CA DMV Announces Leeway For Expired Licenses, Tags: Coronavirus

SACRAMENTO, CA — In response to the coronavirus crisis in California and beyond, officials with the California Department of Motor Vehicles said Monday they've asked law enforcement agencies throughout the state to use discretion for the next 60 days in their enforcement of expired driver's licenses and vehicle registration.

"California law enforcement is encouraged to exercise flexibility and discretion when reviewing driver license or identification and vehicle registration records," DMV Public Affairs officials said. "If applicable, DMV may waive vehicle-registration penalties."

The DMV said it is taking this action so that residents at-risk of contracting COVID-19, including senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions, can avoid visits to DMV field offices that would otherwise be required.

"The 60-day period for driver license and vehicle registrations is intended to protect the health and safety of DMV customers who would otherwise have to come to a DMV office to take care of business, but are concerned during this coronavirus pandemic," the DMV said.

Transactions that typically require a DMV office visit include: a new driver license, a duplicate driver license, some driver license renewals, new license plates, complex vehicle registrations or title transfers and off-highway permits.

Californians who stand to benefit from this action include the elderly, those with compromised immune systems and those who are ill.

DMW transactions that fall within this action include driver license renewals for:

— Drivers who are 70 years of age and older, who are required to take a knowledge test;

— Drivers who are required to renew in the office (last DMV visit was 15 years prior);

— Drivers subject to vision testing; and

— And drivers with complex driving history.

The 60-day period also applies to vehicle-registration renewals for customers who are not eligible to use an alternative service channel because of the following reasons:

— They have outdated insurance information;

— Their registration expired for 90 days or more;

— Their car has smog issues; and

— Recent transfer of ownership on their vehicle.

The DMV noted that dozens of DMV tasks can be taken care of through other channels such as online through the DMV website, sending through U.S. mail, by using one of the 365 DMV NOW kiosks statewide, or by visiting business partner locations including AAA.

As of Monday, all California DMV offices remained open to process transactions that must be taken care of in an office, including the new REAL ID, for which the federal government requires an office visit.

At 23 DMV offices throughout the state, REAL ID customers can fill out the online application and upload their documents before going into an office — an option the DMV says is scheduled to be implemented at offices statewide by June.

DMV Texting Service Encouraged As Coronavirus Precaution

As part of the statewide effort to curb the coronavirus — COVID-19 — DMV Deputy Director of Public Affairs Anita Gore said the DMV has incorporated social distancing and is metering traffic into the offices.

"DMV also offers a texting service offered to customers as they check in that notifies customers as their queue number gets close," Gore said in an email response to Patch. "Until the customer is notified by text they are free to leave the building, run errands or wait in their car."

Gore confirmed the DMV's request that law enforcement exercises discretion for 60 days in their enforcement of driver license and vehicle expiration dates.

"This action will allow at-risk populations, including seniors, to avoid required visits to DMV field offices for license or registration renewals," Gore said. "DMV is also encouraging all customers to use its online services when possible to avoid in-person visits."

All DMV offices were open as of Tuesday, and Gore said the agency continues to follow guidance from public health officials regarding the health and safety of its customers and employees.

"We continue to monitor the situation," Gore said.