Cobra Registration - CAL

[HowardV]

CDC, the issue isn't actual physical "lines". I highly doubt there will be but a few people at each DMV office requesting SB-100. Most DMV's have many clerks handling people by "number". The "line" issue is more at the DMV office calling Sacramento to obtain the sequence number.

Make an appointment at your closest office. Appointments are given 30 days in advance, so call the DMV early in December to make a 9:00 am appointment for January 2nd, 2006 (Monday). When you get there, have your papers all ready. The DMV clerk will most likely have NO IDEA what an SB-100 number is and how to handle one. Print out the DMV webpage showing what SB-100 is and hand it to the clerk. The clerk will then go to his/her supervisor and they will both look at it with much confusion. They will talk to others and finally figure out they have to call Sacramento to get the sequence number and for further instruction. Then after about 15 - 30 minutes later, they will come to you and say either of the following:

1. Please have a seat, the phone lines to Sacramento are all busy. We'll keep trying and let you know when we get through. At which time you will see the supervisor or clerk try to call once every 5-10 minutes or so (and they'll be unsuccessful).

2. Or they may tell you they don't have time right now to keep calling, go home and they'll let you know when they get through. Or worse, they'll tell you to come back another day.

3. Or (as they told me) go home and call them yourself. You don't need us. They will give the sequence number to you over the phone.

DON'T LEAVE!!!! Sacramento does not deal with people direct! Be polite and ask if you can use your own cell phone to call. Then when you get through, hand over the phone to the clerk.

I still think chances are good of getting a sequence number if you show up the first day and take your cell phone (make sure the batteries are full!) If possible, take a friend who also has a cell phone and both of you can try to get through.

Good Luck,

Howard