singley.org > blog archives > The DMV Does Not Mess Around 07.24.2003

I had an astonishing experience at the downtown Chicago DMV yesterday. I decided it was finally time to obey the "law" and reluctantly turn in my Minnesota driver's license for the Illinois version. Expecting this process to be about as simple as renting a U-Haul truck in June, I walked the few blocks to the Driver's Bureau with a book, a bottle of water and a couple granola bars in my backpack, prepared to stand in line for most of the afternoon. When I arrived around 11:45, remarkably, there was no wait. I gave government worker Neal my old license, birth certificate, social security card and a piece of mail, and he took about 4 minutes to enter all my information into the computer. He asked a couple questions, then said, "step over to the cashier, pay her the license fee, and you'll take the vision and written test." Umm, ok, Neal. Don't I have to wait around somewhere for a couple hours? Fill out lengthy, ridiculous forms? Nope, I just gave Florence a $10 bill, she gave me a test and a red pen, and led me to a school-style desk. I took the test (not hard - when in doubt, the answer is "all of the above"), passed, then Flo told me to see the next person in the assembly line to get my picture taken. I coiffed my hair and smiled when Denise (their nametags are really big at the DMV) told me to smile. Ah, ok. Here comes the waiting. They'll send me the license in 8 to 10 weeks right? "Eric Sing-LEE!" called Denise about a minute later. I walked up to the counter and was given my new computer-printed Illinois Driver's License. In total, I was probably there for 25 minutes, including the 10-15 I spent taking the test. Everything about the experience was great, except possibly the photo (I'd pay a few extra cents in taxes if they would give everyone two tries to take a halfway decent picture) and the fact that I had to say goodbye to my MN plastic.

Ummm...Eric, why don't you tell the fine readers what are you going to drive with your new found licensed freedom? You are so emo-chic!

Wow...I am jealous. After hearing of a 25 minute DMV experience, I'd love to tell of my TWO DAY epic journey through the Washington state DMV - however, there is not enough room to do so. Perhaps someday when we meet, you'll have to ask about it. I'd love to share.