Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Is there a helpful lawyer among us?

It is more than painful to have to rip oneself away from a location where such a happy time has been experienced over the last 37 days.
Positive thoughts about the new reality coming up to live in have to be forced into the mind to avoid becoming too sentimental.

The switch from a paradise like situation on a deserted beach of the Pacific Ocean to the one of city life in a bustling Mexican society came with at least one dramatic shock.
Caused by a new law in South Dakota, USA.

As many fervent and loyal blog readers may know, the Fuso Szulc is registered in this state of South Dakota.
Four years ago this happened with the help of the mailing company called Americas Mailbox.
And as of then, each year the registration of the Fuso Szulc was arranged by Americas Mailbox with the Department of Motor Vehicles in South Dakota no problem.

But now Americas Mailbox is going to change their office.
A tremendous hassle for all their clients because each one needs to inform everybody about a new address.

The problem now is that also the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) needs to be informed about the new address.
This is when the new South Dakota law kicks in.
In order to change the address one must show now a South Dakota driver's license or Social Security numbers.
This is part of the new Real Id Act and the Driver's Privacy and Protect Act.
Having a passport of the Netherlands and a residence permit and driving license of Mexico there is no way to show a South Dakota driver's license or Social Security numbers.

What dooms up in front is a high wall of bureaucracy.
There is a law and no exceptions can probably be made.
An exception being that a European might want to own a car in the USA to use every time that country is visited.

Why does a person need to be an American with a South Dakota driver's license or Social Security numbers to own a car in the USA?

It is a difficult situation and already Americas Mailbox has written:

“Unfortunately there is no way around it. We do understand your situation here at the office but the state sees it differently. You can call the state and explain it to them and see if they would work with you on it but there are no guarantees. Their number is 605-773-3541 and they are on Central Time”.

In other words Americas Mailbox says: dear customer, you are on your own…

It is an interesting question what to do if South Dakota doesn’t want to extend the registration of the Fuso Szulc.
Because the owner cannot show a South Dakota driver's license or Social Security number.

It is easy for South Dakota to make a law and have new conditions but what do they offer for cases like the Fuso Szulc?
Is the only solution to sell the expedition vehicle and use the money to buy a shack to live in a Mexican village?

Is there a lawyer among the fervent and loyal blog readers who may be of help?

.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Simply fly to South Dakota, obtain a drivers license, and then complete the registration.

Robert said...

Register the vehicle in Mexico since that's where it actually resides. Visit the US with Mexican plates when required.

You can get a Social Security card if you are "employed" in the US even if you are not a citizen.

Michel Szulc Krzyzanowski said...

Unfortunately this is not possible. One needs a Social Security number and proof of residence in the USA... Europeans do not have an American Social Security number...
So, what is a better idea ???

Michel Szulc Krzyzanowski said...

Registering the Fuso Szulc in Mexico means having to import the vehicle.
That will cost more than $ 20.000 import taxes.
Any better ideas ??

Anonymous said...

Dear Michel,
In checking the website for South Dakota, DMV you do not need to be a resident there to obtain a drivers license. It says a valid passport and a valid visa (tourist) is all that is necessary. This would mean that you would probably have to travel to South Dakota to obtain this. You may check this on the internet by doing a google search for the South Dakota DMV under license

Michel Szulc Krzyzanowski said...

Is a good plan but new regulations say also that one can be out of state but one needs a Social Security number. And that is the problem...

Anonymous said...

Hop in your vehicle, head north, and register (re-register?} The USA is wonderful this time of year! But hurry....winter is coming.

Michel Szulc Krzyzanowski said...

Registering or re-registering can only with a Social Security Number and proof of residence. It will not work this suggestion.

Michel Szulc Krzyzanowski said...

Registering or re-registering can only with a Social Security Number and proof of residence. It will not work this suggestion.