I've been to several DMVs in my life because I've traveled and moved quite a bit, and had little to no problems transferring my ID from the state to state. However, when I arrived in Anchorage (in route to a village in the bush) I met a set of complications that I never imagined I would ever encounter with such a simple process.
First of all, for those of you who don't know, Alaska requires you to take a multiple choice state test, even when you're just merely switching your drivers license. Why would they have you take drivers test when you've already had your license for over 20 years? I don't know, but this illogical state DMV functions that way, or should I say dysfunctions that way, especially in anchorage).
Knowing that I had to take this pointless test, I spent some time studying the basic Alaska driving laws, so when I went into the DMV I was well prepared. So after I had all my information (birth certificate, current ID... Etc...) they sent me to a computer that is right next to someone else (why am I seated directly next to someone while taking a test when there's plenty of computers available?). Before I can even start entering my information into the computer the person next to me tries talking to me to get answers, but I just ignore them and try to mind my own business.
So I start answering some questions, I don't get through 3 questions and suddenly they just shut my machine off. I tell the guy up front that they just shut my machine off, and all he says, "Oh, well that means you have to come back tomorrow." I told him I can't because I'm flying out tomorrow morning, he refuses to give me a straight answer, and I leave the DMV without an Alaska ID.
Since the DMV in anchorage refused me in getting an Alaska ID, I flew up to my village (where I'm teaching at) without a state ID (just my current ID from PA). So I try contacting the DMV from my village about this ridiculous situation, and they provide me the steps to receive an Alaska ID from the village. So I follow the steps and send out all my personal information (including my current ID) to them, and in return they send me an Alaska ID with no photo. And they don't give me my old picture ID, so now I'm stuck in Bush Alaska with no photo ID.
How am I supposed to board a plane or literally do anything without a photo ID? The Alaska DMV stole my photo ID without telling me, and have left me in a situation where I have no way of properly identifying myself to anyone for anything. Now when I try calling them and asking about sending me an actual photo ID (like the rest of the country) they basically tell me they can't help me in any way, and refuse to send me an Alaska photo ID which I applied for.
How would you like to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a valid photo ID? Without a photo ID, technically I have no way of leaving the State of Alaska (whether by plane or driving because I would need at least a passport to get through canada, which would require a photo ID).
BEWARE: If you're planning to move to Bush Alaska, give yourself at least 3 or 4 days in Anchorage at the DMV, cause this disaster situation could happen to you...
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