Photo ID
Attempt #4
My birth certificate showed up today; I thought I
had turned a corner. Headed over to DMV for trip #4 confident that I had finally
met all their requirements, but today I found out that my second form of ID
wasn't acceptable. I really need my social security card, because it looks like
that's the only thing they'll accept that I'm entitled to have.
But I can smell blood, so I go back
home to check out the SSA site and see what I need to get a replacement card. It
doesn't look good. They really want a photo ID, but under some circumstances
will accept weaker documentation. Unfortunately, none of the circumstances
describe online apply to me. So I call up and explain the situation (after a
couple of attempts to figure out how to get through their automated service).
Working her way down the list, the SSA rep eventually tells me that I can use an
insurance card. Period. It's about the last thing on their list and I've got
one.
So I head over to the local SSA
office with my SS-5 all filled out, my birth certificate, my insurance card and
a couple of other things I wouldn't be surprised if they ask for.
Turns out the woman on the phone
didn't give me the whole story. An insurance card is acceptable, but only if it
has your date of birth on it. Mine doesn't. No exceptions. Doesn't matter that
they didn't give me complete information on the phone - apparently the people on
the phone aren't qualified to be answering these questions - and (worst) the
woman at the window ranged between sarcastic and hostile when I tried to explain
to her what was going on. Didn't seem to believe someone could survive as long
as I have without already being in the
system.
The running total, in direct
expenses and time off from work, has broken $1000.
Posted: Thu - May 31, 2007 at 01:16 PM