News about the DMV and CDLs
July 1, 2020
As we pass three months since the initial shelter-in-place orders, California DMV field offices are beginning to expand services and the expiration date for commercial and non-commercial licenses has been extended due to the pandemic.
Appointments: All 169 DMV field offices have reopened for limited service to customers with appointments only. DMV encourages online services wherever possible at virtual.dmv.ca.gov and is giving first priority to those with existing appointments canceled due to the shelter-in-place orders. Once it runs through these canceled appointments, DMV will begin accepting new appointments. Behind-the-wheel testing has resumed, with safety precautions that include required face masks, plastic seat covers, and ventilation.
Extension of Expired Licenses—Commercial: For CDLs, the current extension lasts only through June 30, 2020. All CDLs that expire between March and June 2020 are extended through June 30. However, these automatic extensions do not apply to drivers with a suspended license or whose license expired prior to March 2020. Drivers who are eligible for the extension may use their expired license during the extension period and can obtain a temporary extension card at virtual.dmv.ca.gov/temporary-driver-license-request.
Extension of Expired Licenses—Non-Commercial: All non-commercial licenses for drivers younger than 70 with an expiration date between March and July 2020 will remain valid through July 31, 2020. For drivers 70 or older, the extension is 120 days past the original expiration date. DMV may grant additional extensions.
Real ID: Upon CDL renewal, a driver must obtain their REAL ID too.
For more info: dmv.ca.gov/portal/covid-19-relief-information/driver-license- extensions/
