Walnut Creek Motorists Get Extension On Expiring Driver Licenses

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Is your driver license set to expire? The Walnut Creek DMV office — which is closed due to coronavirus — is cutting you some slack.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Tuesday it is extending driver licenses expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May 2020 are now valid through May 31, 2020, according to the state agency.

The DMV has alerted California law enforcement of the extensions, so you won’t get ticketed if pulled over. The extensions require no action on your part and you won’t get any notification in the mail. But if you really want documentation, the DMV is letting drivers request a free temporary paper extension online.

There are no additional or late fees associated with the driver license extension.

>>California Residents: Check Your Stimulus Payment Status

All commercial driver licenses, endorsements and certificates expiring between March and June 2020 are now valid through June 30, 2020, aligning with a recent emergency declaration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the DMV announced. (The extension does not include medical certificates for commercial drivers, which requires additional administrative actions scheduled in the near future.)

Californians with a suspended license are not eligible for any extension, so don’t expect a pass when you ask the officer, “Why did I get pulled over?”

Although the extension is offered, you don’t have to get it. The DMV continues to process online renewals.

With your brick-and-mortar Walnut Creek DMV office shuttered due to COVID-19, a statewide Virtual DMV Field Office has been set up. It builds on the other online services already available to DMV customers, including driver license renewals.

>>At-Home Post Office Help: Buy Stamps, Ship Packages, And More

Driver license extensions aren’t the only DMV passes during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are also in place:

• A 120-day extension for drivers age 70 and older has been granted. Drivers age 70 and older with expiring noncommercial licenses are receiving an extension in the mail automatically.
• Temporarily waiving the required in-person renewals for eligible driver license and identification card holders with expirations in March, April, and May 2020. Individuals who meet the criteria are able to renew online or by mail.

Vehicle registrations can still be conducted online here but there are no extensions offered. If the DMV tells you a smog check is required, there are no extensions on that one either, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Anita Gore, deputy director, Office of Public Affairs, California DMV. Find more information about DMV smog check requirements, click here.

This Walnut Creek automotive service shops told Patch readers they are open. If they don't offer smog checks in house, most partner with providers:

>>Independent Mercedes, 1849 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596, Phone: 925-932-4001

Is your Walnut Creek business missing from this list? Add it here so Patch readers can find you.

Are you a reader wanting to know which Walnut Creek businesses are open/closed during the COVID-19 pandemic? Find out here.

— Patch editors Toni McAllister and Bea Karnes contributed to this story

Full coronavirus coverage: Coronavirus In California: What To Know

Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

• Newsom Unveils $125M Fund For Undocumented Immigrants
• Volunteer Group Makes Masks For Health Care Workers
• Coronavirus: Coit Tower Lights Up Blue For Health Workers
• Coronavirus: SFO Awarded $254.7 Million In Relief Funds