Bring Cash

As a new resident of Los Angeles, having moved from New York City recently, I have been immediately impressed with the friendliness of the city and its people. But the ease of my new West Coast life has suddenly been severely complicated by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The process of applying for a California license was relatively simple, but the trouble began when my old license was taken away and I was given my temporary California license. I got my license as soon as possible after my arrival, having been told I couldn’t open a bank account without one. My new license is “not a verified identification.” My old license would have been accepted, however. My expired license of several years ago doesn’t count, nor does my New York University student ID. , both of which have my picture and signature on them. Credit cards would be secondary IDs, but without a valid license or passport, they are useless.

OK, I’ll wait the two to four weeks until I get my license to open an account, and I’ll just cash a check. No, not without a bank account I won’t. Fine, I’ll get a cash advance on a bank card. Sorry, my new temporary California license is not a verified ID. What’s a new California resident supposed to do without money? Maybe this can warn any new and unsuspecting Californians to bring money!

PAMELA SUPPLEE

Mar Vista