A year ago, I lost my California driver’s license and discovered the nightmare world of getting it replaced. But since late November of last year, the situation apparently has gotten much worse.
My original post was Dear California DMV, Surely Replacing A Driver’s License Could Be Easier. Look at the comments, and you’ll see a stream of complaints from late November from people saying that new or replacement licenses are nowhere to be found.
I was most touched — horrified is perhaps the better feeling — by a returning US veteran who lost her license in Afghanistan. After six weeks, she was still waiting for her replacement, she commented.
Apparently, the issue has finally broken out in to the mainstream. Part of the problem seems to be a new vendor that makes them. The Los Angeles Times has a long article about this.
If you’ve not gotten yours, the article advises that you can call (800) 777-0133 to get a temporary document sent out.
The bigger issue remains — why on earth do people have to go into a DMV office, endure the long lines and slow down workers there from other jobs just to get a replacement license?