Sometimes I surprise myself at the boners I pull. While I was driving through Iowa yesterday, I remembered that I had forgotten to pack my passport. I’ve never needed it before to renew a driver’s license, and I wasn’t leaving the country, but I thought I’d bring it along just in case. I did know things have changed in
South Dakota, and you have to prove you stayed overnight with a receipt. When I got to Alternative Resources (my mail forwarding service and official address) today to find out where the DMV is, they informed me that I had to have two forms of identification besides my driver’s license. Oh no! I thought I had done all of this driving for nothing. When I checked into the motel and calmed down a little, I did remember receiving a letter from Alternative Resources in January listing what you needed in order to renew, but it slipped my mind.
There’s no way I can get the documents sent to me in time to get back to pick up Emma from the kennel on Friday. They are locked inside my RV, and I’m the only one with a key. I guess I had better give Robyn a set of keys for just such an emergency situation. Things didn’t turn out quite as bad as I first thought. Tomorrow I can go to the DMV with my motel receipt, and my old license and get a temporary license until I can return with the proper documentation. I’ll be near Rochester, MN, in September for my yearly checkup, and can take a day to drive to Sioux Falls and back to get it taken care of. At least I don’t have to stay overnight again. I could just kick myself.
The drive itself went much smoother today, and there was even a scenic pull off after I crossed the Missouri River. Of course it was 63 steps to get to the top, but worth the view.
Because of the high heat and humidity, it was a little hazy out. If you look closely though, you can make out the river and even some of the flooded farmer’s fields. I-29 is closed going south off of I-680, but luckily I was heading north.
It was a nice rest area, and so very green.
As I headed north, some of the low areas of the road were buttressed with tall large bags filled with small rocks. Can’t imagine what each of those bags weighs, but they seemed to be doing the job of keeping the water off of the highway.
Once I calmed down at the motel, I gave JIM and Linda Smith a phone call. Jim is a fellow RV blogger and writes from the viewpoint of his motorhome. They are in Sioux Falls for the same reason I am, and Linda and I share the same birthday. They were surprised by all the requirements too, but at least they had their rig with them so they could go back and dig them out. We met at the local Cracker Barrel, and had an enjoyable time talking about life on the road. This was our second meeting, so I’m sure we’ll cross paths again some time down the road.
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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You are taking it very well. I would be royally pissed. I can't believe how much things have changed in just 3 years. I always carry my passport when I go on any trips, but how do you figure 2 ID's plus the old driver's license? I don't think I have anything else with my picture on it. I guess it's an even bigger ordeal in many other states.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you asked, but do both IDs need to have pictures? Can you use a credit card or social security card if you have it in your wallet? I'm sure there are people that don't have two picture IDs. Not everyone has a passport. Geez!!
ReplyDeleteI think you took that little blooper a whole bunch better than a lot of folks, including me.
ReplyDeleteYou are a saint. I would have been ranting and raving. Great rest area, beautiful shots. Safe travels, and stay cool
ReplyDeleteSounds like something I would do!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you have any mail addressed to your mailing address there, there is a slim chance they might accept that as ID. Very slim, but I'd try, especially if it is a bill of any kind.
I think ll the increases in requirements has to do with illegal immigration and terrorists. Of course both of these categories will have all the correct documentation. It's just us honest people who are pinched.
ReplyDeleteGlad it worked out partially. I would have been bundle of stress. I guess the RV life helps you go with the flow.
Bummer. Most folks are annoyed at the drivers license and one other picture ID, as is required last tie in FL. Most do not carry three with them all the time.
ReplyDeleteI guess I can get two ID's maybe, but if two extra are not good, then maybe next you will need a fourth to verify the first three.
I think we all know why this is going on and that just makes it all the more annoying
Lots of ID required these days that's for sure. At least the day ended o.k. with a dinner with friends.
ReplyDeleteAnd you still managed to get some great pics! We did the drivers license thing last year in SD...thank goodness I had read a blog prior to that listed all the new requirements, but I'm sure you're not the first one that made that blunder! Be safe!
ReplyDeleteFor my 2nd id I went to the SS office and got a copy of my 1099. THAT apparently works. Our mailbox people told me about that asI did not have my SS card.
ReplyDeletetoo bad about not having the right amount of documentation..but climbing those 63 steps sure was worth the views!
ReplyDeleteAT least you can get the temporary one that will hold you over. So it wasn't a totally wasted trip. But I, too, would have been ranting or crying. That seems to be my thing when the stress gets so bad. So glad you climbed those 63 steps for me. The views were gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThat was an easy blunder to make. Hope it all turns out okay. I enjoyed your pictures today!
ReplyDeleteI have also taken to carrying my passport with me in my truck, just in case they reinstate the draft again.Be safe out there. Sam & Donna...
ReplyDeleteWhat a pain, but there's nothing you can do about it now, and it looks like you made the best of your situation. Beautiful scenery and the pictures were great as always.
ReplyDeleteRats- I do stuff like that all the time. Took us two visits to get our licenses in TX.
ReplyDeleteWe needed 3 forms of ID and an affidavit from our friends that we were residents on their property. Crazy times...
It certainly is a pain to prove who you are these day but those are the times we live in. I too would have been majorly upset and you are an example of how to take it in stride and just deal with it. Glad they gave you a temporary reprieve.
ReplyDeleteThat's why we hate leaving our RV. Whatever we need is bound to still be in it. Glad you were able to at least get the temporary and going back from Rochester is not too much of a hassle. Although we'd probably wait until we were leaving Rochester then go to Sioux Falls so as to have with us whatever else it turns out we need. Good to know about the 1099, though since neither of us has the "new style" SS card and I've heard they don't accept the old paper ones with our names and numbers just typed on them.
ReplyDeleteYou can have a combination keybox attached to your home. Then, anyone with the code can get the key to your front door. And you can change the code whenever you like. You can get one at any hardware store.
ReplyDeleteI thought SD allowed you to renew online?
That is a bummer indeed!! Pretty soon we'll need to give blood and have DNA checked. LOL Glad you got the temp and will be able to stop back by later and get the permanent. You are a great trooper!!
ReplyDelete