My Bolivian "DMV" Experience

One of the things upon which most Americans agree is that the Department of Motor Vehicles (or whatever entity handles the ID and licensing in your state) is a classic example of government inefficiency.  We love to complain about how long we had to wait in line, the silly hoops you have to jump through, etc, etc.

The next time you feel compelled to participate in this American pastime of DMV-bashing, please consider my recent experience doing a simple driver's license renewal, which is necessary every 5 years.  As you read, keep in mind that: A. this is the standard procedure, B. everyone agrees that the system has improved GREATLY in the past 5-10 years, and C. that most steps have an additional 30-60 minutes in travel time not mentioned below, because of where we live.

Before you can renew your license, you must renew your national ID card, or carnet, which expires at the same time as the license.  Because we are a family of five, everything takes a bit longer.  Here's how the process goes:

Day 1

• Make photocopies of all required documents for ID card, 1 hour
• Go to "DMV" for preliminary document check and reserve an appointment, 1 hour

Day 5

• Go to bank to pay for ID cards ($87/person), 30 min
• Update photocopies as indicated in preliminary, 1 hour
• Go to "DMV" for appointment and submit documents, get finger-printed, etc, 1 hour

Day 16

• Return to "DMV" at appointed time to pick up ID cards, 1 hour
• Hurray, we now have ID cards and I can apply to renew my driver's license!

Day 18

• Go to bank to pay for driving record ($5) and mugshot ($1.50), 1 hour
• Photocopy deposit slips, old license, and old ID card, 10 min
• @Police station: get mugshot, 5 min
• @Police station: get official driving record form, 10 min
• @Police station: get official driving record form filled, 1 hour
• Go to approved clinic for driving physical exam ($8.70), 1 hour

Day 22

• Go to "DMV" and wait in line to get an appointment, 1 hour 15 min
• Go to bank to pay licensing fee ($32), 15 min
• Return to "DMV" later in the day for licensing appointment, 30 min
• Wait at "DMV" for license to be printed and handed over, 1 hour

So all that to say, that in about 3 weeks' time, while waiting about 12 hours (not including travel), you can renew your driver's license!

Time to get the Patrol moving again!