It is, in a sense, but despite how furious and/or sarcastic it sounds, I'm not really that upset, I just think there are people out there who can relate!
I recently moved from Portland to Portsmouth, and decided to do it the right way and become a NH resident. This involves a few [WHAT SHOULD BE] very simple steps including registering your car and obtaining a New Hampshire driver's license. Now, I know that, historically, a trip to the DMV is a big time commitment, but I kid you not -- getting these two simple pieces of documentation took me 6 trips, between the town hall and the DMV (which are very conveniently in two totally different places)!
Here's what they need to do. Like now. Hire someone-- I don't care who... a kid, a senior citizen, a sports mascot-- to stand in the waiting area of these places for the sole purpose of answering questions and MAKING SURE PEOPLE HAVE THE PROPER DOCUMENTATION. I spent hours waiting in lines, thinking I had every piece of signed, notarized documentation that I would need, only to get up to the front and find that I was missing something else that was vital to accomplishing my simple goal. I can't even explain the frustration to you.The worst part is, everybody in line feels the same way. They've been there suffering with you the whole time, and I'd be surprised if 50% of them accomplish their mission. So the DMV / Town Hall needs to either A.) MAKE A BIG (BIG) SIGN with a BIG, BULLETED LIST of EVERYTHING you need in order to pass through their gates, or B.) HIRE A MASCOT (I like that option the best) to walk through the lobby or line, look at my documents, and say "I'm going to spare you about two hours of your life waiting in line by informing you that you'll need one more signature on this piece of paper!"
Thank you, mascot!
The last thing that I will complain about is this: When I finally was able to get my NH license, they took my photo and issued me a temporary license. I will get my new NH state license in 60 days. THAT'S TWO MONTHS AWAY! It wouldn't be an issue at all, except for the fact that the nice lady KEPT my valid Maine ID and wouldn't give it back. She's sending it back to the State of Maine. Thanks, lady... I could have just brought it to them myself, after holding onto it until my new ID shows up.
I believe I have the worst temporary license in the history of the United States. My face looks like it's a black hole melting off my head, the State of New Hampshire's logo at the top is completely cut off so you can't even see what state it is, and I can't imagine any bouncer EVER accepting it for any reason without a back-up form of ID like my passport. In fact, when I used it at Poco's the other evening, the little instrument that was issued by the state SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THESE SHAMEFUL TEMPORARY LICENSES, could not verify that it was legitimate. I guess I'll just wait it out!
Thanks a lot, New Hampshire!
Your friend,
Adam
www.adamflaherty.com
PS, look at this article about the bad temps.
