Card-Totin' Residents

It's official... we live in Ohio and have the documentation to prove it. After 3 trips (yes, 3) to the happiest place on Earth we were finally able to get our drivers' licenses and one of our cars titled and registered.
Why 3 trips you ask?

Trip 1 -
We both took the written driver's test. Neglected to bring proof of residency so we couldn't get licenses but could get the ball rolling on titling car #1, which involves getting the vehicle inspected and transferring the title from FL to OH through our lien holder.

Trip 2 -
Attempt #2 to get my license with proof of residency in hand. Unfortunately, along with the FL license and social security card, you also need a birth certificate -- though this isn't indicated on the website.

Trip 3 -
Finally, new licenses for both of us. Were also able to have car #2 retitled, registered and plated in Ohio.

Trip 4 -
Oh joy, we get to return next week to finish titling car #1 and get plates.

Things that annoy me/us about the DMV:

• In Ohio, it's the BMV, not DMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles). I don't know if Ohio is the only state with a BMV, but I just assumed that it was DMV everywhere.
• Proof of Residency - A legal signed lease does not qualify as a legitimate proof of residency. Credit card statements, bank statements, and utility bills all qualify, as does a voter registration card. 
• Interestingly enough, you are not required to show proof of residency to register to vote (ie. you do not have to prove you live in the district you'll be voting in) but it is acceptable proof for the BMV.
• Registering a sailboat costs $5 more than registering another type of boat. It's a "conservation fee". When you figure out that logic, let me know.
• License plates are required to go on the back AND front of the car. Time to drill pretty holes in our bumpers.
• Ohio requires we take a written driver's test before we can get a license. Yes, we passed on our first try.
• "One stop locations" involve having the car inspected in one location, walking next door and processing the title, then returning to first location to purchase the plates -- each time getting in line all over again.

I'll have to say, though, that at least we found a location close to my work that has very short lines, so fortunately we were able to accomplish things on our lunch breaks.

Of course, all of this did not come without a price...

Expenses:

• Driver's License $23.00 x2: $46.00
• Transfer of title to Ohio (car 2): $22.00
• Transfer of title to Ohio (car 1): $30.00
• Registration and new License plates (car 2): $37.25
• Registration and new License plates (car 1): TBD -- awaiting title transfer from lien holder
• Saving 40% on car insurance for having cars in OH vs. FL: PRICELESS!