Licenses, a random musing.

[techieMoe]

For reasons mostly unknown to me, I get excited when I get a new driver's license in the mail. I've had my fair share of them over the years (particularly since I've moved a lot), but for some reason seeing that envelope from the Department of Transportation gives me a little thrill. Perhaps it's just me remembering the first time one of those envelopes came and the world of freedoms that opened up because of it. Or maybe I'm just silly.

At any rate, my license comes up for real renewal (as opposed to just changing the address online) next year, and I'll get a new photo. The one I have now is from my last year of college nearly 6 years ago, so it's kind of comical how much it doesn't look like me anymore.

[questio verum]

I lost 60 lbs between my two most recent DL mug shots, but I somehow think a cop could have ID'ed me anyway. I think most people develop lifelong facial characteristics by the time they're 25 or 30.

I know what you mean about moving a lot. I've transferred across state lines a number of times. I recently found this site which links to every state DMV site in the country. Wish they had a tool like this 30 years ago.

qv

[cousinlucky]

I just had to go to motor vehicles last month. My picture looks real funny because I recoiled from the really bright flash. The thing that made me smile is that I do not have to renew it until June of 2019!!

I hope I live that long!!

[meton_magis]

That's nothing, I got mine taken almost 4 years ago (when I was 1 and I don't have to renew mine until 2052. Living until 65 isn't a hard thing to do, but having a license that doesn't expire for 47 years is a little rediculous IMO.

[techieMoe]

That's nothing, I got mine taken almost 4 years ago (when I was 18) and I don't have to renew mine until 2052. Living until 65 isn't a hard thing to do, but having a license that doesn't expire for 47 years is a little rediculous IMO.

Good grief! 47 years? Why do they even bother making you renew it at all?

[Kieren]

That's nothing, I got mine taken almost 4 years ago (when I was 1 and I don't have to renew mine until 2052. Living until 65 isn't a hard thing to do, but having a license that doesn't expire for 47 years is a little rediculous IMO.

Are you sure that's right? I have two dates on mine (UK license) - 1 on the back which is 2056 which is when I have to retake my driving test but there is also another on the front which is only 2014 (part 4b on mine), the renewal date

[meton_magis]

Good grief! 47 years? Why do they even bother making you renew it at all?

no idea, I think they should make you take the driving test every 5 years, and raise the standards by a LOT. too many idiots are on the road IMO.

Are you sure that's right? I have two dates on mine (UK license) - 1 on the back which is 2056 which is when I have to retake my driving test but there is also another on the front which is only 2014 (part 4b on mine), the renewal date

Positive. and I'm not even sure you have to take the driving test, just get your eyes checked (by reading a chart, not a real eye exam) and pay the fee.

[Cabhan]

Mine's not quite as bad as 47 years, but I just turned 21 a few months ago, and my license expired. I had to get a new one, but I was out of state for school, so I applied for an out-of-state renewal. Now I have my 21 year old license, which was issued in April, but the picture on it is from when I was 16, 5 years ago. In that time I have grown a goatee and shaved my head, so I look nothing at all like my picture.

[techieMoe]

Mine's not quite as bad as 47 years, but I just turned 21 a few months ago, and my license expired. I had to get a new one, but I was out of state for school, so I applied for an out-of-state renewal. Now I have my 21 year old license, which was issued in April, but the picture on it is from when I was 16, 5 years ago. In that time I have grown a goatee and shaved my head, so I look nothing at all like my picture.

Haha! Mine is the exact opposite. My 21-year-old picture had a shaved head and goatee, and I've since shaved my face and grown out my hair.

[Rubberman]

Haha! Mine is the exact opposite. My 21-year-old picture had a shaved head and goatee, and I've since shaved my face and grown out my hair.

Just tell the trooper to turn the license upside down!