DMV and a Zip Code Change
By Gary Becker
Gary is also featured in "A Beach Bums View" in the Barrier Islands Gazette.
They are possibly going to assign a new zip code to the small town I call home. Now I really didn't care if my zip code was changed or not until I began to think about all the things that I deal with that require a zip code. 
One of those things that I am going to have to deal with is changing the address on my driver's license. I decided to call the fine folks at the driver's license place and ask how I go about changing the zip code on my drivers license. The call went like this:
"Driver's License Bureau can you hold?" Before I could answer I heard a click followed by the mellow sounds of the most obnoxious music I have ever heard. After about 10 minutes a voice that reminded me of the "Wicked Witch from the West" blurted out "Can I help you?"
"Yes, my community is changing it's zip code and I would like to know what I need to do to change the zip code on my driver's license?" I asked."You need to fill out a change of address form and obtain a new driver's license." said the voice.
"But I'm not changing my address, I'm only changing my zip code" I told her.
"Our computers will not accept a zip code change. They will only accept a total change of address." the voice advised.
"So I have to fill out a change of address form with my current address and the new zip code?" I questioned.
"No. Our computers will not accept a zip code only change. You must completely change your address. In other words, you have to move to another residence." the voice stated.
"But I don't want to move. I only want to change my zip code. No that's wrong. I don't want to change my zip code, someone else does." I pleaded.
"Sir, if your zip code has been changed, your driver's license must reflect that change or you will be in violation of the law and subject to a civil penalty. In order to maintain a valid driver's license, you must move to a new residence and submit a change of address form. You may then, after 10 days, move back to your old address and resubmit the old address as a new address reflecting the new zip code. This is the only way you can change the zip code on your driver's license", said the voice as it grew more and more impatient.
"Are you telling me I must move out of my home and into another residence, get a new driver's license with the new address on it, then move back into my original residence and get yet another new driver's license just to change my zip code?", I said in dismay.
"Yes, have a nice day" click.
I suddenly got a real bad feeling about this zip code thing.
