Something sleazy comes this way

That Transito office in Chapala really has gotten pretty bad.

I needed to renew my Jalisco driver's license this week, so went in the other day a little after 2pm. I knew it was late-ish in the day, but thought I'd give it a shot since it was just a renewal. The woman at the desk said they stop accepting applications at 1:30. Okay, "Could you check my documents to make sure I have everything I need for when I return?" She looked through my stuff and asked what the bank account statement was for. "Comprobante de domicilio," I said. She says they can't use that. I mention that according to the official Jalisco State website, it's acceptable, and that it is exactly the same document I used to get my first, current license. She asks me how long ago that was. I feel like pulling out my current license and telling her the exact date, but instead just say, "Four years ago." She takes another look at it. The statement is from Multivalores. She says, "We can't accept this. They are a Casa de Bolsa, not a bank."

Actually, Multivalores is both. But at this point, I know there's no point taking it any further. Her heels are dug in, and she has two associates sitting next to her, listening in. The funny thing is, it's a totally acceptable document and nothing has changed: The address listed on my current Jalisco license is the same address listed on the Multiva statement, etc. But no matter, no room for reasonableness or logic here.

So I return to the Transito office this morning with my shiny, new, different comprobante. I'm barely out of the car and haven't even crossed the street before a previously unseen officer approaches me and asks, in English, "Are you here for a driver's license?" Yes. Then he asks, with a small smile and in a tone that's almost a challenge, "You think you can pass the test?"

"Necesito renovarla y nada mas, Senor," I said.  

He laughed.

Son descarados these days. Other than that, today was uneventful. The woman was even pleasant and efficient since I'd done exactly as she insisted. In and out in less than an hour with the new license.

Good story. Reminds me of this wonderful short, called "036."