Wedding Blog

In my previous blog about the DMV, I told you all about being denied the ability to change my name to First Maiden Newlast. Well, my darling readers, I made myself an 8:45am appointment at the Culver City DMV, planning on being denied for a third time.

Despite being allowed to sleep in this morning until 8am (unlike my usual wakeup time at 6:15am), I woke up at 6:30 anyway. My stomach was turning with the anticipation of the morning’s appointment, and it was all I could do to not show up an hour early! It was nice, though, taking my sweet time getting ready, sitting on the couch in my jammies with Woofie on my lap, watching last night’s Oscar fashion roundup.

Finally, it came time to go, and I made sure to bring my manila folder that contained my marriage certificate, my new DMV application that I filled out last night, my new Social Security card, my IRA statement, insurance cards and ATM cards that had my new information on it. What was I trying to do? Honestly, I was thinking I could collect as much information with my new name on it, hoping they would just give in.

My super cool idea was not even necessary, as I showed up for my appointment, handed the man my application and he asked me two things: “Did you change your name at Social Security?” Yes. “Do you have the ORIGINAL marriage license?” Yes. “Then have a seat and we’ll be with you shortly.” It was very soon after that I was called up, handed my application and original version of my marriage license over with shaking hands to the clerk, and the motions to change my name began. When I didn’t hear a “Sorry…” I realized I may have gotten lucky. Hm, she was asking for my $23.00 for a new ID. Ohmagosh. I looked back at my dad and gave him a happy look, and he grinned back. Third time’s a charm!

I took my picture (it will never be as good as my original picture *tear*), my receipt, and my old ID with the hole punched in it and wandered blissfully out the automatic doors of the Culver City DMV. I guess everyone was right- it really does matter who you “get”. As maddening as it is to have NO continuity at these DMV offices, I can only tell you what I learned after trying three times: Don’t Give Up. Also, as Mrs. Bluebell told me, don’t leave with an ID that reads what you don’t want, it WILL be harder to change it again after that. If they deny you the right to change it to what you want, just leave with nothing, and try again, possibly at another branch. And don’t mention how many times you’ve had to do it, just act as though it’s the first time ever.

Thank goodness it’s DONE!