Maybe it's just not as bad as everyone said it would be.

It's been 10 years since I've been to the drivers license office of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Five years ago I renewed online, so it was time for a personal visit. I'm sure they missed me. Most of the workers were extremely friendly, although there was one fellow who didn't seem to be thrilled about working on a Monday morning.

In some cases, you can renew your drivers license online, which is definitely the way to go if you can. But, if you have to go in,  you can take some steps to help ease the pain.

I did a little investigation and learned that you can actually make an appointment to renew your drivers license. I showed up on time, and as soon as they confirmed my appointment, I was immediately directed to a specific window for help.

I was asked a series of relatively simple questions -although when I was asked about my hair color I was stumped. It's brown and has been all of my life, but it's not all brown, if you know what I mean. It's probably not even mostly brown at this point.

Then there was the eye test. I had to chuckle when I was asked to try it without my glasses. Ha! Not a chance. I was like, "what eye chart?" But, with my spectacles on, it was ace city.

I paid for the license and waited to have my picture taken. There were a few people in front of me, which made up for most of the time I spent in the office. The gals in charge of pictures were very nice and the picture they took of me wasn't half bad. In fact, I'm thinking of having it enlarged and hanging a portrait in my walk-in closet.

The bottom line is, I was in and out in 15 minutes and I think the key was making the online appointment and being on time. It was middle of the month and the middle of the day. I don't know. Maybe 15 minutes is the new normal at the DMV, and your experience may be quite different than mine, but this is how I did it. I'm just happy I don't have to worry about it for at least five more years.

By the way,  you'll want to have cash in hand for your payment or a check, and if you can do it in 15 minutes, a quarter will take care of your parking meter.

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