After two years of living in Iowa and having to rely on people or my own two smelly French feet to get me anywhere, I decided to get a driver's license. I need a driver's license because, even though the United States of America is the country of freedom and liberty where dreams come true, I cannot drive with my French license.
Anyway, I went to Warren County Administration, which is across the street from my campus, to gather some information and paperwork. The nice lady behind the counter told me that I need to pass all the tests, just like an American citizen would, even though I have been driving for 5 years now.
So, the last time I had been there, I brought my passport, my license, and a proof of residency--in that case, a letter from my college saying that I was living on campus, and studying in Iowa. We can therefore, with a fair amount of certainty, assume that I am an Iowa resident.
NO! Not for the administration of this country! Apparently, saying that you study and live on a campus located in Iowa is not a proof of residency. The lady told me that I could be studying here, living on campus, and still be a resident of Missouri.
First of all, who would like to live in Missouri? And secondly, why would I study in a college in one state, but live in another? Do they think I love driving several hours every day to go to class? I can't drive, I don't have a LICENSE!
But the funny part is that a bank statement or even a bill from a local doctor are proofs of residency!
So, to be clear here, living and studying all year in a state does not make you a resident. However, going to see a doctor for a headache--potentially while you are simply passing through--is the best proof of all time!
Finally, when you've gone through all that paperwork, it only cost you 10 bucks, and one hour to get a license. And yet we wonder why people are bad drivers...
