Wow! Here in TX, I just show them my old license and proof of auto insurance, give them a thumbprint and they take my picture and I pay the fee. Three minutes top! Don't know about the veteran stuff though since I am not one. Only first time applicants have to show a birth certificate. First renewal after visiting the DMV can be done online, by phone or mail. Every other renewal must be in person. Very easy here.
Joe- NJ must be bad if it makes MD look good.
Sorry, having lived in Maryland, nothing makes it look good. Maybe the Eastern Shore, but that is a different country altogether
Ok folks, here's the deal. During the aftermath of 9-11, it was discovered that several people of Mid-Eastern heritage, who were of questionable character, and may have had something to do with the terror attacks on the World Trade Center, had obtained New Jersey Driver's Licenses, from a DMV office in Hudson or Essex County. Allegedly, several State Employees, were providing improper credentials to people of questionable character for a fee.
The State's predictable reaction, to the alleged wrong doing of a few State Employees, was to devise a new system that would punish the citizens of New Jersey, for the sins of a few opportunistic government employees. Thus the 6 point system of identification was established. Thestate has a list of acceptable identification documents available on line, and has published a brochure. However, final determination of what is acceptable, is up to the individual state employee at the DMV office. The state is trying to convince the population, that this is for our protection, from illegal immigrants and terrorists etc. when in fact its another way to bust balls.
Last night I sat up and dug out all the credentials necessary for both of us to go through the line and not have to share documents. I used my expiring, but still in effect NJ digital drivers license, worth 4 points, my 1978 re-issue Pennsylvania Birth certificate, also worth 4 points, and my 1973 issue DD 214 as a secondary identifier worth 2 points. - I went to Ms. Nice lady, who was pleasant, and didn't find anything wrong. My wife got the next clerk,
Ms Jerzy B**ch, who took exception to my wife's Pennsylvania birth certificate, (had her maiden name), disallowed the Marriage certificate, because it was issued by the County and not the State??? , Rejected the Property tax Bill (legitimate 2 point secondary identifier), and grudgingly accepted her Medicare card as a secondary identifier.
(Same person would not accept a guy's US Passport although it's a 4 point identifier, because she didn't think the photo looked like the guy???)
Meanwhile, I had a easy transaction with a third clerk, for my Disabled placard renewal. Sheesh!
Maryland, was never a problem when I lived there, I used DMV offices in PG, Charles, and Harford Counties, all in Mainland Maryland.
Reaching back into my memory vault, I recall Pennsylvania was always a bigger PIA than any one else.