A fun trip to the DMV

Recently, I received a license renewal form from the State of Connecticut (my former state of residency) and I realized that I never went to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to make the change.  What was always a simple ‘sign the form and send it in,’ was now a ‘make a personal appearance at the DMV,’ in nearby Brewster, NY.   I had to, after all, pose for a new photo, present my Social Security Card, and sign all the necessary forms.

Just 2 days before, I had flown to Maine and there was a window of opportunity between returning home and immediately packing my bags for an expedition to Iceland.  I was informed that the computers at the DMV were down, so I escaped into nearby Katonah for a much-needed pedicure and manicure.  When I arrived at the DMV at 3:30, the lines were empty and the service was fast and friendly.  I was allowed to pay the $42.50 charge by credit card.  They seized my old CT license – for reasons, unexplained.  My new license is good for 5 years because I am from another state – another reason unexplained.  I was told that after the 5 years, when I renew, it will be good for 8 years.  Anyway, I was issued a temporary license until Albany, the capital of NY, sends me my permanent photo license in a week or two. Have you had a DMV experience lately? Let me know how it went..leave a comment!

This is the sign directing to the DMV in Brewster, NY.

very familiar signs for many, I'm sure

Welcome to the Empire State.

People standing in line.

Many, many forms

very interesting signs posted everywhere

I passed the eye test with flying colors.

Some manuals to learn.

These are offered in English and Spanish.

A severe warning

The testing area for new drivers.

Another poster

Someone brought their 'babies' to the license renewal, I say...Cute Overload!

So many people like to register as a donor.

If you don't have a pen to fill out all the forms, you can purchase one at these machines - seriously, what can you purchase for 25-cents anymore?

Here I am posing for my 'portrait.'

I am given 3 to choose from.

I chose #3.

Not such a bad ordeal!

Whoops! (Perez Hilton Style)

Haircut time for the donkeys!

Guests at my farm yesterday

Time for a trim?

Come see what I picked this weekend at my farm

Paw Paw's grandsons -- help me decide!

Comments

[Lexi]

Martha, you are the best! I love your blog posts!

[MMC in San Diego]

. . .a reminder that even in the life of Martha Stewart there are mundane daily tasks!

How lucky to find short lines at the DMV!

[Tammy]

In Arkansas? Longer lines..but we do get our "real" license that day, with photo!

I like how you journalize life in America.

Thanks!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, You make even the most boring tasks seem like fun. For some reason the DMV in my area always is extremely crowded and you have to wait for hours to renew your driver's license. You take a number and sit down and wait. They only take one picture and your license is always good for 5 years. They have a small machine for the vision test. I have until 7/3/2009 before I have to play the waiting game again. Thanks so much for sharing your experience at the DMV. Have fun in Iceland. Look forward to more great blogs. Jan

[tammycirceo]

I haven't personally had experience with the DMV, but my 15.5 year-old son just got his permit. When we picked up the book to 'study' for the test, we were astounded at the seemingly mundane items of information that were included. Such as, "if you test the steering wheel locking system while you are driving, you might cause an accident". Really?! No kidding.
I think my 15.5 yo son will avoid that while behind the wheel!

[Calista Patterson]

Wow!! A trip to the DMV, I think Discovery could actually do a six week summer series filmed solely at the DMV in various states. There would be no end to the hilarious sights we would see. My neighbor recently left her job at our local office and the stories she can tell.....

Calista Patterson
Mississippi

[Rowena]

Wow, they actually took more than one photo and let you choose??? Here in California, they shoot once and don't care if the photo even looks like you, and you're stuck with it for YEARS.

[Evelyn Ackbarali]

Hi Martha,

I live in California. Last year I applied for a new driver's license. I had to make an appointment. I must say everyone at the DMV was very pleasant as well as efficient. I was more than impressed with their service. My picture came out so well, I wish I could have prints made. The fee for the license was less expensive than NY.

[-pamela]

I just want to know what the people in the salon did when Martha Stewart walks in for a mani/pedi. Are they use to that? Wow, I would have freaked out! At least you missed the crowds at the DMV, that's no small feat!

[Jen]

Hi Martha- Funny. You received special treatment, wow 3 photos and you get to choose! This year I renewed my license, with only one photo taken and no choices, infact could not look at it ahead of time.
In the future if you want to keep the license you can, but they punch a hole in it, at least in our state. LOL.

[Robert]

You did not have to wait in line! That would be nice I always have to wait in line! I am glad you had a good experience with the D.M.V. I renewed this year. I arrived realized I was supposed to have cash, so I left came back with cash. I finally received a number after I returned, then proceeded to wait, and wait... At least it is over, until the next time. Next time I will be able to give up my CDL license so it will a lot cheaper!

[Erin]

Hilarious! I thought only CT charged for pens. I actually have been to NH DMV - where I now live... no choice of pictures, but a pen is FREE! And was in and out quickly. I had to go to CT DMV which was a nightmare by phone to get the information... but when I got to the location, no lines and got in and out! Very surprising but wonderful since I had to drive 2 hours to get there (love CT gas prices!)

[Ann]

Hi Martha - in New Jersey you would be waiting for at least an hour before your were called to the first window. We have a point system now. You get points for each form of ID, for example 2 points for a US Passport, 1 point for a utility bill in your name, it's crazy. Once you've reached the required number of points as proof of who you are you get to sit and wait until you are called to the next window where you will get your picture taken, pay your fee and get to leave with a valid NJ Drivers License.

You never want to go at the beginning or end of the month, you could be there for hours.

Enjoy Iceland - I look forward to the pictures.

[suemare]

You are lucky. I have never had a pleasant experience at the DMV. And they do not give you the option of which photo to choose in my state. They "click". And if it's ugly, so be it. You are stuck with that pic. for yrs!

[Melaine Chema, Akron Ohio]

At least you didn't have to wait in line.. I know how much you dislike lines!

[Paula]

Funny you should post this today. Im going to DMV today in CT. to get my liceance renewed (my birthday is the 24th) I hope it is a pleasent experience we know how they could be in this state!!! Have a great weekend !!!

[Rhea]

I had no idea famous people had to go to the DMV. Wow. The one here in Boston is known for its brutally long waits. It can be HOURS! The last time I went, I tried a neighborhood of Boston instead of the branch downtown and my wait was just a few minutes.

[Laura]

With three kids in tow -- I recently went to the DMV to change the address and renew my license. When I finally was called, I was told my license was suspended and had been for six months. When I asked why, they couldn't tell me - they only knew it was marked suspended. It was a big deal -- calls to the police, state DMV office, etc...I was getting so irritated at this point that I told the clerk I would be back without my little kids -- she told me if I left the building she would have me arrested.

In the end, it was an error on their part. No apology issued. They sent me on my way with an "amended" license. Why? I don't know. I was just glad to be out of that building. Horrible!

[Nan Ashby]

Hi Martha, I think you and I are close to the same age. Use to, for me, my photo for this deal was of utmost vanity. I almost would practice my look for it. Now I'm only glad I'm still around for this ordeal. My photo and renewal are due 2009 in Dec. I do hope with a little help from above, I won't look too bad. Nan

[beaglesrule]

LOVE the scarf, Martha. That little something extra can make any outfit look amazing. Drive on!

[Pam]

The last time I was at the DMV (it is called the DPS [Department of Public Safety] here) was when we moved to Texas from Wisconsin six years ago. I think it is pretty standard that you have to forfeit your old license to get a new one without taking the tests. I actually had to make two trips because I didn't know that I needed my SS card. I guess some people just carry theirs around, but that is really not a good idea in the day and age of identity theft. And there definitely was a line! Houston is the 4th largest city in the U.S. so lots of people were there for whatever reason. It is my understanding that now that I am in their computer base, I can renew my license by mail and they will just use the photo they have on file. In Wisconsin you had to go in every five years or so to have your vision tested. Maybe that's why there are so many bad drivers down here!

[Mrs. Ben Lanier]

First of all, I can't believe you were given 3 choices for your picture!!! Everytime I have been for my license, they take one picture and that is IT! WOW!!! I also can't believe you didn't have to wait forever in line! Good for you!

[KellyR]

Wonderful pictures of the DMV! I most definitely want a 25 cent pen as a souvenir. Thanks Martha!

[erika]

What a nice trip to the DMV...my most recent trip was to take my 15 year old daughter to get a California ID so that she would be able to cash her paychecks which she would soon be receiving from working at my job for the summer, and her comment as we were leaving [after only a 30 min time period of waiting and getting the ID]was "You know mom the next time we come here it will be for my license"...and a shiver of cold ran up and down my body...eeeeek my baby driving...

[tom]

Be thankful that you didn't have to do it in the city. When I first changed to NY state, the line was nearly 5 hours long. I've heard that's a typical day at the city DMV. Luckily, for renewals there's no need to make an appearance.