Driver's License

[Guest anika]

I have been worrying about renewing my expired (by many months) license. The state has these new "Enhanced Licenses" which I assume is something to do with the Real ID act or something. I was concerned that I'd have to bring in a bunch of ID I don't have, such as a birth certificate.

About 6 or 7 years ago, I got my marker changed to F by calmly walking to the Secretary of State branch, and complaining (nicely) that THEY seemed to have made a mistake and I'd appreciate it if they'd fix it, as it would be rather embarrassing should anyone see it. The lady behind the counter apologized profusely and blamed it on their computer system. So I was getting really anxious that this would all be undone if they required me to bring in a birth certificate or something like that to renew. Apparently all I had to do was check the website, though. Not that I recommend doing what I did, because I'm sure it's against the rules, or the law or something.

Hopefully the person behind the counter isn't clueless, and I am in and out with unheard of celerity.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Well, good luck with it, Sweetheart!

I like the calm way that you got your marker changed! That was funny!

And I must say that you look wonderful!

Now, my birthday is Christnas Day (yeah, yeah, yeah...I know....)

And I have to get my DL renewed....

That is before next Friday...

I'm distressed because I'll have to have the "M" on it one more time, yet I'm not going to present 100% male , but, close so that I can use it for ID to cash checks and so on...

My old one does not look like me at all!

Let us know what happens with it....OK?

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest anika]

Before I got it changed, I don't think anyone ever looked at the M, but I would not have wanted to try to get a job with it. I know that when I have to ask for ID from customers for whatever purpose I almost always just check the name and picture, as I'm always in a rush.

Well, good luck with it, Sweetheart!

I like the calm way that you got your marker changed! That was funny!

And I must say that you look wonderful!

Now, my birthday is Christnas Day (yeah, yeah, yeah...I know....)

And I have to get my DL renewed....

That is before next Friday...

I'm distressed because I'll have to have the "M" on it one more time, yet I'm not going to present 100% male , but, close so that I can use it for ID to cash checks and so on...

My old one does not look like me at all!

Let us know what happens with it....OK?

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Guest Natalie92]

I notice it says that you live in Michigan The Enhanced Drivers License you're talking about is an effort for people living in certain border states (MI, NY, VT, and WA at this point) to be able to cross into Canada and Mexico without needing a passport or passport card as your DL will double as a passport card. Unforunately, since this IS also essentially a passport, you'll need an SSN along with some other identitfication to get one.

Here are some links - 1 about the Enhanced DLs and the other about he identification you'll need to get one in MI:

http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborder...7575704846.shtm

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/DE40_032001_20459_7.pdf

Hope this helps.

Natalie Alexis

[Guest anika]

Hey that's cool. I didn't read about what it was, I just assumed it was about the Real ID act, which though many states have passed resolutions against, I know Michigan hasn't. I've never been to Canada or Mexico, so I doubt I need to worry about that. I do still need to pay the late fee though. Good thing I just finished my xmas shopping.

[Guest anika]

Painless. Took maybe 15 minutes, which is unreal. I didn't even get charged a late fee. The clerk said she wasn't sure why the computer didn't automatically assess the fee, but she wasn't going to argue with it. I did almost fail the vision test though, which I expected.

I guess I am just a chronic worrier.