7/11    Question.  I'm an out-of-state resident and I'm supposed to get
        a California driver's license because my insurance company won't
        cover me anymore.  First of all, why is the California DMV so
        slow at issuing a new license (1 month).  It's a stupid plastic
        card with a hologram on it (less sophisticated than my company
        ID which only took 5 minutes to make).  Second of all, how in the
        world are we supposed to get around for a month in situations
        where banks ask "can I see your photo ID please" when they take
        away our old licenses?
        \_ It's called a passport. Do you have one, or are you a hick?
           \_ Or a credit card with your picture on it.
        \_ tell dmv that you lost your old license.  dont know what
           california requires, but when i told the dmv here that i
           lost my cal license they told me to ask california for
           proof (which i got with a phone call and a wait of three
           weeks).  got the other state license (maryland) without
           actually giving up my california one (still valid until
           2004).          in short: tell lies and be patient.
        \_ They took your old license?  Why?  When I moved to California,
           the guy at the DMV took my out-of-state license, punched a hole
           in it (through the expiration date), handed it back to me, and
           explained that it was for exactly that reason.  I still have it.
                \_ Same here, except they put a sticker on that said something
                   like "For temporary identification use only."  -alan-
           \_ Why can't someone have both a valid license from California and
              a valid one from another state?
                \_ because states only grant licenses to residents and you
                   can't be a resident of two states at once
        \_ Looks like you should go to the private sector. BTW, it takes them
           6 months to make my card. - muchandr
           \_ But, But, But, thats becuase everyone loves you so much!
        \_ DMV gives you a piece of paper called 'Temporary Driver License'.
           Carry this around with you (yes, I know they're bulky) because
          it is a valid piece of ID. Then bring any picture ID you have; even
          it is a valid piece of ID.
          \_ No it's not; in fact it says "not valid for identification" right
             on it.  They took my NJ license when I moved here, it was very
             inconvenient.
             What's really annoying is that good drivers only have to go
             to the DMV every 12 years for a renewal, while you have to go
             in every 6 years for an ID card.  -tom
                \_It's only 5 years for good driver renewals, actually
                        \_ Nah, did mine by mail.  Been driving 15 years.
          Then bring any picture ID you have; even
          your old Cal Berkeley ID. I agree with everyone here; DMV should NOT
          have taken your out-of-state driver license but rather void the DL
          and hand it back to you. As for the argument for having TWO DLs from
          different state is due to consistency issue (I guess). Someone
          explained it to me a long time ago, just can't remember.
          \_ Finally *someone* mentioned the temporary CDL.  And yes, bring
             and use your passport until you have a CDL.
          \_ You can't buy a gun with the paper temp CDL.  Pisses me off.
                \_ I'm pro-gun but I'm glad certain people are too stupid to
                   manage to buy one.
        \_ When i was 19 and lived in the dorms, the guy down the hall
           made me a Calif Driver's License for $50. Got it in 2 days.
                \_ Yeah and then a cop runs the number and arrest your dumb
                    freshy ass.
        \_ I got my new photo ID in 15 days. And registration sticker in
           less thanthat. The DMV hates you out-of-staters, so they purposely
           sent your license to the wrong address.