DU: Journey with me thru CA lost driver's license bizarro world today

[Misskittycat]

License fell out of pocket while walking. Standing outside DMV waiting to get a number so then I can wait inside for another few hours with my number. Then I will have a temp license without a photo which is useless in most situations. So then I have to take.a bus to another location downtown to get what may be the only other "valid photo identification" aavailable immediately - a transit photo ID

[Misskittycat]

1. Now inside At least it's air conditioned 2ihour wait

[HopeHoops]

2. Shit. The Harrisburg PennDOT location never takes more than 15 minutes (and usually less).

As a kid, I remember the MD DMV taking hours, but I thought those days were over.

[virginia mountainman]

3. My wife lost her license last week...

She was able to log on to the DMV website and take care of it online, 15 minutes and $20 later she was done, and they have mailed it out today for her, along with a print out temporary permit she can use till her new DL gets here!

[Misskittycat]

4. VA Mtnman and others: I need emergency advice re this -- really.

I finally got through the DMV process, but came out with an "Interim Driver's License" that has no photo. The actual replacement license with my thumbprint and picture (as it already appeared on my license since 2004) with all the fancy security stuff will be in the mail. The website indicates it could take several weeks. The DMV clerk said it was only taking about a week right now, but still....

That means I don't have an official "government-issued photo ID" so I can't fly, take a train, or more importantly -- right now -- check into a motel or hotel - apparently. (The DMV clerk did say that the airline would take the interim driver's license, but....)

What I do have is something the DMV clerk offered rather late in our conversation -- while lots of other hot people were waiting their turn: a print-out of my DMV photo on official DMW document with an apparent DMW imprint of sorts. It's titled "DMV Photo Retrieval" and includes a black and white version of my DMW photo, my license no, my name, my DMW signature as it appeared in 2004 on that license, the Seal of the State of California, and the following typewritten language:

"Not a Verified Indentification."
"By clicking "continue" you are certifying that you have viewed the photo/error code."

There's a code below my photo: "mvlrw1"

So, it looks like a semi-official certification that the DMW clerk looked at me and looked online at my photo, signature etc. and was "certifying" that she "viewed the photo."

The interim license has the following caveat: "THIS LICENSE IS ISSUED AS A LICENSE TO DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE; IT DOES NOT ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT, VOTER REGISTRATION, OR PUBLIC BENEFITS."

Below that is my signature (not a copy -- the signature), and the date etc. I also have the official "RECEIPT - NOT A LICENSE OR PERMIT NOT A VERIFIED IDENTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR DL DUPLICATE" with all my information and the California seal and DMV letterhead.

My only other photo ID is a Costco laminated membership card.

When I asked the clerk and other folks -- "what in the world do people do for official identification until the replacement license is mailed out" --they've looked at me like I just grown two heads and had come up with the most absurd question in the world.

I know I'm not the only person who's had a driver's license lost or stolen: what does everyone else do?

In my case, it's preventing me (apparently) from registering at some/most?? hotels/motels and right now I need to do that. My lease was up recently and I've been staying here and there for a few weeks, but now it's between a motel/cheap hotel or the street. I can't even get on a plane or train to go to relatives' homes.

BTW, someone suggested that I go to the main bus system office which does ID cards for the bus passes and the senior, etc. reduced fare eligibility. So I went there, but they can't do an "ID Photo" without my official replacement driver's license with the laminated photo and security stuff. Catch-22.

I feel like I'm Alice and have fallen down the rabbit hole.

Please, DU'ers, I need immediate, serious advice, brainstorming, etc. Please no cutesy or LOL replies. This is very upsetting and is having some serious adverse consequences for me.

Thanks for any help.

PS - if allowable, I may cross-post this question in General Discussion.

[virginia mountainman]

5. Sorry, I made the post and went to work.....

IDK what to tell you. But the Patriot Act is pure Bush-co BS and legislation passed in a hurry seldom turns out well...... Do you have ANY OTHER "official government documents"?? Like a stamped birth certificate, Passport, Concealed Weapon Permit, Voter Registration Card, SSI Card etc.... You may gather up all your documents, and go to the DMV to get a ID card. You may also need a current bill showing an address (i know). Bear in mind too, that I am from Virginia, and am unfamiliar with California procedures. But I just did some research, and it does appear that your practically a non-person in CA for now with no way to speed the process.

I think a professional license may help too (RN, LPN etc...)

You may need to call in a favor from a family member to rent the room, for YOU.

You can fly....From the TSA website...

We understand passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, due to lost items or inadvertently leaving them at home. Not having an ID, does not necessarily mean a passenger won't be allowed to fly. If passengers are willing to provide additional information, we have other means of substantiating someone's identity, like using publicly available databases.

Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or onto an airplane.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/acceptable-ids

Call around, and explain your situation to bus lines, I am certain if you get ahold of the right person ( and be certain to get a name) you can get on. Understand that you may need to climb the chain of command a little bit, as most low level staff will just brush you aside. Same with hotels and motels... If they want your money, they will need to bend a little. Around here I cannot see many mid level or lower motels turning anyone with cash away. Seems like Greyhound will allow you to pay cash for a ticket, as a walk up and not have a photo id...Call ahead and double check that.

Hope this helps somewhat. Be prepared to use cash for transactions!!!