Random thoughts while getting license renewed

Like death and taxes, we all have to endure getting our driver’s license renewed. Almost everyone would prefer to get a root canal than have to visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Things are even worse during the Pandemic with even longer wait times.

The time has come for me to renew my license. Since I renewed online last time, I have to go in person this time. To complicate matters further, I want to get a “real id” license. This “real id” provides an extra layer of security on your license to help prevent tampering or duplication. Soon, all will need a “real id” or a passport to fly within the U.S.

Luckily I found out that the American Automobile Association (AAA) offices can also handle license renewals. Except the AAA office closest to me is quite small and I could just imagine the hoards of people descending there. There is no room for social distancing. What to do? What to do?

My license doesn’t expire for a few months, but I think we are headed for another shutdown because of COVID, so I decided to renew early.

It turned out to be easier and less painful than I thought. You sign on to the AAA website and make an appointment. For a “real id” you need lots of extra paperwork to prove you are who you say you are.

I am a bit worried about what will happen once I get to the AAA office. While there be hoards of people lined up, trying to do registry stuff even though they don’t have an appointment? Will I forget to bring a key piece of documentation? Will I be late for my appointment? All these things run through my mind since I have nothing else to occupy my time.

So I get to the AAA office. No lines outside, which is a good sign. I walk in and I am practically the only customer in there. Even though I was 20 minutes early for my appointment, a very nice lady checked me in and directed me to sit down.

Now there are about 10 chairs for waiting customers. Another customer comes in and sit down right next to me. Of all the places for her to sit – there were 8 other chairs. So I get up and move down to the end. I don’t like to be rude, but come on people, there is COVID going on here.

Another nice surprise was the clerk. He was quite pleasant and friendly. I think he was a AAA employee and not a Registry employee. He even told a few jokes!

All in all, quite the pleasant experience. I was in and out in 15 minutes.

What experiences have you had getting your license renewed?

Cranky dwarf image is courtesy of Moon Jazz Flickr, under Creative Commons license 2.0.