Westside Story Newspaper – Online The News of The Empire – Sharing the Quest for Excellence
By Carrie Stanton
The California Department of Motor Vehicles remains open for business both virtually – through online service options at dmv.ca.gov/online – and in our offices with health and safety precautions.
During this surge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, customers are encouraged to use our online services as the safest and fastest way to take care of DMV business. Most things you need to accomplish at the DMV can be done online. Of course, if you have to come to an office, we are happy to serve you, but ask that everyone be cautious and follow public health guidelines during this pandemic.
To protect the health and safety of DMV employees and customers, the DMV requires everyone in its offices to wear face coverings, keep their distance, wash hands frequently, and stay home if they are sick. Customers are also asked to limit the number of family members who accompany them to an office to those who are necessary to complete a transaction, and to be patient while waiting to be served.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 to our team members and the public is our priority as we provide service to our customers.
Many DMV transactions, including vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals, and changing an address can be completed at dmv.ca.gov/online. Californians also can save time by filling out the online driver’s license application, including for REAL ID, before they visit a field office. Customers may also upload required REAL ID documents beforehand to save time during their office visit.
Starting May 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved documents, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities and military bases.
In addition to providing more services online, the DMV has accommodated customers in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, the DMV announced the extension of commercial driver’s licenses, learner’s permits, endorsements and special certificates expiring between March 2020 and February 2022, through February 28, 2022.
The DMV also offers many services through its 365 self-service kiosks located in retail establishments statewide, its business partner locations, over the phone and by mail.
