We have an interesting development in the Puerto Rico saga. Something totally unexpected. Something we can’t really turn down. We are excited and still shocked. Something is in the works. When we know more, we’ll let you in on it. It’s good news though!
It does have something to do with this…
Hmm… I think I have an idea what it is based on a previous comment. I do have a question for you guys and the Kruses. When buying property, were you required to have the deed registered using 2 last names? We have argued this with the bank and they insist PR records must include both your father’s and your mother’s last name. We have no current ID that list our mothers’ last names! We “lost” the argument and now Steve must dig up records to prove what his mother’s last name was. –Fran
Spill it!
Fran and Steve – We didn’t have to have that. Jeff had to bring a power of atorney for me (using my name Katrina Kruse with the maiden name as a “previously called”) since he closed without me.
Anything to do with House Hunters?
What I have learned is never give anyone anything but your first and last name. If you give them your middle name it can become your first name or last name. And never give them your mothers name because that to will become part of your name. I know the name thing is different here but thats no reason to change your name.
This one looks closer to the beach
What he is refering to is getting a driver’s license. I had to show my marriage certificate and told them what to put on the license. Jeff ended up with his driver’s license not matching his passport (they put his mother’s maiden name in there) so he had to wait some more. Only show them what you want them to see – maybe just be a single name…
Well, I kept fighting back (thanks to your input) and they finally agreed to not use our mothers’ maiden names on the deed, with the caveat noted that we did not wish to use those names. We’re just trying to ensure that all our identifying and legal documents have the same names. It’s an uphill fight, but I’m hopeful. We’ll see if they accept our passports as proof of identity for our PR driver’s licenses, since I have heard they won’t accept a valid CA driver’s license as proof. We haven’t even hit the island yet–I wonder what names our local accounts (cable, ISP, phones, utilities, etc.) will end up as!
@Cassie, Katrina’s guess would be cool. I totally thought it was something else. — Fran
For a license you will need: copy of your birth certificate (which they keep), copy of marriage certificate if you changed your name to his, don’t offer your current driver’s license or they will take it. I suggest one of you go and take the written test and driver’s test first. As an aprender (student driver) the other person (who has their CA license) drives you there for the driving test so you can get the PR one. Then you have it and can do the same for the other person without relinquishing your current license. Some states have reciprocity, not WA but CA may. Heads up – in our area the written test was in English but the driving was all spanish so know isquirda and derecha, estacion, gire etc. There are booklets (we found one in a drug store) and you will need to bring 2 passport photos (get them at a hair salon or the roadside booth – wherever you can find them! The marriage license meant a second trip for us. Didn’t see that one coming.
I was also refering to the local accounts. One of my first accounts (Sprint) was so messed up they could never find me in the system. They had my name totaly wrong because I filled out the form they way they asked me to. They took the info from the form and created a new name for me!
Thanks guys. It’s not anything as cool as being on TV, but that would rock! But a slight change in direction from what we were thinking and the course where we were going. It’s not official yet, so I don’t want to say too much publicly online. However, as a hint, this picture was taken in Rincon. Email me and I’ll tell you before I write about it here. What were you thinking it was Fran?
You mean they make you get a driver license in PR. I thought everyone just rode mopeds. What a pain considering you cant take the corvette.
Mopeds=death
Well I could take the corvette it just would cost about $3K to transport and the 30+ year old steel frame wouldn’t last long in the salty sea air. Wouldn’t make much sense. I am most likely going to sell it.
I guess Damon has never been to PR and endured the gridlock of –yes– automobiles. When Steve went for the first time (we were on the east side of the island), he was amazed to see that most people drive late model cars, pickups, and SUVs. Although it does SEEM like they don’t have driver’s licenses. — Fran
CA has partial reciprocity here for driver’s licenses, you will need to take the written test. They should take the name from your license or your passport and put it on PR license. I’m from Illinois and they took the name off the license and address off a power bill. We had a small problem with last names when we first got here at the bank and it was cleared up pretty quickly.
If you’re interested for future reference, this is the link to which states have reciprocity.
http://www.dtop.gov.pr/servicios/det_content.asp?cn_id=97
Thanks for the link, Shawn! Good to know we won’t have to take the examen práctico. One less thing to stress about. Although non-Spanish speaking Steve is a little concerned about the examen teórico because he needs to learn a few words. But you gotta start somewhere! — Fran