The Cuban TikToker Billy Ta Lento has once again captured the attention of thousands with a viral video in which he humorously recounts how he renewed his driver's license in Miami. The scene, worthy of a slice-of-life chronicle, has generated a wave of reactions as it reflects a reality that is becoming increasingly common in South Florida.
"Join me to watch this lovely story," begins @billy_ta_lento in the clip. "Today I had to go renew my driver's license in Miami, haha. I'm going to give you the most important tips to renew your license in the city of Miami."
In a satirical tone, Billy warns: “Don’t expect to get in line; there are no lines. ‘No, my license expires the month that...’ it’s too late for you!” He describes that he arrived at 9:00 p.m. “to find out” and was already number 34, so he ended up sleeping right there.
Among his most unusual advice, he emphasizes: “Wear a coat, don’t bring coffee, because there’s a man selling coffee with condensed milk” and adds: “Take some bread, bring a disposable diaper or a plastic cucumber and chop it up, because if you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, there’s no bathroom!”
“They check the list twice, just like in Cuba,” he adds with a smirk, comparing the DMV's organization to the bureaucracy on the island. And he finishes: “Don’t pretend like ‘I’m going at 5 in the morning’ is going to work. At 5 in the morning, you’re going to be number 200. Go sleep there!” Finally, he celebrates: “The good news is that I already have my license and permission to drive and call you out, you makeup artist who does it in the street. Oh, Miami, I love it!”
The video has sparked thousands of reactions. While some users relate to her story—"It was literally my story," wrote one user—others remind her that the process can be done online: "There’s something called Online; if you’re just renewing, you only need to go to the DMV website," commented another.
Many recognize the chaos in the system: “I arrived at three in the morning and I was number 771,” “There was already a line since 6 PM,” “I went to that same place at 2 AM and I was number 180.” There were also humorous comments: “You forgot the one who rents you a chair for 10 dollars” or “Was that in Miami or in Guanabacoa?”
It’s not the first time that Billy Ta Lento has gone viral. In November 2024, he shared a festive reflection for Thanksgiving, in which he said, “Happy Thanksgiving. Don’t be a fool and don’t say ‘San Guivin,’ as today is not a day for any saint; it’s a day for giving thanks.”
The chaos in the DMV offices in Miami-Dade has already been documented by other creators. Last March, Cuban influencer Eileenn Morales recounted how she had to sleep in the car with her husband to renew her license. “We’re here for the license, and it's 12:53, they open at 8 in the morning and we've already checked in,” she said in her video. She later added, “There are about 2,000, 3,000 people.”
Despite the authorities' efforts, such as the opening of a new office in downtown Miami and the investigation into the illegal resale of appointments, the lines and frustration persist. For many Cubans in exile, satire seems to be the only relief from an experience that, as the users themselves say, "feels like Cuba."
Frequently Asked Questions about Driver's License Renewal in Miami
Why is renewing a driver's license in Miami so complicated?
The difficulty in renewing the driver's license in Miami is due to the high volume of people seeking to complete the process, especially migrants who need valid documents to work or access basic services. The DMV offices are overloaded, and appointments are hard to secure.
Is it possible to renew the driver's license online in Miami?
Yes, it is possible to renew your driver's license online, but only for residents or citizens. For those who do not meet these requirements, they must do so in person, which contributes to the congestion at DMV offices.
What advice is suggested for renewing the license in Miami?
Some tips for renewing your license in Miami include arriving very early, even overnight to secure your spot, bringing food and warm clothing, and being prepared for long waits. It is also recommended to try to make an appointment online if you are eligible.
What measures are the authorities taking to improve the license renewal system in Miami?
The authorities have opened a new office in downtown Miami and are investigating the illegal resale of appointments. However, these measures have not yet completely resolved the issue, as demand continues to exceed the capacity for service.
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