Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging eligible Californians to renew driver’s licenses online, including drivers whose temporary extensions expired July 31.
As part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DMV issued temporary extensions to California drivers age 69 and younger with a noncommercial license expiring between March and July 2020.
While that extension expired Friday, nearly all of these drivers can still avoid a trip to a DMV field office by renewing their license online – even if their renewal notice states an office visit is required.
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed executive orders waiving in-person renewals for eligible driver’s license and identification cardholders who had reached their maximum of out-of-office renewals.
With that wavier in effect for the length of California’s State of Emergency or until modified, nearly all California drivers younger than age 70 are eligible to renew their license online or by mail.
Some drivers, including Californians applying for a REAL ID for the first time, still must visit a field office to complete their transaction. The DMV strongly encourages REAL ID applicants to fill out the online application and upload the required documents before their office visit. The DMV has issued automatic one-year extensions to drivers age 70 and older with expiring licenses.
Summary of California driver’s license extensions
Age 69 & younger (non-commercial)
Beginning March 2020
Expanded eligibility to renew online or by mail for licenses
Age 70 & older (non-commercial)
March-December 2020
Extended one year from original expiration date
Commercial (all types, all ages)
March-September 2020
Extended to September 30, 2020
Learner’s permits (noncommercial)
March-November 2020
Extended six months or to a date 24 months from the date of application
The extension is designed to give student drivers more time to prepare for and schedule their behind-the-wheel drive test during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DMV previously extended non-commercial learner’s permits expiring between March 1 and August 31, 2020. The DMV has alerted law enforcement of the extensions, which require no individual action on the part of drivers.
Commercial learner’s permits expiring between March and September have been extended through September 30, 2020, to align with federal guidelines.
The DMV resumed behind-the-wheel drive tests with new health and safety protocols on June 26 and has rescheduled all appointments that had been canceled. The DMV has begun offering appointments for new behind-the-wheel tests at certain offices, but it will take some time to clear the testing backlog.
The DMV continues to recommend that customers use its online services, expanded virtual services and other service channels to complete transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals.
Customers can use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced a new round of extensions for commercial driver’s licenses expiring through May 31 that will help commercial drivers focus on delivering essential products and supplies during the COVID-19 emergency.
SACRAMENTO – Californians age 70 and older with a noncommercial driver’s license are now eligible to renew online or by mail, eliminating the need to visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles office.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced a new round of extensions for commercial driver’s licenses expiring through August 31, 2021 allowing commercial drivers to continue to deliver essential products and supplies.
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My Real license expired on 6-27-20 and I also bought a new car and want to keep my old plates.
I need to return the plates mailed to me. I am over 70 and also need to take license renewal test. It is difficult for me to get around. I am unable to get an appointment with DMV. How do I get to speak with a person to schedule an appointment?
My Real license expired on 6-27-20 and I also bought a new car and want to keep my old plates.
I need to return the plates mailed to me. I am over 70 and also need to take license renewal test. I am unable to get an appointment with DMV. How do I get to speak with a person to schedule an appointment?
I will be 60 ihe day my driver’s license expires next month, and I have a problem with heat and sun. I waited in line 2 hours on a very warm 89-degree day, only to be told that four people in front of me and back would not be able to be seen that day and to go home. I am getting a real ID and was called to come in person anyways as it’s been a long time, so I can’t renew in person. I did all my pre-registration online.
They are not making appointments. I can’t stand to wait in that heat again…not just the outside temp, but the heat that radiates off the buidling as you queue around it. And I had a lawn chair, hat and umbrella. There were kind young people around me that helped me move my chair when the queue advanced. But there has to be a better way, DMV people!
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5 Comments
Needs to renew due to illness have not been able to renew my drivers license.
My Real license expired on 6-27-20 and I also bought a new car and want to keep my old plates.
I need to return the plates mailed to me. I am over 70 and also need to take license renewal test. It is difficult for me to get around. I am unable to get an appointment with DMV. How do I get to speak with a person to schedule an appointment?
My Real license expired on 6-27-20 and I also bought a new car and want to keep my old plates.
I need to return the plates mailed to me. I am over 70 and also need to take license renewal test. I am unable to get an appointment with DMV. How do I get to speak with a person to schedule an appointment?
I will be 60 ihe day my driver’s license expires next month, and I have a problem with heat and sun. I waited in line 2 hours on a very warm 89-degree day, only to be told that four people in front of me and back would not be able to be seen that day and to go home. I am getting a real ID and was called to come in person anyways as it’s been a long time, so I can’t renew in person. I did all my pre-registration online.
They are not making appointments. I can’t stand to wait in that heat again…not just the outside temp, but the heat that radiates off the buidling as you queue around it. And I had a lawn chair, hat and umbrella. There were kind young people around me that helped me move my chair when the queue advanced. But there has to be a better way, DMV people!
Want to renew my license.