The State of Texas government really pisses me off sometimes....

[MicaelS]

You would think with all the pro-big-business assholes we have in state government, they would be perfectly fine with accepting plastic for government business and giving some bank some money.

But NOOOOO, when I go to renew my driver's license, or vehicle license plates it's "Cash or Check Only."

[ParkieDem]

1. Really?

I'm pretty sure you can renew both your DL and vehicle registration online with a credit card. I've been doing this for years now; just go to http://www.texasonline.com/

On the DL, I think they only allow one renewal online -- they're going to require you to go in every once in a while to ensure your photo is up to date.

[MicaelS]

2. Yes, online you can use plastic...

Already done that. In person, no plastic. Explain that...

[ParkieDem]

3. Who knows with gov't.

Maybe it's a security thing. Or they're just encouraging people to take care of business online.

[sonias]

4. I'll take a guess

Texas is a cheap ass state and because of that, they don't have the capacity i.e. equipment, software, training etc to process credit cards in person. Shocking isn't it? I bet I'm close to the right answer.

With an online system - some other corporation already figured out the process and took people out of the equation and Texas just bought into it i.e. they just ordered the software installed or signed up etc.

I noticed that when I pay any payments to the comptroller, it isn't even a Texas branded service. It's something called WebFile which if you google will find other states use it too.

Just saying - you get what you pay for in Texas - cheap services. :shrug:

You could complain to your Texas Representative though, and say this is so inconvenient for Texans. Why the hell not? Maybe they would invest in bringing some parts of Texas into the 21st century. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it though.

[hobbit709]

5. Some parts haven't even made into the 20th Century yet, much less the 21st.

[sonias]

6. Are you picking on East Texas again?

Sorry never mind. I know what you mean. :)

[MicaelS]

7. So...

I go in to renew my license, and ask the information clerk why no plastic.

He says "We're not set up for that. Maybe some day."