922-GCW

We've been studying the Texas state rules for transferring licenses, car title, etc, etc since May of this year.  http://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/new-to-texas

1. As a car owner, the state requires a state plate transfer prior to drivers license business.  The first stop was Firestone as it is an approved location for emissions testing.  The older gentleman working the counter while I waited had some awesome customer service skills.  I got a kick out of how he tried to steer the conversation as the mechanic complained about how much sand was in and on our car (picked up during our Corpus Cristy beach adventures).  I waited for less than an hour and the cost was only $7.
2. Our next stop was San Antonio Title Service.  Although we've only had it since 2012, the Honda Civic has been owned by the Powell Family since 2001, initially by Momma Marie, then Dad and lastly passed on to Naysia.  When Naysia realized we were getting new plates her only concern was if we'd be able to keep the Arizona plates.  She stayed in the car while I entered the small building occupied by 3 women.  There was no wait and the lady on the far left waved me over to her desk.  Diane was a kind, southern woman who is proud of her city and state.  She's never been to Arizona, and although she's heard lots about it, she has no desire to ever go--despite how majestic the mountains sound.  Ten minutes and $225 later we had new plates and will receive the updated title in the mail. 
3. Compared to my previous DMV experiences, The Texas Department of Public Safety has made getting a new driver's license a breeze.  When we left Ripley's Title Service I was able to check into DPS From my cell phone.  I received a text back immediately with the wait time and had the option to extend check in time or cancel, if needed.  It was about a 30 minute drive to Leon Valley Mega Center and we arrived 10 minutes before our scheduled time.  Both the lobby and bathroom were clean and organized.  There were screens mounted throughout the building listing our ticket number and minutes left.  I was helped by a young lady named Sonia who was eager to hear our transfer story.  In response, she shared that she was born and raised in San Antonio and has no desire to live anywhere else.  Ever.  She's traveled some and thinks no where else compares to the people, culture, climate, and events.  She snapped my photo, I paid the required $25, and signed my temporary license.  I got my AZ driver's license in the summer of 1994.  The number has been ingrained in my brain and I've used the same photo for at least 10 years.  To my surprise I mourned just a little when I had to surrender it.  Her final statement as I gathered my things was, "Congratulations! You're officially a Texan!"  I thanked her and made my way two windows down and waited for Naysia as her process was completed too. 

We celebrated at Naysia's favorite/my least favorite restaurant, Chili's.  I hate that place but I'll do almost anything for her.  While we ate we laughed at how much her driver's license photo looks like Lauryn Hill and talked about where we'll mount the AZ plates.  Another item on our "To Do" list completed.