Red Tape -- Illinois Style

So, I thought Bermuda was full of bureaucratic red tape. I don’t think Illinois is any better.

I spent most of Wednesday morning at the Motor Vehicle Department, Chicago office, trying to accomplish three things: (1) get Illinois license plates for our Chicago car; (2) get an Illinois driver’s license (my Wisconsin license expires next year, and we thought it prudent to maintain some sort of U.S. license so that when (and perhaps, if) we return permanently we won’t have to go through the hassle of taking road tests again); and (3) get the title for the Vespa into my name (I took ownership two days before we packed it up for Bermuda, so never was able to have the title put into my name).

After about an hour and forty-five minutes, I accomplished one out of three.

I went away with the plates for the car, and the new title will be mailed to me. Simple.

As to the driver’s license, I needed to take four things with me: current (Wisconsin) driver’s license, passport (or birth certificate), proof of residency (a utility bill mailed to me at an Illinois address), and finally my Social Security card. My what? Geez, I can’t remember the last time someone has asked to see the Social Security card. Well, great, I think I know where the card is located – in Bermuda, of course. I could have applied for a duplicate card, but that would have taken four weeks. So, postpone the driver’s license for now.

And then, the Vespa title. All I wanted was to have the title put into my name. I didn’t need a license plate since the scooter is in Bermuda. The routine went something like this: I had to fill out two forms, go first to the “Revenue” window to pay a $25 tax on the scooter. From there, I took the form to a DMV clerk who then told me that I didn’t have (and couldn't easily provide) all the proper forms for the title transfer. At that point, it seemed easier to go to Wisconsin and have it sorted out there. So I went back to the Revenue window to try to get my $25 back. Fat chance. Instead, I have a form that I need to fill out and send to Springfield for the refund. If I bother with it, I’m sure it’ll take two months.

So now, the red tape we experienced in Bermuda doesn’t seem so unusual. It’s probably the world-wide norm.

Anyway, it's great to be in Chicago. Love the brisk, sunny weather.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.