I goofed and let my driver's license expire. I went to the driver's license bureau. Didn't realize you can get a license that is a "real ID" at no extra charge. I waited for about 30 minutes to find this out. OK, sounds good. They told me I need proof of address, proof of social security number, photo ID, and original birth certificate. (These items are all legal documents that the state has on hand, but we can do the leg work for them) OK, a trip to the safe deposit box. Go back to find out that because I am a married woman that took my husband's name I need a copy of my marriage certificate. I am encourage to come back on Saturday morning. Annoyed, I go back to the safe deposit box for my marriage certificate muttering to myself that this is discrimination against married women.
OK, it's Saturday morning and I have all my documents. The driver's license bureau has a system in place where you can text in your place in line. When you arrive, the wait won't be as long. I did this, but it never acknowledged me. OK, I go. Packed to the rafters with people waiting. OK, I get a number and wait...for 3 hours. Ah, finally they are nearing my number when the computer system skipped over me! So, I have to wait some more for the next available station. I commented to the woman helping me that this was an ordeal (I know, I know...it didn't do any good) She asked me why it took 3 trips to get this accomplished. I told her my story. I also admitted this might have been easier if I had not let my license expire.
Another woman customer over heard my comments and made a snarky remark about grumpy people. I bit my tongue and sincerely thanked the individual giving me my license.
I truly see the day when we will need the "real ID" to get onto military bases, access state and federal buildings, fly, and vote. I don't want to get political. There is already a law going to go into effect this year that you can't board an airplane without one of these ID's. Missouri doesn't offer this, but Kansas does.
