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Maria Gonzalez

DMV account locked - Can't access due to old email. Help!

Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle. My drivers license is assigned to an account I can't access anymore because it's linked to an old email address. I've tried everything to get back in, but no luck. Has anyone dealt with this before? Any tips on how to update the email on file or regain access to my account? I'm worried about not being able to use my license for important stuff. Any help would be appreciated!

Ugh, been there done that. It's such a pain when you can't access your own info! Have you tried calling the DMV directly? Sometimes they can verify your identity over the phone and help you update your email address.

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Thanks for the suggestion! I'll give that a shot. Did you have to wait on hold forever when you called?

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Oh boy, prepare yourself for a loooong wait. Bring a book, or better yet, a whole library 📚😅

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Pro tip: call right when they open. You might get lucky and catch someone before the lines get crazy.

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This happened to me last year. It was a nightmare! I ended up having to go to the DMV in person with a ton of documents to prove my identity. Took half a day, but they were able to update everything for me.

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Oof, that sounds rough. Did you need an appointment, or could you just walk in?

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I made an appointment online, which helped speed things up a bit. Still took forever tho 🙄

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Have you checked if there's an online form for updating your account info? Some states have started offering more services online to cut down on in-person visits.

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I found a method to get someone on the phone quickly. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

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Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit?

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I was skeptical at first too, but it actually worked for me. Saved me hours of hold time.

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20 bucks to skip the hold? Sign me up! 💸

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This whole system is so broken. Why can't they just have a simple way to verify your identity and update your info online? It's 2023, for crying out loud! 🤦‍♂️

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Preach! 🙌 The government is always 10 years behind when it comes to technology.

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Here's what you need to do: 1. Gather all your identification documents (birth certificate, social security card, current bills with your address, etc.) 2. Go to the DMV website and look for a form called something like "Change of Information" or "Account Update Request" 3. Fill out the form, explaining your situation in detail 4. Mail the form along with copies (NOT originals) of your identification documents 5. Follow up with a phone call after about a week to ensure they received your request 6. Be prepared to potentially make an in-person visit if they require additional verification It's a hassle, but this method usually works. Good luck!

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Wow, thank you so much for the detailed steps! This is super helpful. I'll get started on this right away.

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Just wanna add - make sure you send those documents via certified mail! You don't want that stuff getting lost.

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have u tried hacking into ur old email lol jk dont do that 😂

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I'm in the same boat, OP. Let me know if you find a solution that works!

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I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: I went to my local DMV office with my birth certificate, social security card, and two pieces of mail showing my current address. They were able to verify my identity on the spot and update my email address in their system. The whole process took about 2 hours (including wait time), but it was worth it to finally have access to my account again. Make sure to bring originals of your documents - they need to see those to verify everything. Hope this helps!

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This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you for sharing your experience. Quick question - did you need to make an appointment beforehand, or were you able to just walk in? I'm trying to figure out the best time to go to avoid the longest wait times.

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I had a similar issue with my old Yahoo email that I couldn't access anymore. What finally worked for me was using the DMV's "Real ID" appointment system - even though I wasn't getting a Real ID, the appointment process allowed me to update all my account information including email address. I brought my passport, utility bill, and bank statement as proof of identity and address. The clerk was super helpful and got everything sorted in about 30 minutes once I was seen. Way easier than trying to navigate their phone system or mail-in forms!

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That's genius! I never would have thought to use the Real ID appointment system for this. Did you have to explain the situation when you booked the appointment, or did you just show up and tell them what you needed help with? I'm wondering if they might turn me away if I'm not actually getting a Real ID.

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I actually just went through this nightmare myself a few weeks ago! After trying everything online with no luck, I ended up going to the DMV field office early in the morning (like 30 minutes before they opened) and brought every piece of ID I could find - driver's license, passport, birth certificate, social security card, plus recent bank statements and utility bills. The key was explaining to the clerk that I needed to update my contact information because I was locked out of my account. They had me fill out a DL 44 form (Application for Driver License) and were able to update my email address right there in the system. Took about an hour total including wait time. Pro tip: bring a printed copy of your old email address so they can see what needs to be changed. Good luck, Maria!

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This is incredibly helpful, thank you @Mei Wong! The DL 44 form tip is gold - I had no idea that was an option. Quick question: when you brought the printed copy of your old email, did that help speed up the process? I'm wondering if I should also bring screenshots showing that I can't access the account anymore, or if that's overkill. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all these details!

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