Did The CA DMV Just Get More Difficult?

CALIFORNIA — No more enamored with long lines than the rest of us, the California DMV announced plans to take several common transactions, such as basic registration renewals online only.

The announcement was made as the DMV makes an effort to move more services online and fewer people in line. The switch to online could potentially reduce DMV office visits by 200,000 customers a month – 2.4 million trips in a year, DMV officials estimate.

"As more customers go online and use other service channels, DMV offices can better accommodate Californians who need a REAL ID or otherwise must visit an office," the DMV announced.

Starting June 3, California's DMV offices will no longer handle:

• Vehicle registration renewal that is not past the due date.
• Driver's license renewal that does not require an in-person visit.
• Requests for copies of vehicle registration records that show ownership history.
• Requests for copies of driver's license records that show a driver's history.
• Replacing a lost or stolen driver's license or identification card.

"The DMV is becoming a mobile-first operation, and simple renewals are easy self-help transactions that don’t require an office visit,” the DMV director, Steve Gordon, said in a statement. “…We have also shortened the time it takes to receive vehicle stickers and driver’s licenses. In most cases, you’ll have your item in less than two weeks."

The new changes are a part of an overall effort to digitize many DMV services and streamline operations at DMV locations across the Golden State.

Californians can also take care of payments by mail at partner locations such as AAA offices with membership, and at self-service kiosks that are located in grocery stores.

For more information, visit the DMV's website.