I thought, oh man, here comes the loooooooooong wait. She took my photo (which isn't hideous, awesome surprise number two!), scanned my documents into the system, and sent me over to the Supervisor's window. The woman at the Supervisor's window sent me back to the information counter, because my friend didn't give me a number. My friend rolled her eyes, and gave me a number.
I was just going to sit down, and the woman called my number! Awesome surprise number three!
I went to her window, she checked all my documents, and I had everything I needed to get the enhanced license! Aside from your license, you need proof of residency, your social security card, and your birth certificate. For proof of residency, I brought a utility bill, which was acceptable. I had my social security card and my birth certificate. At the last minute, I grabbed my marriage license to show the transition from my maiden name to my married name. Good thing I did; they needed that, but if it's listed on their website, I didn't see it.
She put my information in the system, I swiped my card, she gave me my receipt/interim license, and I was finished. THIRTY MINUTES!! From the time I walked in the door, until I was back in my car, it was only thirty minutes! Awesome surprise number four!
On my way out, a young guy (probably in his twenties) held the door for me, I thanked him, and I didn't realize there was a woman coming out behind me. He sprinted back to hold the door for her, too. We both thanked him, and I apologized to the woman behind me. The guy wished us both blessed days. Awesome surprise number five!
After leaving the DMV, I had enough energy to make two quick stops. Awesome surprise number SIX!
Right now, I'm sitting, having coffee, and thinking about how lucky I was on this Friday the 13th.
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