Trip to the DMV

Today, though I am sure there is someone out there driving like they've never been behind the wheel before, my focus is on my trip to the DMV.  It was time to renew my license.  North Carolina operates separate offices for licensing and for car tags, registration and plates.  You go to one office for your car and another for yourself as a driver.  This is one thing I miss about the VA DMV, though I can't believe I miss anything about that place.  One stop shopping.  Luckily, all I had to do today was the license renewal, so I only had to go to the one office.  This was nice as it only took up half my day instead of my whole day.  Another thing I found myself missing about the VA DMV, is that they have reached the 21st century and will take debit cards.  Seriously?  So after waiting in line and getting all the way to the desk, I find I have to leave and get cash from the ATM.  Back to the DMV I go, and I finally get all the paperwork done.  Do I walk out with my newly renewed license?  No.  In NC, they mail them to you.  After two weeks if you haven't received it, you can give them a call.  That is a lot of lead time on getting a renewed license.  I thought I was doing well to go in two weeks before my license expired, but now I find myself just hoping I get my new one in the mail in time to fly out for vacation in a couple of weeks.  They do give you a nice little print out for you to hold until you get your new license - I'm sure the TSA will take that as an acceptable form of identification.