Anyone had this experience with DMV photo

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twinsarefun
twinsarefun Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Ok, so being bald isn't bad enough.   I went to the DMV today to renew my license and needed to take a photo.  I asked if I can have an extension, due to the fact I hardly have any hair (was wearing scarf), and was told no.  If I dont renew my license will expire on my birthday. So in front of everyone there I took of my scarf for the dang photo.   My question is this...  What if I had been a muslum woman, would they make me take off my scarft?   How can they do this. The photo that comes back to me in a few weeks wont reflect my true image.  I can't see why they couldn't make the execption.  I can't imagine I am the first to have this problem. Why couldnt they give me 6 months to come back when I have hair and take the photo then!   i wanted to scream!   Thanks for letting me vent!

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  • gracejon
    gracejon Member Posts: 972
    edited September 2008

    I had a credit card photo almost bald and with each renewal the same picture is used.  Finished chemo and other than one haircut my hair is down to past middle of my back and almost waist length.   It's been almost 4 years.  I am finally getting back to almost ready to cut it.  I suspect for a price you can get the whole thing redone when you are ready.  Sounds like something to write to state legislator to find out the real scoop in your state.  I do suspect scarf stuff has to do with Homeland Security but don't know f that means religious groups would have to uncover.  I do remember something being talked about when the coverings affect face and mouth. I can understand about being angry and scream all you want.  You do have that right and I bet all will understand. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2009

    I had to renew mine during chemo and they let me keep my chemo hat on for the pic.  I offered to take it off but they said it was fine for me to wear it since I was in chemo.  I figured I would have to take the hat off for the pic and if it had bothered me then I would have worn my wig for the renewal.  You can pay a small fee to have it redone later when you get your hair back.

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited September 2008

    The identical situation occured with me while I was getting chemo and bald.  No way to get an extension and I was required to go to the DMV when I had very low white counts and was avoiding public places.  However, I did NOT offer to remove my hat and no one asked me to do so.  It was quite obvious I looked ill with no eye brows and eye lashes.  I simply went in and left ASAP.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    I live in Oregon and I gladly paid the additional $10 fee to get a new picture when my hair came back.

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  • Panchoandlefty
    Panchoandlefty Member Posts: 181
    edited September 2008

    In Oklahoma they let me wear a scarf, though I was told I needed to push it back to my "natural hairline." Even with the scarf, I am sure I will (wink, wink) lose this one and get another with hair.

    Or, maybe it will get me out of a ticket?  

    There was another discussion about this on another board and everyone was allowed to wear something.

    Stephanie 

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  • twinsarefun
    twinsarefun Member Posts: 2
    edited September 2008

    Ok, so it's worse than I thought.  My license came in the mail today and it's pretty scary!  Not only am I bald...I got the double chin thing happening!   Yikes.  Picture also reflexs how I felt that day.  Not only had to take the scarf off for the dang pitcure... that morning I got my first "monthly" back after finishing chemo.  Go figure huh.

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  • 4thefather
    4thefather Member Posts: 187
    edited September 2008

    I think it was very wrong to ask you to remove your scarf for that picture. I would write and complain to the secretary of state or something. They should let you take a new picture for NO cost!!

    Cathie

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  • enjoylife
    enjoylife Member Posts: 578
    edited September 2008

    I jsut finished 2 weeks ago my chemo and now I have this awful rash under my eyes and around my cheeks does anyone have any information about this I have always had oily skin so I am not use to it and I am also having a hard time getting rid of the swelling on my body any suggestions HELP ....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    Oh Twins, that really sucks.  What a lousy thing to do to someone who is already dealing with enough crap. 

    I agree, I'd pipe up and complain about it, and ask, "WHERE IS THE EMPATHY HERE?!" 

    I don't think this is "playing the cancer card," and you have every right to ask not to have to take the scarf off.  Your Muslim point is totally valid. 

    Let us know, okay?  Love and prayers, Deb

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  • vhqh
    vhqh Member Posts: 535
    edited September 2008

    Do a little internet sluething and find out who the head honcho is in the DMV, then send them a strongly worded letter about how upset you are at how you were treated, be sure to point out how expensive your treatments are and how you really don't need the added expense of paying for a replacement, cc the governor to really get their attention.  I'm betting you might just get a response and maybe a new photo.....I work for the State and nothing gets results quicker than a directive from the capital.

    I know how you feel about your photo though, I refer to my photo on my work ID as my Shrek impersonation.  They needed a test subject to try out a new camera and I volunteered since my formerly long hair had started growing back however it was only about an inch long.  End result was my very short hair, bright green shirt and the bright yellow background combined to put a green cast on EVERYTHING!  They'd do another one if I asked but I just haven't bothered with it yet.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2008

    I was allowed to leave on my hat.  I explained to the clerk that I was a chemo patient and had no chair, she was perfectly understanding and let it be.

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