For most people, our Hawaii Driver's license expires on our birthday. This year my license expires conveniently on Mother's Day, May 13th - which lands on a Sunday.
Being a law-abiding citizen, I knew I had to
get this renewed or risk getting ticketed and fined for not having a valid
Driver's License. The fact that I was
stopped for speeding a few weeks ago, but fortunately just warned, was also a
harsh reminder (I have learned my lesson.)
But, for some reason I procrastinated in getting it renewed until this Friday
- which was only 3 days before my birthday.
(Am I the only one who does this?)
Maybe it's my reluctance to admit I'm getting older and wiser... and
that I have to work a little bit harder to look attractive.
So yesterday, Thursday - I google which DMV is closest to
the North Shore and what their hours of operation are, as well as what forms of
identification are needed to get this processed smoothly and quickly. This is what I brought to renew my license:
Valid U.S. Passport - this covers your identification and legal status
Recent W2 or 1099 - this covers your Social Security Number. You can also bring your SSN card.
I also looked up tips on how to take a good Driver's License
photo, since these will be shown to anyone and everyone for the next 8 YEARS. Picture results below.
Quick Summary:
Today is Friday, May 11th and my day started at 6:30A. My plan was to leave the house at 7:15A so I
could be the first in line at the Wahiawa DMV at 7:45A when they open.
After doing hair, makeup and drinking a quick espresso, I didn't make it there until 8:15A and there were already 30 people
in line. (I think people were waiting as
early as 7:15A.) I waited 1.5 hours in
line, but the Renewal process took only 15 minutes.
There are only 3 counters
at the Wahiawa DMV and when I was there, only 2 were open. Always expect to wait. The DMV representative was super nice and she
informed me that Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are the busiest days of the
week. Keep this in mind for future
reference.
- They conveniently accept cash, check, Visa and Mastercard, too.
- For most of us, it will cost $40 to renew, but it's valid for 8 years and you don't have to do this again anytime soon, unless of course you lose your license.
- If you lose your license you are SOL, stand in line and pay $40 buddy.
- If your license is already expired, you can renew up to 1 year without penalty, but keep in mind you are still breaking the law by driving without a valid license and can be fined.
Quick tips:
1) Prepare all your documents the day before, put everything
in a big envelope so you're not stressed out.
And bring a black pen. People like me who carry at least 5 pens (in
different colors) are not always available.
I gave a promo pen away to a nice military couple this morning
2) When you find the line for Driver's License
Renewals, get your hands on the required form and fill it out while you are
waiting in line.
3) Bring your Kindle, tablet or smartphone - fully charged of
course
4) Be prepared to stand for a long time, so wear
comfortable shoes
5) Make nice with the DMV representative - they
will give you advice on when to tone down your hair and will also make this a
pleasant transaction.
6) Dress nice, do your hair nice and wear a little
bit more makeup than usual. Check your
mirror before taking the picture
7) Smile, no I mean a real smile. Thinking happy thoughts may help:)
8) Prepare your outfit the day before - no
strapless, no strappy, no low cut, solid dark colors work best or whichever
color matches your skin tone. Minimal
jewelry. Wear a jacket if you want to
look "mainland."
9) No sunglasses and no caps are allowed in the
pictures
10) You will take 2 pictures - a closeup for their
(criminal files) and the regular license picture.
- For the close-up, it was recommended not to smile. This supposedly goes into your file for future reference. Possibly the picture they give media if you do something wrong...
- For the license picture, definitely smile. Do not smile too big and make sure you brush your teeth that morning. Some websites suggest using teeth whitening strips a few days before but due to my procrastination, I did not have the luxury of time. If you don't like your smile, then don't do it. Just try not to look like a terrorist.
11) Right before the picture, tilt your shoulders a
little bit so you're not squarely in the picture. This provides a slimming effect.
12) Remember to Thank your hard working DMV
representative. They usually deal with
stressed out, unpleasant and demanding people every day. We live in Hawaii and we're not supposed to
be like that right?
Now that the process is complete, they will give
you a temporary paper Hawaii Driver's License with your new color picture. They will mail the plastic, permanent
Driver's License within 2 weeks. Keep
the new license in your wallet.
Now
check out my New Driver's License (some information deleted to protect the
innocent.)
