December 23, 2020 - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DMV is prioritizing customer and employee safety and increasing the number of transactions that can be completed without a visit to a DMV field office. The DMV has several channels to better serve customers, including self-service options online or at DMV kiosks, the ability to complete transactions online or over the phone with help from a DMV representative, or via a DMV business partner so that customers can “visit” the DMV by other means. The following questions address the most convenient ways to access DMV services and complete essential transactions without stepping foot in a field office.

Q1: My driver’s license is expiring soon. Can I renew my license online?

A: Yes, you can renew your license online. Governor Gavin Newsom signed executive orders waiving in-person renewals for eligible driver’s license and identification cardholders who had reached their maximum out-of-office renewals. With that wavier in effect for the length of California’s State of Emergency, or until modified, nearly all California drivers are eligible to renew their license online or by mail. The California Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging eligible Californians to renew their driver’s licenses online and avoid visiting DMV field offices at this time, even if their mailed renewal notice states an office visit is required. You can start the process by visiting dmv.ca.gov and clicking on “Driver License & ID Cards”.  

However, Californians applying for a REAL ID for the first time must visit a field office to complete their transaction. The DMV strongly encourages REAL ID applicants to fill out the online application, upload the required documents and bring their confirmation code with them before their office visit. To get started, please visit: realid.dmv.ca.gov.

Learn more about online license renewals at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Q2: I am a senior over the age of 70 with a driver’s license that is about to expire. Does the DMV require in-person visits for customers over age 70, or can I renew my license online like everyone else? 

A: The California Department of Motor Vehicles is working hard to help Californians stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and senior drivers are no exception.

Beginning December 6, 2020,  Californians age 70 and older with a noncommercial driver’s license are now eligible to renew online or by mail, eliminating the need to visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles office. Licenses with an expiration date between March 1, 2020, throughout the COVID-19 emergency are eligible. 

The DMV previously provided yearlong extensions to senior drivers with noncommercial licenses expiring in March through December 2020. Those who received the extensions are eligible to renew online. This action delays the requirement for many seniors to visit a DMV office during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly all California drivers are now eligible to renew their license online or by mail – even if their renewal notice states an office visit is required. As an option, drivers can request a free temporary paper extension online beginning July 15 through DMV’s website, though it is not needed to drive. Californians with a suspended license are not eligible.

Drivers over the age of 70 can find information on DMV services, safety guidelines, and other resources by visiting www.dmv.ca.gov/seniors.

Q3: How can I renew my expiring vehicle registration? 

A: In an effort to keep customers and employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the California Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging Californians to utilize online services for all vehicle registration renewals.  Most online registration services are self-serve, meaning you can complete them on your own from start to finish. Others are “assisted”, meaning they are done with help from a virtual DMV representative. Online registration is convenient and safe. Customers can avoid a trip to a DMV office by visiting dmv.ca.gov and clicking on “Vehicle Registration” at the top of the page.

Additionally, for even greater convenience, DMV customers can visit a DMV Now kiosk to complete their vehicle registration renewal instantly, including printing tags on the spot.  With hundreds of locations throughout the state, customers can also use a DMV Now kiosk to submit proof of insurance, receive a driver or vehicle record, and much more. To locate a DMV Now kiosk nearest you, please visit: www.cadmvnowkiosk.com/kiosks. Customers can also find DMV business partners, such as AAA and others, to complete selected transactions by visiting dmv.ca.gov and clicking on “Locations” to find nearby options.

Please note that some customers who opt to renew their registration by mail may experience delays in receiving their valid registration card and sticker due to COVID-19 impacts on DMV mail sorting operations. Online and DMV Now kiosk registration renewals are not subject to any processing delays at this time.

Learn more about online registration renewals at www.dmv.ca.gov/online.

Q4: I would prefer to visit the DMV in person, is that an option for me?

A:  The health and safety of all customers and Californians is top priority for the DMV during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the DMV has reopened its field offices to assist customers with appointments and selected service needs that must be completed in a field office. The DMV is urging customers to use their expanded online services and DMV Now Kiosks to complete transactions, including driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. Nearly all California drivers are now eligible to renew their license online or by mail – even if their renewal notice states an office visit is required.

There are hundreds of DMV Now kiosks locations throughout the state which can help customers complete their vehicle registration renewal, submit proof of insurance, receive a driver or vehicle record, and more. To locate a DMV Now kiosk nearest you, please visit: www.cadmvnowkiosk.com/kiosks.  Customers can also find DMV business partners to complete selected transactions by visiting dmv.ca.gov and clicking on “Locations” to find nearby partners.

Customers who come into a DMV office during this time for service needs that must be completed in a DMV field office during the COVID-19 pandemic will find increased health and safety protocols, including the use of infrared thermometers to conduct temperature checks before scheduled appointments for customers, and before a shift starts for employees. Additionally, all employees and customers are required to wear a face covering while inside an office and during a behind-the-wheel drive test exam, and practice six feet of physical distancing. Customers should anticipate longer than usual wait times while these preventive measures are in place.

Visit the DMV’s online portal to use the DMV’s Service Advisor tool to learn what options are available to you at www.dmv.ca.gov/online.

For more answers, visit dmv.ca.gov today.
Source: CA. DMV