My driver's license expired in March.  I was required to renew in person to undergo vision screening, and get an updated photograph.   

My mind was pre-programmed to expect a criminal-looking photograph that would be my official identification for the next four to eight years! -------------------------->

Those who are acquainted with me, are accustomed to my routine of walking into a crowd, charging the atmosphere, revving up the audience until laughter flows, and no difference was made with my visit to the Secretary of State facility in Illinois. 

After handing over my old license, paying the renewal fee, and successfully passing the administered eye examination, time finally came to have my picture taken! 

When my name was called, i placed the biggest grin on my face, made eyeball to eyeball contact with the photographer, and said (in hearing distance of everyone waiting) ...."please take an extra ten pounds off my weight and 10 years off my picture!!"  Evoking a smile, he instructed me where i needed to be seated.     

While waiting for the processing, my next question was... "May i have a re-take IF it comes out not to my liking?"  At that point, the photographer had adjusted his composure and listening ear to "ALERT" and was prepared to answer my questions creatively.... but there was no need, for the picture came out G R E A T!

I was so pleased with it that i placed it here on Active Rain, on my Website, Twitter, Facebook, and other places on the web! Of course, now there is no dread when asked to produce identification!  The visible background "markings" seen on the license are theft-preventative insertions of the Illinois logo.  I do not mind displaying it ..... markings and all! 

The State of Illinois has several designs for licenses and IDs with varying features that distinguishes categories.  Here is a link with the details -----> LINK  

If YOU are a driver residing in Illinois, and are up for renewal of your license, you can now look forward to getting a better looking picture than you had before.... that is..... UNLESS you look much worse!! 

Diane Rice, Broker/Owner of Rice Property Management & Realty, LLC.,  with offices in South Holland and Riverdale, Illinois  can be reached at 708-862-RICE, or on the web at http://www.862RICE.com