I'm still fuzzy on the details, but according to the State of Texas, I have to pay money to periodically change these two stickers on my windshield whose purpose remains a mystery to this day.
Not entirely sure of what to do, I usually come here, to the Williamson County Annex, to procure these stickers and occasionally a new Texas license plate that also doubles as an eyesore.
Last year when I was here, I waited in a line that was so long, it ended in the lobby. This most recent visit however, the place was utterly deserted.
The old "take-a-number" machine is gone, and replaced with a touch screen contraption that I'm sure is the impetus for more than one rant from our more elderly citizens. Blasted technology. You first push the button corresponding to the reason for your visit. "Sticker". Then you tell it whether it's for a car or a truck. "Kar". It spits out your ticket.
One person was ahead of me. I waited no more than two minutes as I watched an older gentleman in fishing garb approach the new machine. I braced myself for a technology hissy fit, but was pleasantly surprised to see how easy he navigated the screen to get his number. Close one.
My turn. I handed the woman this letter thing that came in the mail, along with something called an "insurance card". $50+ for a sticker seems way overpriced. What am I registering anyway? Not wanting to get pulled over by the fuzz, I simply must comply. Well, whatever the case...their PR ad campaign says I'm doing it because I love Texas. Oh, come on. Don't play with my head like that.
You can use a credit card now, but they charge you an extra $2 or so. I'll still pay with a check, thank you. You already took the equivalent of like, 25 drinks away from me. That could have been a rocking Tuesday afternoon.
The guy next to me kept talking to the woman about his band, and that she should come out to see them when he played a venue I had never heard of. She responded with the same level of interest as if he had said "Would you like to come witness my next teeth cleaning?" Then he and the old man shook hands like they were old friends and started talking about the weather. Oh, Texas. Friendly to a fault. And always a little scary, too.
5 minutes and I was out of there. DO NOT expect this to be normal. In fact, I think it was kind of a fluke. Whatever these sticker things are, everyone's got them, and it can get quite crowded. Plan ahead accordingly.
3 Stars for the minimal wait. See you next year. read more