DMV again!

I've always had memorable experiences at DMV (refer shanatkc.blogspot.com)

It is nearly 2 years since I moved to TX from Kansas, but i was holding on to my KS licence (without transferring it to a TX one) all this time for a couple of reasons.

1. I was told if i get my licence in TX, it is going to have an note saying that I am on a temporary work Visa. It will include my Visa expiration date as well which is not too far. Whereas my KS licence had an expiration date in 2014 which i thought was cool.

2. A more important reason, i like my pic on my KS drivers licence.

Technically speaking, i am supposed to transfer my licence within 30 days of my move to TX. However, I've not had any issues using KS licence (even though i've been pulled over by cops for either speeding or warning my headlamp isn't working...no one had any concern of me using the KS licence)
A couple of weeks back, my insurance called me and told me that I'll have to get a TX licence or else they are not going to renew my insurance.
So, I was finally at the DMV office on a Tuesday evening waiting for my token number to be called.
"Licence", a lady in her late 50s asked me at counter 3.
I provided my Kansas licence.
"Registration and social security card"
I gave that too... The lady turned aside, adjusted her specs and started typing on her computer. For some reason, she resembled my business user, a tough person. Not a good feeling!
She gave my registration and SS card back and asked me to pose for a pic...flash! Wished it came out as good as it was in my KS licence.
"Twenty five dollars please"
I then remembered that the DMV will take only cash and that I didn't have any.
"Do you accept card?"
"No. Cash or cheque only"
She told me to come back with cash and that I'll have to get a token again, wait in the queue. It was already 4.40 p.m and they close at 5.
Switched on my GPS, and relying on it to get me to the nearest bank. 'Bank of America in .9 miles'. Should be back in no time. It routed me to the highway. Not right. It apparently was routing to a Bank of America close to my home (not close to my current location). I can't make it to the bank in time. I then realized I'm on a highway without any licence. I should turn back to DMV to get my licence. Struck in traffic, i recollected sweet memories my GPS had given me in various trips including my trip to Canada which was not planned.
It was 5.10 when I reached DMV.
"The door is locked" a mexican lady pulling the DMV door told her mom.
Her mom then tried, it still wouldn't open. Then again, but with a little more force. Still no.
I approached the security guard who was lowering the flag. I told him that the DMV is having my licence and I need that back. He took me in through a side door.
My 'business user' to whom I spoke an hour back couldn't remember me. Then finally she recollected, "you are the one with H1 visa", thankfully not a comment on my name.
"We can't complete the transaction now, we are closed", she snapped.
"That's fine, i can come back tomorrow. But can I have my license back"
"We've shredded it" she said calmly.
"What?" felt bad and angry as my nice pic on my KS license is shredded.
"We shred all our documents by our end of the day"
"So, should I drive today without a licence" i wanted my license back.
She started thinking as this was a legal question to which she has to answer responsibly..."Well, in Texas you need to have a license to drive"
Then thoughtfully she went to a back room and came back after a few minutes.
"Sorry I can't find your license. There is a stack of documents, it will take time. Please come tomorrow"
As I left, she again said "sorry about that"
They ideally should have given my license back if the transaction couldn't be completed at that time. A feeling of guilt that they made me drive without a license must have haunted them, because they called me up an hour later (when I was in Walmart) and told me that they found my license. This time she made fun of my name. She said she can wait for half hour more if I am coming over to collect it or I could come the next day. I chose to come the next day.
Next day (today) at 8 in the morning.
"I came yesterday for transferring my Kansas license.." before I could complete my sentence, the person in the front desk stood up and escorted me with all respect. The rest of the crowd was watching me as I skipped the token system and the long wait and went to the counter. Every one in DMV office whom I had met yesterday, greeted me and the ones I didn't meet yesterday also knew about me. The thought that they made me drive without a license for a day, must have bothered them all.
"We will mail your TX license in 4 weeks..till then this is your temporary license" the person at the counter gave me my temp license.
I was in and out of DMV in 5 minutes. As I looked at my pic in the temporary license, i thought 'Not bad' :-)