I have mentioned before that I am a rule-follower.

That typically means law-abiding as well.

So you can imagine my horror when last week, on my birthday, my new driver’s license had not yet arrived. The old one expired on my birthday.

I had mailed in the “renew by mail” form, but I suspected I probably didn’t give it enough time. The paper form didn’t specify a time frame, but their Web site said to allow 15 days. Of course, I didn’t check the Web site until I started to get concerned. I think I mailed it 11 days before I needed it, counting the weekends.

I worked from home on my birthday since I had a few appointments during the day, and stopped by the MVA* to check on the license situation.

They told me it had been mailed on March 26. Usually, in-state mail gets delivered in a day, two at the most. It had only been three days, and the woman who looked up my record convinced me I should hold out for a few more days.

She saw I had a clean driving record, and doubted a cop would give me a ticket for a barely-expired license.

Since I have only ever been pulled over twice, both times over ten years ago when I was a college student, I figured I’d probably be OK. Had I decided to get a duplicate license, I’d have to pay another $30, and I figured it’d likely come the next day anyway.

Friday on the way to and from work, I was well aware that my license was no longer valid. And in the mailbox that evening?

No license.

Over the weekend, I was only driving around town so I wasn’t too concerned. Still, nothing came on Saturday.

During Monday’s commute (despite being on autopilot), I was still well aware of my odometer. I was beginning to ponder how long I should hold out before returning to the MVA, and how I would fit it into my schedule.

Thankfully, a trip to the MVA is not necessary. I am now a legal driver again.

Phew!

*MVA = Motor Vehicle Administration, which is Maryland’s version of every other state’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Not sure how long I have to live in this state for this to seem normal!