Department of Motor Vehicles
DMV continues to provide essential services via mail, online, kiosks, its call center at (800) 777-0133, available business partners and, soon, virtually to process critical transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These services are listed on the DMV Online Services and DMV Anytime webpages and include change of address, replacement sticker or registration card, notice of transfer and release of liability, and vehicle license fee refund requests, among others.
In addition, the Virtual Field Office at virtual.dmv.ca.gov can process title transfers and complex vehicle registrations that would otherwise have to be accomplished in an office. More services will be offered through the Virtual Field Office in the coming weeks.
The call center business hours are Monday - Tuesday and Thursday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The online services are accessible 24/7.
120-Day Extension for Drivers 70 and Over
The DMV is providing a 120-day extension to Californians age 70 and older with a driver license that expires from March 1 to May 31, 2020.This action ensures this vulnerable group can avoid a DMV office visit during the COVID-19 pandemic.
California law requires drivers age 70 and older to visit a DMV field office to renew their license but gives the DMV authority to issue extensions – no individual action required. Eligible drivers will receive a paper license extension in the mail beginning in the next two weeks. The expiration dates will reflect a minimum of 120 days before renewal is required. Around 860,000 seniors visit DMV offices every year for the required in-person license renewal.
Waiving In-Person Renewals for Eligible Drivers and Identification Cardholders
Governor Gavin Newsom signed an Executive Order on March 30 temporarily waiving for 60 days the requirement for Californians with safe driving records to renew their driver license in-person at a DMV field office. The Executive Order also temporarily waives required in-person renewals for identification cards.
The DMV is completing the programming necessary so that individuals who meet the criteria will be able to complete their renewal online or by mail beginning Wednesday, April 8th.
What Is DMV Virtual Office?
In an effort to provide important services, while complying with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, DMV is allowing customers to complete certain tasks online, without having to visit a DMV field office.
DMV Virtual Office allows you to request a service (registration renewal, title transfer, etc.) online and upload the necessary documents without having to take them into a DMV field office to complete the transaction.
Once uploaded, your request and documents are processed in the order in which they are received. You will be contacted by a DMV customer service representative, who will help you to finalize your transaction.
For more information regarding DMV please go to https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv or if you are having an issue and need help please reach out to my District Office at 909-476-5023.