California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV/RMV) Customer Service Issues

To Whom It May Concern, My name is Yolanda Rodriguez, and I am writing in relation to a parking ticket I received on 9-1-[redacted] with ticket number [redacted]. I sold my truck to Jacqueline Luevano around June 15, [redacted]. I visited the Hawthorne CA DMV and explained my situation to a staff member, who took my paperwork and assured me I did not need to wait in line. Around July 8, [redacted], when I visited the DMV again, I was informed that no further action was required. The address provided by Ms. Luevano is [redacted] Eastman Ave #[redacted], Los Angeles, California [redacted]. Thank you.

While obtaining insurance quotes, the agent informed me that my license appears to be suspended, which is incorrect. Last year, there was an issue with my insurance carrier not issuing an SR22, but I promptly rectified the situation by providing the necessary documentation to the DMV and paid the reinstatement fee. I was under the impression that my license was reinstated. In early August [redacted], I contacted the DMV, was told I no longer required an SR22, and there was no mention of a suspension. To my knowledge, there have been no notifications of my license being suspended.

In mid-July, my father, William A. Johnston, transferred ownership of his [redacted] Chevrolet pickup to his grandson, Jeffery W. Stackhouse. My father issued check #[redacted] for $15 on July 20th to cover title transfer fees. The check was sent to DMV offices in Sacramento on the same day, accompanied by all the required forms and the title as per the website's instructions. Jeffery signed the necessary forms. As of October 2, the check hasn't been cashed, and there's no record of the vehicle transfer. We received a Notice to Suspend the truck's registration yesterday. We have photos of the signed forms and the original title. It's urgent to resolve this matter as Jeffery can't drive the truck in Fortuna, CA. I've tried contacting your offices multiple times since July without success due to long hold times. Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Janedythe J. Fenimore, Daughter of William A. Johnston, Aunt of Jeffery W. Stackhouse.

I purchased a used car in MA to drive back to CA during COVID. My temporary registration is expiring before I can return due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, I can't complete the CA registration without a smog check, which I can't do until I'm back in CA. I've paid all fees and want to avoid driving with an expired registration. I've been stuck on the east coast due to the ongoing outbreaks, making it impossible to return to CA to finish the registration. We specified CA registration when purchasing the car and weren't told we needed to be in CA to finalize it. Please consider granting an exemption for the smog certification so I can complete the process. Thank you for your assistance.

I applied for my driver's license renewal at the Santa Clara DMV in California on July 30, [redacted], through a walk-in appointment. I was informed that my license should arrive at my home in 4 weeks. It has been over 8 weeks, and I have not received my renewed license. The temporary one issued to me will expire on 10/10. I am unsure of the current status of my license. Can someone from the DMV provide information on whether it's lost, delayed, or if there are any issues? I also need to know what to do if my temporary license expires before the renewed one arrives. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

I ordered replacement plates for my [redacted] Odyssey before Covid-19. I received personalized veteran plates but with the wrong sticker. Due to the pandemic, I can't schedule an appointment to correct it. Can the correct sticker be sent with the tabs due in November or separately?

I recently received a temporary license due to a hold from Arizona pending a court appearance. I am on felony probation and require a travel permit to drive to Arizona on October 13th to see the judge. My temporary license expired on September 27th. I have fulfilled all obligations, passed my test, and paid all fines. I need a new temporary license for my court appointment. The ticket is from a [redacted] FTA, and I'm only allowed to travel out of state for court or family emergencies. No one else can drive me as I'm on probation.

I submitted my vehicle registration paperwork to the DMV on July 26th, but I have not yet received my Title, registration card, and plates. I am in urgent need of assistance with this matter. Despite contacting customer service multiple times, I have not been able to obtain any information. I also attempted reaching out to the Sacramento field office, but unfortunately, I did not receive any responses. The VIN number for the car is WBAGJ03431DD74106, and the vehicle was purchased from New York. I can be reached at [redacted] or via email at [redacted]

I paid for vehicle registration twice by mistake. On August 29, [redacted], I paid $[redacted] instead of $[redacted] for a registration renewal, including a penalty, in FERNIE's name. Then, on September 9, the DMV cashed the original $[redacted] check I had sent on July 21. Even though the check reached them by September 1, [redacted], it seems they deposited it later. I received registration tabs for paying $[redacted], while the DMV also took the $[redacted] separately. I'm not seeking a penalty refund, just a return of the duplicate $[redacted] payment. I've tried to find information online about this issue but haven't had any luck. I simply need clarification on how the DMV handled the double payment and why it occurred. It's frustrating not being able to speak to someone directly about this matter.

After submitting payment for my driver’s license renewal, I discovered an issue with a past suspension in Florida for not completing a vision exam, despite having already transferred my license to California. This error, on Florida's part, has been rectified according to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles website. The mistake has caused significant inconvenience as my CA license is now expired. To continue the renewal process halted nearly a year ago, I seek guidance on the necessary steps to proceed promptly. Kindly advise on how I can expedite this process. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Regarding my DMV Case #[redacted]2, I submitted all necessary paperwork for the title transfer of my recently acquired vehicle, including the signed CA title and smog certificate, on 7/22/[redacted]. Despite paying the fees and taxes, I waited over 30 days without any communication from the DMV via mail, phone, or email. After reaching out to the DMV through Virtual Hold approximately three weeks ago, a representative informed me that my transaction was delayed but got it moving again. However, instead of receiving further instructions, I was simply asked to mail the original title to an address in Sacramento. This request only extended my waiting period, as I had already received confirmation that all required documents had been successfully submitted. On 9/23/[redacted], I sent the original title via USPS Priority 2-Day with the barcoded email page from the DMV. According to USPS TRACKING, the DMV received the documents on 9/26, but I have yet to hear back from them. The case status still shows "Awaiting Required Documents,” despite the timely submission.

I need assistance finalizing my driver's license renewal. I paid the fees, but then discovered a hold was placed due to a suspension on my FL license in [redacted], despite getting my CA license in [redacted]. Despite efforts to resolve this error, I faced challenges in acquiring information. Due to COVID-19, FL DMV created an online form for inquiries, leading to my license being reinstated after submitting my CA license details. Now, I seek guidance on the steps needed to complete the renewal process with CA DMV. Can this be expedited, given the circumstances causing a year-long delay that was beyond my control and difficult to rectify? I have all relevant documentation and can provide it if needed. I hope for a prompt resolution and appreciate any assistance.

I have not received my car title from the CA DMV. After moving back to Texas, the title was sent to our old address and then returned to the CA DMV. We filled out form REG [redacted], enclosed $22, and sent it back. They replied requesting proof of current registration in Texas. I sent the Proof of Registration from the Texas DMV in August [redacted]. Since then, there has been no communication, and I am worried that the title might be lost in the mail again. Our names are Jonathan S. or Janice E. Sloan, and our current address is [redacted] Fountain Drive, Mesquite, TX [redacted]. When we left California, we had a [redacted] Honda Vehicle #1HGCM56756A138723 with CA license plate 5UUR569. I have copies of all documents, including the proof of registration from the Texas DMV that I forwarded in August. Could you please assist me in obtaining the title? It has been a lengthy process. Thank you.

I believe this is a phishing attempt because I renewed my registration on August 28, and my [redacted] sticker is already on my license plate. Below is the email I received: From: [redacted] To: [redacted] Subject: DMV Renewal Reminder Dear Valued Customer, You are receiving this email as part of DMV's notification service. This is a reminder that your registration requires renewal in 30 days.* If you have already paid your registration fees as listed below, please disregard this notice to avoid penalties. Year: [redacted] Make: STRN VIN/HIN Last 5 digits: [redacted] License/CF Plate #: 6KUM862 Bill Amount: $[redacted].00 Renewal/Payment Due Date: 11/18/[redacted] *or file Planned Non-Operation If you no longer own the vehicle or wish to opt out, log in and adjust your settings. This vehicle cannot be renewed online; choose from mail-in, Business Partner Location, or Field Office options for payment. Thank you for your business. California DMV dmv.ca.gov 1-[redacted] Please note: This email was sent from an unmonitored mailbox. Do not reply. We never solicit personal information via email.

I have a question. I am over 70 and need to take the driver's written test since my license will expire on March 2, [redacted]. I can't find any phone options to schedule an appointment when I call the DMV. Making appointments online isn't an option either. I usually set my appointment for mid-January to allow time for a retest if needed. I am concerned about missing my renewal date, so I want to book an appointment as early as possible to avoid any issues. I'm wondering if I'll receive the typical [redacted]-day reminder in the mail. Any guidance on how to secure an appointment would be greatly appreciated. I tried calling, but no one picked up after waiting for over two hours. Thank you. - D.R.

I need assistance. I reside in California and bought a [redacted] Ford Transit Cargo Van in Arizona on September 14, [redacted]. The lender has not informed the DMV of the title yet, and claims it will require an additional 3 weeks. I'm concerned about incurring penalties as this is beyond my control. I have received conflicting information from different DMV agents and I am unsure what steps to take. I am a retired disabled senior, not using the van for commercial purposes but converting it into a camper to live in. The van has a DOT license from Arizona, likely for commercial use, so I need to change it to a camper van in California. I have been instructed to conduct a smog test, bring the van to the DMV for inspection, and then complete the registration with the correct designation. However, I am unable to wait in long lines due to health concerns. I seek a safer way to register my vehicle. Thank you for your support.

I have been dealing with an issue regarding a vehicle I sold in October [redacted]. Despite submitting two Notices of Transfer and release of liability, the DMV still shows me as the owner. The first NRL I sent was back in October, which was not received or processed by the DMV. I then submitted a new NRL online in July and followed up, only to find out it was not processed. I submitted another one this week. I have tried contacting the DMV customer service in Sacramento but have had no luck reaching them. I am frustrated and desperate to resolve this situation.

As a U.S. citizen, I left college in [redacted] after three years of service in the U.S. Army, and I served for 28 years on the Mexican border and at U.S. Embassies. I am seeking clarification on the criteria that the CA/DMV used to label my CA/DL with "Federal Restrictions Apply" and place restrictions on my 2nd Amendment rights. I am also questioning why my CA/DL was coded as "Suspected Illegal Alien." I have initiated an official request for an investigation into this matter to understand the basis for these classifications by the CA/DMV. In addition, I have reached out to Congress, AG Barr, the Governor's office, and the AG of California for further assistance.

We made payments for two vehicle registrations through our bank, scheduled for August 24th. The process involved sending a paper check, delaying the submission due to needing a smog certificate until August 31st. We anticipated a delay in receiving the registration. However, we have since received a late payment notice without the registration. Upon checking with our bank, they confirmed that the DMV has the checks but has not processed them. Another vehicle payment was also made on October 8th, due on October 28th, and we are yet to receive any documents for it. There was no smog requirement for this vehicle. We urgently want this situation resolved as it seems quite frustrating.

I had an appointment at the DMV in Leesburg, Virginia to transfer my deceased brother’s car, of which I am the Executor of the estate. However, upon reaching the DMV, I was informed that the car, registered in California, could not be processed in Virginia. After contacting the DMV's customer service at 1-[redacted], I was advised to obtain a letter stating the car’s non-registration in California. The number provided for this letter is [redacted], but I have been unable to reach anyone at this number. This letter is required by the Leesburg DMV for the registration process. The car’s VIN number is 4T1BE46K89U877914, a [redacted] model, and my customer number is A[redacted]5. Please assist me with this matter. You can reach me at [redacted] or [redacted]. Thank you, Rupinder Tiwana.