My Identity

Did you know in the United States after you have moved states like I did from California to New York "you must apply for a driver license not more than 30 days after you become a resident'?

I had no idea and immediately looked outside myself for blame as if there should be a whole welcome packet presented to me and a government agent assigned to me to insure that my transition into east coast life goes smoothly.

So after almost 24 consecutive 30 day periods in New York, I finally got around to it.

I had to go to the License-Express Office at 34th and 8th. Sort of a DMV drive-through. Very slam bam thank you ma'am which works fine in cases involving oneself and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

This was all fine, but I just had not thought of the emotional damage that would be done. I am totally committed to living here AND staying here, but I did not realize how tied I was to my driver's license which one has to "surrender."

Today I surrendered the license I have had since I was 16 years old. Not the actual license, but I have had that "N906......." number on a CA license since then. And I had to say goodbye to it so unceremoniously and publicly like a pet about to be put down or a left behind area code.

I will soon be a New York Driver's license holder in a city that I have never driven in because it scares the living headlights out of me.

I will NOT be sad to see my former photo go as I was -- let's be kind here-- "chubby" and "swollen" in it. And I feel having a NYS license furthers my commitment to my adopted city that I love.

Goodbye sweet prints...