DMV
Here’s a phone conversation I had just minutes ago with the DMV:
[After being on hold for ten minutes…]
DMV: Hi, this is Albert, Operator #53. How may I help you?
[The volume is EXTREMELY loud, so I turn my phone’s volume down.]
ME: I’m sorry, what was your name again?
DMV: Albert. A-L-B-E-R-T.
ME: Oh, hi, Albert.
DMV: Operator #53.
ME: Hi, Albert. I’m calling because I renewed my driver’s license on May 17th, and I still haven’t received it.
DMV: Well, it can take up to six weeks to receive your new license.
ME: It was six weeks this past Saturday actually.
DMV: I see.
ME: I’m just concerned because the temporary license is going to expire soon.
DMV: Do you have your license number?
ME: Yes, I do. It’s —
DMV: Well, I am blind. So I cannot operate the machinery myself.
ME: Oh. Uh–
DMV: Please hold while I transfer you to another operator.
ME: Oh. Okay.
DMV: Just tell them you were talking to Albert, and my operator number is 53.
[After holding for another ten minutes –]
DMV: This is Stephanie.
ME: Hi, Stephanie. I was just talking to Albert —
DMV: And Albert transferred you? Of course.
[I should point out that Stephanie sounds EXTREMELY annoyed, whether at the blind guy constantly transferring people to her or at her life in general, I’m not sure.]
ME: I was supposed to have received my new license by now and it hasn’t come.
DMV: Your license number…?
ME: [I give my license number.]
DMV: It was mailed on June 11.
ME: Oh. Well, I haven’t received it.
DMV: It takes four to six weeks.
ME: Well, it’s been six weeks already. And you’re telling me it was mailed almost three weeks ago. It should’ve come by now.
DMV: Not necessariliy.
ME: But mail doesn’t take three weeks.
DMV: I said it goes to the mailroom on June 11. They send it bulk mail. Sometimes it sits there for a while before it goes out.
ME: But my temp license expires on July 15.
DMV: You’ll be fine.
ME: Well —
DMV: If you don’t get it soon, call back. Thank you!
[She hangs up]
So, if you have to call the California DMV and you want the best service available, ask for Albert. He’s operator #53.