Anxiety for a reason!

If any of you guys know me, you know the fear and anxiety I have towards DMV & the long lines, issues with getting your license/plates, etc.   After doing research online and having Ryan do lots of research on what is needed and where to go, I decided today would finally be the day to suck it up and get it all done.

I first had to go to the VIN Inspection Station.  Apparently in the 80's, Kansas was a big dumping ground for stolen vehicles.  Because of this, they made it law to have your VIN and your car inspected to ensure it's everything you say it is.  There wasn't really a wait and the guy who helped me was super nice.

After that, I had to go to the DMV to get my title & registration changed to Kansas.  I thought I could get my license done there too, but that wasn't the case.  The DMV looked insanely nice, and as soon as I got my electronic number (no line), my name was called.  Again, the lady there was incredibly nice and I was able to get my title & registration done in no time.

Proof of the insanely nice DMV:

I then had to drive to the Driver's License location.  Apparently I picked a bad week to do this since kids are out of school and everyone and their brother went to get their Learner's Permits and Licenses.  I had to wait outside for 10 minutes because the line was so long, and another 1 and a half inside.  Yet again, I had another super nice lady helping me, but she threw a grenade at me.

Even though I legally changed my name and it says so on my new Social Security card and my MD License, she told me I couldn't change my maiden name to my middle name unless I go to the court and request a name change.  The DL lady explained it's because of some new law that's supposed to be completely implemented by 2012.  I was annoyed, and now I don't even know my full name.

I called the Johnson County Court to see what they said, and they let me know that I needed to fill out a form, pay $173.50 for "start up" and then see the judge to see if he or she will let me change my middle name.  If the judge chooses, he/she can have me publish my name change in the paper, and I would be responsible for those fees as well.

So, I need your help.  What do you think I should do?  Should I drop my maiden name and keep my middle name so I don't have to go through the painful process & spend lots of money?  Is it really worth doing to just keep my maiden name?