Patience and persistence

My Uncle John used to say, “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.” Well, I’m sorry to say that I caved in yesterday when, for the third time, I went to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division to have my driver’s license renewed.

Each time I was disqualified, due to one of the required documents. For example, only my husband’s name appeared on the utility bills so that was infraction No. 1. When he called the companies to have my name added to the accounts, they said they were all too familiar with the problem.

After waiting until the next billing arrived with my name added, I strutted into the crowded room, confident. I had my current driver’s license, four utility bills with my name added, my Social Security cards from before and after my marriage (in 1958), and my birth certificate complete with my little footprint.

No, that wasn’t good enough to get a license. The woman behind the counter said I wasn’t eligible until I had my marriage certificate to prove that I was married to George Simon. I said, “No I don’t.” She said, “Yes you do. It’s right here on this piece of paper.” I said, “What piece of paper? I’ve never seen this paper.” She apologized, but somehow that didn’t lift my spirits. I told her that I didn’t know where our marriage certificate was. She asked, “Where were you married?” I said, “In Denver.” She said, “Then you need to write to Denver to get a copy of your license.”

At home and still fuming, I read that the “Real ID Final Version, 11.18.16” documentation requirements made perfectly clear what was required for a license. I also read that because my maiden name was changed,

my passport also would be honored in lieu of my marriage certificate. I did bring in my passport on one of my unsuccessful trips to the MVD, but then yet another document was missing. Why that useful “final version” was not given to me and others on our first encounter is a mystery.

I have a friend who went six times to the MVD before finally getting her license. We discovered bit by bit what is required. In truth, I had an easier time getting my passport, a more serious document, than getting my driver’s license renewed.

I don’t blame the workers but the director of the Motor Vehicle Division for not giving uniform and thorough training to the employees. Going through their hassle with disgruntled citizens must not be much fun. So I agree with Uncle John, “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.”

I have a friend who went six times to the MVD before finally getting her license.

Patricia Simon is a retired political activist and multimedia artist living in Santa Fe.