Maddening new laws when you renew your driver's license

**Lizzie** · 08-24-2006, 03:13 PM

If it has to do with Homeland Security, I'm glad I don't have to renew for another three years since I'm a resident alien. Maybe they'll want the big chest x-ray I was forced to have in London 30 years ago before I emigrated, and told I had to carry on the plane only to have the INS wave it away when I arrived. I've been wondering if that thing would ever come in useful.

I renewed in Washington State a few years ago, and was several months late, but they simply processed it and I was in and out in 10 minutes.

**RedHedd** · 08-24-2006, 03:17 PM

Oh yeah- going through it right now. My eyes are getting bad so two years ago when I renewed I had to get a DMV form signed by my eye doctor. I just received my new renewal and again it says I have to have a form signed - they give the form number, but do they provide the form? NO. Last time it took three appearances at the DMV and finally a driving test to get my license renewed. I have a sinking feeling I'll have to go through the same rigmarole again.

Bureaucratic red tape and our tax dollars hard at work - NOT!

**Logan** · 08-24-2006, 03:24 PM

Gosh Pam, just last night, I heard a news report that NC is going to start renewing driver's licenses through the mail or online! I know that SC doesn't ask for that kind of information to renew, either. In fact, I think you just take your existing driver's license and your social security card in and they just do it. How strange!

Logan

**Lizzie** · 08-24-2006, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by Logan

Gosh Pam, just last night, I heard a news report that NC is going to start renewing driver's licenses through the mail or online! I know that SC doesn't ask for that kind of information to renew, either. In fact, I think you just take your existing driver's license and your social security card in and they just do it. How strange!

Logan

They've had that available in Washington State for a few years now, and it's great, but ours only last for one year when you do it through the mail.

Perhaps it is only state laws that are hindering Pam?

**Logan** · 08-24-2006, 03:52 PM

could be, Lizzie. The new NC law will renew them for 8 years!!!!

I think we have a 10 year renewal in SC now, actually, but we still have to go to the DMV.

Logan

**CathyBogart** · 08-24-2006, 04:55 PM

I just had to renew my license - and they wouldn't let me renew it while I had a motorcycle permit!!

So I lost my motorcycle permit.

**Pam** · 08-24-2006, 04:58 PM

I am totally amazed that no one else has to go through this! Yes, it is a Homeland Security-inspired thing. The thing that bothers me about this is that I went with the adequate number of *points* (see link below if interested) and was turned away because my Marriage License was not the official state one. I had LOTS of other info along (SS card, bank statement, photo driver's ID) which added up to six points but was told that since I had presented my Marriage License that became my *secondary* ID and the other items were not even considered after that. (I am imagining it is because my name on my birth certificate is different from my name on every other document I have and the marriage license would explain the reason for that). What a mess! This is just another endearing thing about NJ I guess, along with our ridiculously high property taxes, car insurance rates and the recent hike to a 7% sales tax. NJ - - ya gotta love it.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/HowToRenew.htm