I'm in tears of frustration over my contact with CT Motor Vehicles (DMV)

[CTyankee]

My license is expiring on 9/18. I submitted my application for renewal, enclosed my check for $72, and sent it back in late July.

Nothing came in the mail.

I called their number where you can get an estimation of where you are in the process. Entered my license number and got an automated voice that said "mailed." I called again to make sure and got the same recorded message. I was relieved but...

nothing came in the mail!

Meanwhile, I got a photocopy of my check from the bank. DMV had cashed it, some time right after July 25 (the date on the check).

Now what? In 6 days that license will expire. Hubby does not want to go to our closest DMV, but I need his help as my sense of direction is limited and his is fine (I only drive locally). But he is physically handicapped and has to maneuver with a walker. I get that. I tell him that since the visit is by reservation only it can't be that bad. He envisions huge crowds and nowhere to sit and a long, tedious time at the DMV.

Maybe I have to make that trip by myself and just map it out...

[dixiechiken1]

1. Is Uber or Lyft an option?

[Sherman A1]

2. Or a map and directions app on a phone?

[dixiechiken1]

6. Yeah, I know I couldn't *survive* without Google Maps...

Seriously. Hands down, it's one of the top 2 or 3 apps used on my phone.

For added security, you can also print the route out ahead of time from your computer. You can even print turn-by-turn maps! Maybe that would help?

[CTyankee]

4. Yes, I suppose so but of course I don't know how much time this will take. I never use them.

Do you have to wait a long time to have them come get you? I never take them because in the past I could do all of this on an automated system (which is why they exist in the first place)...

[dixiechiken1]

10. It kind of depends on where you live (urban or rural)...

And depending on how far you're going, it can be costly. Of course, it can also be quite cost-effective if it's not too far, and considering you don't have to worry about getting lost, traffic, etc.

I'll tell you this, though... They all use map apps on their phone(s) in transit so, if you're comfortable doing so, this might be your best bet.

I'm sorry I'm in IL or I would certainly offer to take you myself.

[lark]

3. As another directionally challenged person - I feel for you.

I use the GPS on my phone all the time, so much simpler than the GPS on my car which takes forever to set and is really finicky and also out of date. Before this, I used to Mapquest and print out the directions constantly, but now no paper is needed - improvement! Siri works really well as long as I spell the street names and specify the city and state. Now I don''t always need to spell out the street names, but often it is necessary.

My sense of directions are so bad, I once lost my car in a parking garage for over an hour! Thank God for the old man and the golf cart, don't think I'd have ever found it, I was so freaked.

[CTyankee]

5. In the past I could just do it with directions. It's how I grew up. I'm pretty old now, tho...

[csziggy]

29. Google Maps is pretty good and will dictate your directions as you go if you ask

Though it gets frustrated if you take a side trip and keeps trying to tell you how to get back to the original course.

I used it for navigation on our trip across the UK but at that point didn't trust the verbal directions - though if I'd been alone, it would have been great. I held the tablet and my husband drove as I told him where to go. Sometimes, it took on little backroads - which was exciting since British roads are small to start with once you get away from the motorways (UK version of our interstates).

I grew up with maps so I was comfortable reading the Google Maps versions. And for a few things recently I've used to dictated directions - which is really handy when you're alone and don't want to or can't pull over to look at a paper map.

[CTyankee]

30. That I can and often used to do.

I used to drive up to Boston to see my grandkids all the time. Actually, she was in a suburb of Boston so I didn't have to go into the city. Then on one trip I got confused and had to go off my exit to call my daughter and she was close enough to come and let me follow her home. I was exhausted by the energy it took out of me.

[MLAA]

7. If you are more comfortable you could call a car service.

Call a day or two before you go and make a reservation. It will be a little pricey but you would get there. Then if they still have them you could call a regular taxi service to get home since you could easily wait for it after the appointment. In my town there are still taxis as well as Uber/lift.

At a time when you are less stressed you could have someone help you put Uber or Lyft on your phone and practice using it. Once you get the hang of it you might even prefer that to driving sometime in the future.

Another option is if you know of anyone with a young person looking to make a few dollars that you could hire to take you and wait for you and return you home.

Best of luck!

[CTyankee]

11. I'll try that. Thanks.

It seems that the system "knows" that the license has been processed but doesn't know it hasn't been mailed. There is a glitch in the system. If for some reason I got stopped by police, they would find out the same thing as I have but the DMV system is faulty. I can't be the only driver with this problem.

[Dream Girl]

8. Even though your license is due to expire it was issued so if you were stopped or so

Or something, it should come up as current when they radio it in. Meanwhile you should get an appointment set up as that can take a while. But the appointments are great. The days of hours line waits are over, as least if you have an appointment. Maybe count on being there an hour or so. Can hubby just drive you and wait in the car? Maybe you don’t even need to go to DMV. Since it was issued, maybe you can order a replacement online?

[CTyankee]

16. That was what I tried to do in the first place. And the first time I got the automated message that

it was "mailed" I thought "great! the system works!" and then nothing came in the mail.

I suppose if I got stopped I could tell the police my story and they could check it out by calling the number I was given online. I have a perfect driving history. I never drive at night because that can be too challenging. I never drive under the influence since I don't drink or do drugs.

[Dream Girl]

17. I don't think there is any reason to worry. On the DMV website, there should be an option

To replace “lost” tags, license plates, etc. I just got my tags for my license plate and absent Mindel (stupidly) threw away the envelope that contain my new vehicle registration card. I am going to order a new card online I think it cost $12. I know you can do the same for lost current licenses. I hope you can just get it online!

[CTyankee]

19. Yep, sounds like something I would do but nothing came in the mail. Hence the "mailed"

message from their website. The DMV believes my registration is done. I have one more week before it's official so there may still be a chance that it will get to me by then.

Maybe there is a backlog at the mailing site...I envision a big crate of renewals all piled up ready to mail out.

Oh, well, there is one week left. I'll post when/if it gets in my mailbox to let all you helpful DUers know!

[NCjack]

9. Send a letter tomorrow to your Governor.

[CTyankee]

13. I have thought of sending an email to my local councilwoman.

[dem4decades]

15. They cashed your check? Call the Governor's office tomorrow and your

State Rep.

[Farmer-Rick]

12. Well you paid your tax

Errrr "fee", they don't call it a tax...though it is.

And you can prove they took your tax. So, I would just be calling every number revolving around the DMV, until I got a rational person to talk to.

I find that if you get a deep male voice to talk to these incompetent people, they are more responsive. Just built-in misogyny of this society. This works really well in the South. My uncle could talk his way out of almost anything because his voice was so deep, Just a slight rise in volume made him sound like God talking to a mortal.

But if you are stuck with a whimpy voice like me, then acting old, feeble, unsure, slightly helpless works too. If you act too intelligent and capable they then feel you should have figured it out.

Sigh..... people use to know their jobs and did them, especially in government offices. Not anymore, now you have to play games with them.

[CTyankee]

14. Yeah, I call it my "little old lady" routine.

When I needed to renew my car lease my son shepherded me through the process. He is an ADA with the Brooklyn DA's office and I had the car lease person talk to him, "my son,the prosecutor." The dealership probably knew it was an act, but everything they offered to me had to be cleared by him and they knew it. And they had to speak with him by phone.

[Farmer-Rick]

21. Yeah, you understand

My wife use to put me on the phone if she got someone really difficult. But my voice is not like my uncle's.

I sometimes felt we were reinforcing these stereotypes. But my wife said she was just using their misogyny against them.

Honestly, if we never had to play these stupid game again, I would be very happy.

[CTyankee]

22. Sometimes I'm a bit relieved because we can always, at some time, be a stereotype.

A car dealership plays their game so we have to be prepared to play ours. As it turned out, I am fine with my new lease. It makes sense given our age.

[Tomconroy]

18. It must be the DMV on State St. in Hamden. If you are willing to risk

Aid from a DU stranger shoot me an email..I think I'm close by and might be able to help.

[CTyankee]

20. Oh, thanks...I may need it but will let you know. Hold the good thought and THANK YOU!

[Totally Tunsie]

23. In the meantime, CT, see if you can print out your receipt

to cover you until such time as you obtain the license itself. I know RI allows us to use this option "just in case". As long as you have Proof of Payment, you should be able to show this and be covered until this is straightened out for you.

Here's the page link (then scroll all the way down):
https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/DMV-Services/Renew-Drivers-License?language=en_US

receipt-outline-img Receipt
Are you looking to access a receipt for a previously completed online transaction? Receipts can be requested online for transactions processed after 5/24/2021. Click here to get your receipt.

and good wishes.

[Fla Dem]

24. Maybe this will be of some help.

Here's the link for the CT DMV web site. Maybe there is something there that can help you.

https://portal.ct.gov/dmv?language=en_US


You can get to this page by going to the top right of the 1st page and click on "RESOURCES"

Then click on "Contact us".

[Vinca]

25. Isn't there an option to talk to a real, live person? If not, call the governor's office and

make a nuisance of yourself until they guarantee someone will call you back. Plan B send a snail mail letter by certified mail explaining the situation and asking a supervisor to call you. Maybe a state representative for your district could make some headway. Good luck. How frustrating.

[CTyankee]

27. Hubby knows the state rep and will call her. But I will try to get through to someone tomorrow durin

the hours they will be available. I'll start at 8:30 and keep trying.

Thanks for all the good wishes and offers to help. I will let you know what happens.

[Treefrog]

26. I find doing it online much easier.

[CTyankee]

28. That was my hope. But look what can happen...