New "Pocket License"

[Jim Frame]

I renewed my license recently, and in today's mail I received what I *used* to call a "wallet card," but which BPELSG renamed a "pocket license" at some point. The new one is 3-1/2" x 2-5/8", a size that seems pretty useless -- too big to fit in any conventional wallet space, and since it's made of unremarkable paper it would get destroyed in a day or so if actually carried in a pocket.

I miss the days when they supplied us with a credit-card-size renewal license that was actually made out of plastic rather than paper. But at least the paper versions of recent years would fit in a standard wallet window envelope without having to fold it. You could even laminate it and fit a card slot if you were careful. With the new one you'll have to fold it in half before lamination, at which point it'll only be partially readable without turning it over.

$250 doesn't go very far these days...

[Peter Ehlert]

interesting.

inadvertently DCA is discouraging having LS ID in our pockets.
I for one did keep mine in my wallet with my DL and credit cards.

at one time there was discussion about "must I carry the wallet card"... don't remember the consensus/rules



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as an aside I let my license expire on June 30, 2023 and now I am listed as "delinquent". I objected strongly paying $80 to be listed as retired (same net effect other than the stigma)

[Warren Smith]

I'm designated "Inactive" in the states I no longer practice - no charge.

Jim - did you take the questionnaire for renewal? It is designed around the top ten violation provisions.

[Jim Frame]

Jim - did you take the questionnaire for renewal?

I don't recall a questionnaire. Is it available at any time, or just during the renewal process?

[Warren Smith]

It is supposed to be implemented during this renewal cycle - I'll find out when I renew shortly.

[Jim Frame]

I have to eat a bit of crow now. After grudgingly folding my pocket license to stick it in my wallet, I discovered that the plastic license card I got in a prior renewal doesn't show an expiration date, so I do, in fact, have a nice-looking, durable plastic wallet license. The paper version with the expiration date is just an adjunct to that.

[dharri]

I just renewed my license and was required to take the knowledge assessment. It was not difficult because I had a current copy of the PLS Act and Board Rules. I received the odd shaped paper “pocket license” that Jim referred to. In 2024, I received a regular card sized paper “pocket license” that I Laminated. Like Jim, I just folded my new one in half and put it in my wallet.

[pls5528]

I also am going through the new renewal process Jim, and I originally was not in agreement with any Continuing Education type of requirements, this assessment quiz that is now required seemed to me to me a good alternative. It does evaluate changes in the new laws in California and unlike other state requirements that simply accept an online course showing you studied old surveying fundamentals or attend a survey meeting at a pizza facility, it is actually relevant. I also do miss the plastic wallet card.