Do Bigshots Have to Wait in Line at the DMV?

What I mean is this - in theory, one must show up in person at the motor vehicles department in order to get photographed, take a vision test, etc. for one’s driver license. It’s hard to imagine a senator, governor, or congressman being forced to go through this unpleasant process. Is there some special expedited procedure that these VIPs get to go through? Or do they just drive around without licenses, knowing that there will be no consequences if they are stopped for speeding? Or do they just suck it up and wait in line with the commoners every couple years?

They wait in line. I’ve seen them. Some are not happy, but they wait.

Congressmen yes - Governors Federal Cabinet Members no.

You will not see Dick Cheney standing in the information line waiting for his liscence. However you may see congressmen Joe Blow standing infront of you.

I saw Congressmen Rob Simmons ® Connecticut a while back at the town hall paying his taxes…

Its not the DMV but hey, he was there.

I’d say people with body guards may get special attention, maybe go to the DMV after or before hours.

I mean what would you do if you are the local DMV teller behind the desk and you get Robert De Niro’s birth certificate slapped on the table in front of you. And then you hear this eerily low voice say…“Do you know who I em?

Soon-to-be former Governor Scott McCallum of Wisconsin butted in line at the DMV.

http://www.channel3000.com/politics/1241952/detail.html

http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=tct:2002:04:18:32026:EDITORIAL

I can’t really picture Tom Cruise waiting in line at the DMV.

There is an office of the California DMV inside the state capitol building. Which I suspose is one reason that the lawmakers never get too excited about improving the service out in the real world for us peons.

Or Richard Petty.

As the OP has been answered, can I digress a little:

Excusing my ignorance of American Driving Licensing procedures, but why would anyone have to wait in line?

Can you not apply or register by post? Is it for tax, licence, insurance, registration…what?

Thanks.

In the UK we just post the photos (signed & verified by a professional non-family member) in with the application.
Any 20M eye test takes place at the time of sitting the practical driving test. There is no reason here to actually go in, AFAIK)

The two states I have drivers licenses from, California and New Mexico, the photos were taken at the DMV. The tests either written or driving were taken at the DMV. Renewal of licenses where a test is not required can be done by mail. Renewal of registration can be done by mail and in CA they encourage it. Initial auto registration is taken care of by the dealer. I don’t know how private sales are handled.

Basically the only time you need to wait in line in California is to initially take the tests. You photo and thumb print will be taken at that time. You can also set up appointments in California so you don’t actually have to wait very long in line.

Thanks gaz, but surely everyone would be 16-17 (whatever the legal age is for driving) when taking their tests, with the odd stragger slightly older.

Why (or even how?) would congressmen not have a licence long prior to being well-known?

Do most people not get their licence as teenagers, then go on later in life to become someone 'important’?

In the state of California, you are required to show up in person every eight years to renew your driver’s license. You are also required to show up in person if you are over 70, or if you are on some kind of driving probation or suspension.

When I worked at the California statehouse, I once stood in line behind then-governor George Deukmajian at the ATM across the street. He waited his turn like everyone else.

Most people who are celebrities don’t ask for special favors in my opinion. I work in a public library that gets a lot of work from Hollywood.

It’s the people who work for the celebrities who ask for the special favors.
As an example, Diane Keaton was always polite to the staff and never demanded any special favors although we eventually let her do her research in her office so she wouldn’t be bothered.

But it’s not like she asked to take rare books home with her also.

Thanks. That’s the bit that confused me.

In the UK all correspondence can be by post between 17 and, I think, 70. No need to turn up in person at all.