Like everything else in the world, things at the California Department of Motor Vehicles have changed because of the pandemic. Here’s what you need to know:
A: On Oct. 28, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order waiving the requirement that those 70 or older renew their driver’s licenses in person beginning Dec. 6. The waiver will last until the end of the emergency or until a new order modifies or rescind it. In a statement, the governor’s office said this would allow vulnerable populations to continue to quarantine at home. Those 70 or older were already eligible for a one-year extension if their licenses expired between March 1 and December 31.
Q: Are California’s DMV offices open during the shelter-in-place orders?
A: As of June 11, the DMV’s 169 field offices across California have reopened to customers with appointments, offering limited services that require an in-person visit. The offices had closed March 27 due to the pandemic, then reopened in phases.
The DMV encourages Californians to use online services whenever possible. Dozens of transactions, including registration renewals and license renewals that don’t require in-office tests, can be done online at the DMV website, www.dmv.ca.gov, or using an automated phone system. People can complete vehicle title transfers and complex vehicle registration renewals by visiting virtual.dmv.ca.gov.
The DMV plans to gradually add more options to help people avoid in-person visits. For those that require in-person visits, appointsments can be made online.
Cheng Lei and his daughter Rinko Lei arrive at a closed Department of Motor Vehicles office on Fell Street in San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010 after visiting San Mateo and Daily City offices to file paperwork before its expiration date. The Fell Street DMV office had 20 of 34 staffers who decided to take Monday, Aug. 23, 2010 off following from being forced to take the previous Friday off unpaid. In San Francisco, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010.
Kirsten Aguilar / The Chronicle
Q: What about the Real ID deadline?
A: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the date on which people will have to display a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight — or enter most federal facilities — to Oct. 1, 2021. The previous deadline was Oct. 1, and the DMV seemed well behind schedule before the coronavirus outbreak.
Q: What if my license or registration is about to expire?
A: All noncommercial licenses expiring between March through the end of the year have been extended for those over 70. This excludes medical certificates for commercial drivers who require extra administrative actions. Those under 70 can renew online at dmv.ca.gov.
Q: Can I take an in-person driving test to get my license?
A: Behind-the-wheel driving tests resumed Friday, June 26, but with some changes. All first-time driver’s license holders and commercial license applicants are required to complete the test with an examiner. Safety protections against coronavirus transmission include a shorter course route, required face coverings for examiners and applicants, and gloves for examiners; plastic covers on seats and floorboards; and at least two windows kept down during the test.
Q: What if I need to go into the DMV office?
A: DMV offices have been undergoing thorough cleanings and have had some seats removed to allow for social distancing. Masks are required for anyone inside a DMV office, and customers are asked if they’ve had symptoms of the coronavirus.
Q: Will I have to wait in a sprawling, crowded waiting room?
A: Visits to DMV field offices are by appointment only, except for urgent issues like impounded vehicles or commercial license requirements that cannot be handled online. Wait times should be minimal and the number of people should be limited, allowing for proper social distancing.
Signs at the San Francisco DMV on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, in San Francisco, Calif.
Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle
Q: What if I need a smog test?
A: If your registration renewal requires a smog test, you’re still required to get one. Smog test centers are allowed to do business, along with other automotive repair businesses, but some have closed. If you can’t or don’t want to go to a smog test center, you can pay your registration before the deadline and then submit a valid smog test. You won’t get your stickers until the smog certification is submitted.
Q: Can I go to AAA as I usually do to take care of simple DMV business?
A: AAA of Northern California has reopened its offices, which offer limited DMV services, across the state. More information is available at www.calstate.aaa.com
Q: Are there other options?
A: Most vehicle registration transactions can be handled at DMV Now kiosks in supermarkets around the state. A list of locations and maps is available on the DMV website at www.dmv.ca.gov.
Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ctuan