Spanish Citizen Faces Chaos at Miami DMV: "I'll Call the Police"

A Spanish national attempting to secure her state identification and driver's license in Miami described her ordeal as "unbelievable and chaotic" while visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Kendall. Daniela Toledo (@datoledo_) rose at three in the morning to join the queue, only to find 46 people already waiting.

The situation quickly deteriorated when someone introduced an unofficial list to "organize" the order of service, sparking confrontation between those on the list and others demanding service by arrival time. Shouting, pushing, and threats escalated until police intervened, clearing everyone out by 8:00 a.m. under threat of arrest.

A witness humorously remarked, "It felt more like Marianao than Miami." Social media users compared the scene to the chaotic lines in Cuba, suggesting that "cubaneo" had infiltrated South Florida's public administration. Comments like "Havana with electricity and no blackouts," "Miami is Cuba 2.0," and "a pot of crickets with a list included" echoed among online users.

While some argued that such chaos isn't standard across all DMV offices and that online appointments are possible, many noted that securing one could take over three months, forcing hundreds to show up without appointments, hoping to be seen. "I've had my driver's license for a year, and the line was just as bad," shared another user. Others claimed appointments were being sold for up to $200, alleging an organized scheme controlling access to these essential services.

Despite differing opinions, it’s evident that for many Miami residents, especially newly arrived Cubans, processes like obtaining a driver's license have become exhausting and frustrating experiences. One commenter noted, "It wasn't like this before. The migration wave has turned this city into chaos." What should be a routine procedure has, for some, become yet another example of how certain island habits have crossed the Florida Straits.