As it turns out, each state allows a 30-day grace period after a move, to register cars and acquire a drivers' license. It is obvious that I have over-stayed that grace period by many, many months. And when the month of May ended, I really started worrying every time I got in my car. Not only do my plates still say California, but now they are expired, even on California standards. I need to get to the DMV. No really, I NEED to get to the DMV. That personal nagging finally got to me, and this past week I got serious about fulfilling my good-citizen-obligation.
Last week I drove across the street from work, to the closest DMV to finally get my drivers' license. I breezed in, had my picture taken (after being told I look like Maria Shriver, being ruthlessly questioned on my decision to move from CA to NE, and bumping into someone from my bowling league, yes it's a small town) and tried to register my car, only to realize I needed to go to a different DMV for that. Bummer. Oh well, no big deal. I am on a mission to get this done. At least I am half way there.
Today, I realized that the DMV is open late on Wednesday's only, so I rushed. I will admit. I was stressed. I couldn't get there fast enough. Why? Well, I was anticipating a California DMV experience, and that thought alone is enough to raise blood pressure! I park. 5: 31. Crap. I really hope they don't actually require you get there a half hour early, as posted! I rush in. What do you know, NO LINES! I guess I'm not in California any more!
Hi, I need to register my car. Here is the postcard I received from you guys. Hello! Sure, no problem. We can help you. First you need to go down the hall and have a VIN inspection. I proceed down the hall, still stressed. An older gentlemen greets me with a joke and asks me for some identification. As he walks out to check my car, he jokes about how clean my car is, why I came from CA (common question, followed by rehearsed response), and essentially wiped away all previous stress. Inside, he asks for proof of insurance. Crap. I don't have a current copy! I swear I had one! Oh no. I'm gonna have to come back again. I'm not going to be able to register today! Ah! He suggests having my insurance company fax it over. I call. They say it will be there in 5-7 mins.! Perfect, cuz it's 5:45! He insists on walking me back over to the ladies that will finish the process. He chats with the ladies, goes and gets my faxed insurance info, walks it over to me, and leaves me with a joke and a kind word. 5 mins later, after chatting about California and how the lady's nieces is from San Jose, she walks me over to a different lady. And, 2 mins later, I write a check out and have my plates in hand!
There was never any doubt that I moved to the right place, or that this move was the right decision. But any doubt that may have been possible, completely vanished after the most amazing DMV experience of my life! I walked in, and 30 mins later, walked out with license plates. That would have never happened in California! NEVER! There would have been an hour and a half wait, only to realize you need proof of something that is impossible to have proof of, only to go home, come back numerous times, until they have what they need and decide to accommodate you!
I drove home grinning, giddy. Wow. Did I choose the right place or what?!!!
Yes, that is me wearing my 'Made in California' T-shirt