....Nope. It's not the job search. Not even the process of changing your address (although, that's a close second). But it's the process of becoming an 'official' resident of that state - meaning getting your driver's license and re-registering the car. I think it's such a huge pain because of all the steps needed to change the registration. Change to Colorado car insurance, VIN verification, emissions test, etc.
I've been in Colorado for not quite a year, yes I'm aware that I should have done this awhile ago, but deal with it folks. I had to renew my Kansas plates the day before I moved to Colorado, so I made the executive decision I would just wait the year out to renew.
With my last comp day of the season, I headed to the DMV......not thinking that this was a Monday, therefore, the busiest day of the week to go. I got to the DMV a little later than expected, which meant I was at the back of a very long line. After three hours of waiting, they finally called my number and I made my way up to the counter. I had properly done research to figure out what was needed, so that I would be able to get in and out, but apparently the DMV website decided they didn't need to provide all of the information necessary. My Kansas driver's license had my middle initial on it, and in cases like that, Colorado requires proof of your full legal name, meaning they needed a birth certificate or passport. Unfortunately, I didn't have those in my possession at the time.
So I got back in my car, drove back to my apartment, found my passport (thank goodness I still had it) and went back to the DMV. Because I had used not the friendliest tone with the employee at the counter, he felt bad for me and said I could cut in front of everyone and head right back to him when I returned. After the painful waiting game (and some HUUUUUUGE apologies to the employee), I was able to get the driver's license paid for, picture taken, and paper temporary ID issued in less than ten minutes. If it takes such a short amount of time to do all of this - how on earth does it take them so long to move people through the line?
A couple weeks later, I completed the registration process and went to get my license plates for my car. This time around, I learned my lesson about the waiting game. The office opened at 8am so I headed over there at about 7:45. Sure enough, this was the way to go. I ended up getting 9th in line and was in and out of the office in under twenty minutes - score!
The issue this time around? I didn't have my car title. I once again, had done the research to figure out everything I needed, and I thought I had my car title.......I was wrong. Before you say anything, I do own my car outright, I no longer have a loan on it, so the title should be in my possession, not the banks. But I have on idea where it's at. Truth be told, I don't remember ever having it. Luckily, the woman still issued my plates, and said that once I get my title, they can change my car's registration for no cost.
So it only took a few weeks to get myself officially registered as a Colorado resident (and one trip back to the apartment because I had forgotten my 'temporary' ID, and therefore couldn't order a drink), but I can finally check that off my list. Now, if I ever think about moving again, besides making sure that my dad is in good health and can handle the stress of me moving, remind me of the pain it is to not find a new job, but to register my car.
Next on the list? What I can only assume will be another adventure trying to track down my car title. Kansas, I'll be calling soon.
