Posted by Marian_in_CA on 4/1/12 1:08am
Msg #416749

Frustrating DMV issues!

A few months back, I was asked to notarize a signature for a lady who had an expired ID. Well, her DL was current... she had the paperwork that showed she'd paid for it 5 months prior... so she was legal to drive, but the ID itself wasn't. She still had not received her ID card from the DMV. She said that she kept being told that it was still being processed. Sadly, paper renewals are not acceptable in CA. We were able to use another form of ID, so all was well...

But now I am feeling her pain, big time!

My DL expired in January. The thing is, I was able to renew it online and paid for it back in November, plenty of time, right?

I still don't have it. It's the same situation. I'm perfectly legal to drive... I just don't have the ID.

Back in January I was told that my ID was being held because I needed a new photo for facial recognition requirements. I had my glasses on in my old photo and now, apparently, they don't allow you to wear glasses... even if you wear them full-time like I do. I was irritated, but went in and did it. If my photo wasn't acceptable to them, then why did they send me a notice that said I was eligible to renew online? Grrr.

6 weeks later... still no ID. Why? Now they said the ID was printed wrong and was sent back for quality control reasons.

Now it's another month beyond that and yesterday, in the mail... I get a letter asking that I come in AGAIN for a new photo and I live an HOUR from the nearest DMV office, too. Grr squared! Why? I have to bring in all of my identification documents (birth certificate, etc.) because when they compared my old photo to my new one, they see a drastic difference and aren't sure it's the same person... so they want me to come in with the original documents for verification.

Yes... duh... I've lost over 200 pounds, colored my premature gray hair and you made me take my glasses off. Of course I look different! But shouldn't their fancy facial recognition software be able to tell it's me? Great technology.

So... let it be known that sometimes, people really do have ID issues beyond their control. I heard a notary the other day say that people without valid ID are just too lazy to get it done. In many cases, that may be true... in others not so much.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 4/1/12 2:05am
Msg #416751

A Problem with CA DMV Department

This agency in CA has probably the worse reputation of all the state agencies by 100%.

I am actually surprised they caught your photo difference.

They have historically given drivers license in the name of "Bill" when of course his name is "William" and so on.

I feel your pain and would like to tell you it will all work out when you go in next time, but, you and I know it could be a "catch 22".

Reply by Karla/OR on 4/1/12 3:58am
Msg #416753

Unbelievable, but I have heard so many ugly stories about the DMV that I don't know why they surprise me anymore! My own personal story is that when I moved from Washington to Oregon and applied for a new license, they typed the incorrect birthday. Assuming they would do it over, I brought it to their attention, they said don't worry about it! So when I went to apply for a handicap parking sticker (broke my ankle and had surgery) I asked them to fix the incorrect birthdate. She proceeded to ask me if I brought my birth certificate with me to prove the correct date. It apparently hit me on a wrong day because I let her have it with the following: this was your fault to begin with, not mine, you chose not to fix it at the time, and now you want me to prove my birthdate to you?????? Apparently she didn't want to deal with me that day either so she just fixed it!!!

Another time the DMV said my personal license plate was printed incorrectly and had to be re-made. They said that meant I go to the bottom of the waiting list for the re-make. That did not set well with me so I contacted my state senator or representative (too long ago to remember) during an election year. They called the DMV and, to my amazement, I had the plate in a very short time frame!

Anyway, sorry you are having this issue and hope this last trip to the DMV is the end all.

BTW, CONGRATULATIONS on your 200+ weight loss!!!That's amazing!!!

Reply by MrEd_Ca on 4/1/12 8:38am
Msg #416755

Re: Frustrating DMV issues! --- a Suggestion ..

You might want to go in & apply for a CA ID Card. It is good for 10years & if you are over 60 is free, otherwise it costs $10.00, I think.

This won't solve your current DMV problem(s) BUT the ID card may just arrive sooner than the new DL and you would have something that is valid.

I got one for myself not too long ago after hearing horror stories from notary clients that were going through a similar experience with the DMV. I have mine stored away 'just in case' I too have a DMV problem. Given the state of our state, such an experience is probably inevitable.

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/1/12 1:54pm
Msg #416775

Brilliant, Mr. Ed! n/m

Reply by MrEd_Ca on 4/1/12 4:14pm
Msg #416782

Opps ...

I think I may have gotten this idea from Marian, some time ago.

I was just doing some vacuuming & the thought occurred to me that the idea may have originated from a suggestion of hers, or an actual statement. I am not sure which but I now am thinking it came from a discussion/thread that Marion started &/or it may have been her suggestion, originally, some time ago. I do believe in giving credit where & when due, even if late.

I do my best thinking when I am vacuuming. I should stick to vacuuming. I give myself credit for that.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/1/12 5:13pm
Msg #416783

Mr. Ed - Please come visit my home.

I do my best thinking in the garden. I don't like to do the indoor stuff. You are welcome to visit, sunny Florida.

Reply by anotaryinva on 4/2/12 6:33am
Msg #416800

Can't have both in VA n/m

Reply by BBuchler/CA on 4/2/12 4:08pm
Msg #416832

Senior ID

I just did two notarizations for people who only had Senior ID. It was great!

Reply by jba/fl on 4/1/12 8:50am
Msg #416756

I'm sitting here wondering, "What the heck?" as we in FL just walk in, apply, show what we need to show and the whole thing is accomplished right there on the spot and I leave with a DL.

How many states are like CA and have to wait like this? (or even have to wait) Has it always been like this? Why did they go to this method? It just seems so inefficient. IF I were to move to CA, I think I would never get a DL saying I was just visiting. I just seems to me that CA is not very citizen friendly.

Perhaps someone will enlighten me further? Or can you even?

Reply by Linda Juenger on 4/1/12 10:03am
Msg #416759

Pretty much the same here in IL Julie. To just renew, you will get a letter telling you what you need to do. That could be take a written test, a vision test. Go to DMV and do what they want, take your pic and walk out with a DL. You can also renew online and they send a sticker to put on the back of your current ID which is valid for 4 years. 1st time DL you have to show several forms of ID.

Now of course, which DMV facility you choose to go to is another matter. You may wait hours at one and walk in and walk out in 15 min at another. I choose to drive a little further to avoid the undesirables at the close one but that's my choice.

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/2/12 7:25pm
Msg #416848

What has always been is that the DL/ID card is mailed, but before the budget cuts, housing market crash, poor economy, it only took about 2 weeks. If you keep a clean driving record, you'll be sent a letter to renew by mail. The DMV used to be only walk in service. Then they added the appointment system. I always advise people to make an appointment. For me, I've been in and out of the DMV in 20 minutes total - from start to finish. Walk-ins take about 4 hours.

Reply by jba/fl on 4/2/12 7:39pm
Msg #416850

Like you Lisa, we make appts. and are in and out in 15-20 mins., except we do have physical possession of the final DL or ID. We also can renew by mail, although right now they appear to be intent upon everyone coming in with all their names and proofs of names, etc. for a "real ID". This is a real PITA for those of us just happy to get that divorce and thrilled to burn everything that went with that marriage, that now we can't remember year married or year divorced, and even which county. I have to bring my birth certificate to prove who I am (Huh?) and then start with all the name changes to the present.

But, I will have a "Real ID".

I now advise all women to keep their name - why should they have to go through all this. KISS

Reply by HisHughness on 4/1/12 9:03am
Msg #416758

Marian, I feel your pain. However, much more than that...

...I am overcome with awe at the 200-pound weight loss. What a magnificent accomplishment! There should be a plaque for you at City Hall, you should have been grand marshal of your very own parade, and there ought to be a day named after you.

I am impressed. But I'm even more envious.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 4/1/12 10:11am
Msg #416760

Hear, Hear! Outstanding news, and a testament to your

tremendous resolve and strength.

I am not worthy, and bow to greatness.

Reply by Pam/NM on 4/1/12 2:03pm
Msg #416778

Re: Marian, I feel your pain. However, much more than that...

I was just thinking how frustrated you must be when I had to go back..."Wait...200 lbs?!? WAY to GO Marian!!"

Reply by LKT/CA on 4/1/12 10:33am
Msg #416761

I agree with Ed's suggestion

The state ID card lasts 6 years. It's the senior ID card that lasts 10 years and it's free for those over 62. About 15 years ago, I decided to get a state ID card because when I'd go for my walks, I always wanted to have ID with me. I would take my DL, but a few times left it in sweat pants pocket and when I was running errands and needed it at the bank....well you know how that goes - trek all the way home to get it. Luckily, I didn't get pulled over by police for routine stops.

So I got the ID card and have renewed it ever since. My DL expires at the end of this year, my ID card expires in 2016.

Reply by Bee_CA on 4/1/12 12:26pm
Msg #416765

I had a client whose driver's license showed her weight as 505 pounds. She wasn't that weight, and then I saw her height was 5'05". The DMV used the same numbers from her height for her weight and when she brought it to their attention, they said she would have to pay for a new license. She said "no thanks".

Reply by MW/VA on 4/1/12 1:54pm
Msg #416774

I can't help but see this irony in this one. I hear all the

time on the forum about how particular CA is in accepting ID's for notarization. Then they can't even provide that service. WTH??? Not making light of your dilemna, Marian, but this screams of hypocrisy! LOL

Reply by 101livescan on 4/1/12 2:03pm
Msg #416777

Boy, just wait until all the botox recipients start looking VASTLY different in a few years, and CA DMV has to deal with that tsunami of updated photos.

Reply by JanetK_CA on 4/1/12 9:38pm
Msg #416792

I dunno, Cheryl... If they pay for a new ID, it might be a great new revenue source for the state!

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 4/2/12 1:14am
Msg #416798

I had a public notary assignment about 1 years ago where the woman was over 80 years old and had a CA Senior ID Card and her ID card had a picture of her clearly laying on a pillow.

I was astounded and asked her how this happened and she told me she was in the hospital when the DMV took her picture.

Her daughter filled me in with details and said " her mother had an appt with the DMV to have her picture taken at her home, but had health issues and gone to the hospital and that is where the picture was taken.

It took the DMV photo team over 3 hours to set up and take her photo. The whole staff (doctors & nursers) couldn't believe how inept the DMV was!!

This was the 1st time I knew you can set up an appt with the DMV and have them come to your home/ nursing home/ hospital/ etc if you make an appt and can't go to the DMV office and have your picture taken.
The daughter said it was a complete fiasco!

Reply by MrEd_Ca on 4/2/12 9:43am
Msg #416805

Re: DMV Home/Bed side visits :

Yes, the DMV will make those visits, for bed ridden folks. I confirmed that a few weeks ago. Not only that, the DMV now has a system where you don't have to wait on hold for 45+ minutes to speak to a live technition. You just leave your number & they phone you back 45+ minutes later. The number is 800-777-0133. They did not tell me that taking that picture would be a big fiasco.