The DMV

Oh have I got a story to tell.  Last week I got pulled over and found out my license was expired.  So I got online made an appointment at the DMV and gathered all the documents needed to renew my license.  I was on a roll.  I got to the DMV and was almost done within 10 minutes.  Then as the lady was processing the final papers she said "hmmmm....there is something in Arizona that has put a block on your account from 1998".  Apparently, the systems were just put online. 

I went outside and called the Arizona DMV to see if I could take care of the block.  I was on the phone waiting for 45 minutes and they told me there was nothing they could do until I was cleared by the judge in small town AZ.  They gave me the court houses phone number and I called them.  They couldn't help me much except to tell me that I had a warrant out for my arrest from an unpaid speeding ticket back in 1998.  I couldn't speak with the Judge over the phone.  It had to be done via mail or in person.  I was a little freaked out at this point. 

So I called Todd and he helped me write up a letter to the judge explaining my situation and pleading guilty to the charges.  I faxed the letter to the court house but then had to wait for the judge to read it and mail me back his decision.  Nothing could be done by phone and they told me not to rush the judge when I would call to check.  It took 2 weeks until I got a letter from the judge and luckily it was only an $800 charge.  Again once I signed the documents and paid the fees I had to wait another week then call the Arizona DMV to clear my name.  Finally almost 2 months after the start I was able to renew my license and I am now legal to drive in Utah and Arizona.  Phew.