Just a Story about a Car Redux

We've had fun with the various vehicles the past few weeks. Extensions granted during COVID have meant that all three cars have registration renewal dates and emissions inspections due in the fourth quarter of the year or so. No big deal, just have to keep on top of it all.

However, when I went to renew the registration of the 2017 Honda, I was surprised to see online that it's registration was showing as expired in December 2020 ... which was when it was first registered. I checked the registration card in the car and the sticker on the license plate; both indicated that things were good through the end of December 2024.

After reaching out via the website, I was told to make an appointment with the MVA to straighten things out. No problem, except none of the appointment options (and you have to make an appointment for a specific task) seemed relevant to my situation. So, two Saturdays ago, I headed up to Beltsville to see if I could talk to someone without an appointment.

At first, they figured I was in error, but as we talked they looked up a few things and then gave me an appointment for the following Tuesday morning. Apparently, my title had been cancelled earlier this year.

When I got there Tuesday, I explained the situation and handed over my paperwork. The agent started clicking on her screen and after a few minutes and head shakes, she said morosely: "The first one of the day..."

Figuring the Fiat title situation may have been relevant, I brought along the paperwork I'd gone through back in May. She could see all of those receipts, letters, and documents ... associated with the Honda's title ... which was, in fact, cancelled when I sent back the duplicate title for the Fiat.

After engaging a manager and about 20 minutes of waiting, I left with an updated registration and a new/duplicate title for the Honda. All in all a success, though one that should never have been needed.