Life / Getting a NIP or PESEL [21]

I was given a "PESEL" number automatically after living here for 3 months. I actually went to the town offices to get one as I had purchased a new car. Was told when I got there that I had already been given one. It would have been nice if somebody had bothered to tell me, would have saved me a trip and having to que yet again, but, that would be too easy....lol