Tuesday, October 27, 2009

But I Have This Piece Of Paper!

Like the good and legal Citizen I try to be, I visited our local drivers' license bureau on October 9. My two drivers' licenses, car and motorcycle, were due to expire on October 10.

The procedure for renewing, while archaic to the nth degree, was not unpleasant at all. Friendly staff and nice service. She even slowed down while explaining things to me or asking questions. I really appreciate it when Spanish speaking people dummy down for me! The best part? I have never been required to take a driving or written test for either the original or the renewal.

As an aside, I think Mexico has one of the best things ever on drivers' licenses. They actually print your blood type on them. Great in an accident.

After I paid the appropriate fees to get both licenses renewed for two more years, I was told that they do not have any of the plastic cards for licenses. Echos of "No Hay" bounced in my head. But she did type a temporary license for me that was valid for seven days. That should be long enough for them to get a shipment of blank plastic cards in.

Fast forward the seven days. I return and am told the cards have not arrived yet. No big deal as I have the temporary permit. But, I point out to her, that has expired also and I certainly do not want to get into trouble with the Transito police for having no license. She was not pleased to have to do the work, but she typed me out another one. This one good for 10 days!

Fast forward 10 days, or until yesterday. Can you imagine my shock, my absolute total shock, when she proudly announced that the blank cards had arrived! While I was busy smiling at the thought of actually getting my licenses and not having to return there again, I almost missed what she said next. Unfortunately, they do not have ink to actually print the licences. But it has been ordered!

I am now the proud owner of another typed temporary license. Valid for 15 days.

13 comments:

carl/debbie said...

haha. the "no ink" hit a real funnybone. gracias !!

Sue said...

LOL!!!

Sort of like Miguel's deal at the police station - trying to get a piece of paper as part of a requirement to apply for a travel visa to Canada. We are about a month into it and he is still waiting...

Ann said...

Hope they get the ink in time for your next trip there!

Leo said...

Thanks for that story. I needed that laugh this morning.

Steve Cotton said...

Ah, patience. A virtue brewed to perfection in Mexico. I had a similar experience at the laboratory yesterday. They needed a urine sample, but they had run out of sample cups. Instead of getting frustrated, I simply ran over to the farmacia, bought a cup, and did my business.

Lesson? No need to get pissed off.

Good luck on getting that license.

Sam and Bob said...

You gotta love it!!

IslaZina said...

I have a new CURP, the equivalent of a Social Security card. It is supposed to be in dark green ink. They were out and printed it in black. Several times I have been asked if it is an orginal. Yes, they didn't have green ink...and the answer is accepted with a thoughtful nod! Si, no hay!

okstormchaser said...

That brought a smile to my corporate America face...thanks!

Theresa in Mèrida said...

Okay, that is hands down the best "through the looking glass" Mexico story that I have read. To further mix my metaphors, it further proves you aren't in Kansas anymore.
regards,
Theresa

Islagringo said...

Everybody: Thanks for the comments. Glad you enjoyed the story. And Steve, very punny!

KfromMichigan said...

Only in Mexico !!

Billie Mercer said...

Too, too funny. What will be missing when you go back in 15 days? This story could go on for a while.

Islagringo said...

K: I say that a lot.

Billie: my sanity.