At the DMV – Renewing a Driver’s License

Scene: A busy DMV office. Miguel has been waiting in line. A screen shows “Now serving B-42”. Miguel walks to the counter.

Conversation

CLERK: Good morning. Ticket number?

MIGUEL: Good morning. It’s B-42.

CLERK: Thank you. How can I help you today?

MIGUEL: I’d like to renew my driver’s license. It expires next month.

CLERK: All right. May I see your current driver’s license and one more form of ID, please?

MIGUEL: Sure. Here’s my license and my passport.

CLERK: Great, thank you. Do you still live at the same address?

MIGUEL: No, I moved last month. I live on Pine Street now.

CLERK: Okay, I’ll need your new address. Please write it on this form and sign at the bottom.

Miguel writes his new address and signs the form.

MIGUEL: Here you go.

CLERK: Thank you. Do you want a real ID, or a regular license?

MIGUEL: What’s the difference?

CLERK: A real ID can be used to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings. For a regular license, you cannot use it for those purposes.

MIGUEL: I usually fly once or twice a year, so I think I’ll get the real ID.

CLERK: Okay. Then I also need two documents that show your address, like a utility bill or bank statement.

MIGUEL: I have my electric bill and my bank statement with me. Are those okay?

CLERK: Yes, that’s perfect. I’ll scan these for our records.

The clerk types on the computer and scans the papers.

CLERK: Now, you’ll need to take a new photo and do a vision test. Please stand on the line and look at the camera.

MIGUEL: (laughs) I hope my photo looks okay this time.

The camera flashes.

CLERK: All right, now read the letters on line three of the chart, please.

MIGUEL: E… F… P… T… O… Z.

CLERK: Good. You passed the vision test. The renewal fee is 45 dollars.

MIGUEL: Can I pay by card?

CLERK: Yes, we accept debit or credit card. Please insert your card and follow the instructions on the screen.

Miguel pays the fee.

CLERK: Thank you. Here is your temporary license. Your new card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

MIGUEL: Great, thank you for your help.

CLERK: You’re welcome. Have a nice day.

MIGUEL: You too.

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

DMV /ˌdiːˌemˈviː/ (n.) Department of Motor Vehicles; a government office that handles driver’s licenses, ID cards, and vehicle registration. Example: The DMV is very busy on Saturdays.
Driver’s license /ˈdraɪvərz ˌlaɪsns/ (n.) an official card that allows you to drive a car legally. Example: I’d like to renew my driver’s license.
Renew /rɪˈnuː/ (v.) to make a document, license, or agreement valid again for more time. Example: You need to renew your license before it expires.
Expire /ɪkˈspaɪər/ (v.) to stop being valid after a certain date. Example: My license expires next month.
Form of ID /fɔːrm əv ˌaɪˈdiː/ (n.) something that shows who you are, like a passport or ID card. Example: May I see one more form of ID, please?
Address /əˈdres/ (n.) the place where you live, with street and number. Example: Do you still live at the same address?
Real ID /ˈriːəl ˌaɪˈdiː/ (n.) a special type of ID card or license that meets federal security standards in the U.S. Example: Do you want a real ID, or a regular license?
Utility bill /juːˈtɪləti bɪl/ (n.) a bill for services like water, electricity, or gas. Example: An electric bill is a kind of utility bill.
Vision test /ˈvɪʒn test/ (n.) a check to see how well you can see. Example: You’ll need to take a vision test.
Temporary /ˈtempəreri/ (adj.) for a short time only, not permanent. Example: Here is your temporary license.

At the DMV: Renewing a Driver’s License

Characters:

Conversation

Vocabulary List