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

Hello, I am from Belgium, so please excuse any language mistakes. We purchased a vehicle in the Netherlands from a salesman that was originally registered in [redacted] in Sausalito. The make of the car is a Morris Minor with the VIN Nr: 67MAT5DL[redacted]. Unfortunately, the original title was stolen by our salesman. We have an official document from the police in the Netherlands confirming the loss of the title. Now, the Belgian D.I.V. is requesting that we provide the missing foreign registration certificate to register the imported vehicle. They mention that if the documents are missing and we cannot obtain duplicates, registration will not be possible. I have a copy of the title and shipping papers. Could you please respond to this email so I can send you these documents to support our request? Thank you.

Last December, I received a citation for DUI. In February, I received a notice in the mail regarding installing an IID. Believing it was official, I called the number provided, and it was Intoxalock instructing me to install the device immediately. Despite my court date not being until April 2nd and not having had my DMV interview, they insisted on making an appointment. I had the IID installed but haven't signed their lease or taken the DL [redacted] certificate to the DMV. As I find it difficult to operate the IID and have been unable to drive, I wish to have it removed after hearing from the judge. I am considering a different company for the installation. Is this device registered with you, and will there be penalties for its removal? Thank you for your assistance. -RST

I was mandated by the Solano court to participate in a 1st offender program. I complied with this requirement. However, Mandatory Actions claims that I should have completed a repeat offender program due to a previous DUI in a different state many years ago. There are two main issues at hand. Firstly, Mandatory Actions has an inaccurate count of DUIs on my record because of how the other state categorizes offenses. Secondly, I was unaware of the need for a repeat offender program as I completed the initial court-mandated program without receiving any notification or communication about further requirements. The DUI in question dates back to [redacted] in California, while the previous one was in [redacted] in Massachusetts. To facilitate my employment prospects, I am requesting either the reinstatement of my license since I fulfilled the court order or, if not possible, the opportunity for a restricted license while I complete the necessary program. I can provide my out-of-state driving record to demonstrate the discrepancy in the number of offenses as recorded by Mandatory Actions.

I am currently residing outside of California for personal reasons and will not be able to return until at least August [redacted]. Unfortunately, I recently discovered that my California driver's license expired on March 1, [redacted]. I understand there may be a 12-month grace period for renewal. I do not require a Real ID as I use my passport for identification purposes. Could you please advise me on how to apply for an extension of my driver's license from overseas? I am encountering difficulties registering for the DMV online services due to potential mismatched information. What could be causing this issue, and how can I proceed with the renewal process swiftly to regain a valid driver's license? I appreciate your assistance. Thank you, Pauline Helene de Puij - D[redacted].

In [redacted], I received a DUI conviction despite registering 0.00 on both a breathalyzer and urine test conducted by a forensic laboratory. The Modesto PD wrongly reported the incident, resulting in the loss of my license. Additionally, my court-appointed attorney did not represent me accurately, violating my rights. Prior to this, I had a spotless record with no prior incidents. The suspension has significantly impacted my life by depriving me of certain rights associated with a driver's license. Upon discovering the test results in [redacted], I complained to the courts from prison. A different judge promptly dismissed the case, but resolving the issue of DUI classes and license reinstatement has been challenging as the DMV and courts are each blaming the other without providing clear steps for resolution. This situation, regardless of its frequency, is unjust. I believe it warrants a civil suit against all involved parties who were aware of the test results yet failed to act. I seek retroactive license reinstatement, record clearance, and, though not mandatory, a replacement for my Silverado. A speedy resolution is desired after years of dealing with this issue. For inquiries, contact me at [redacted]. Thank you, A. McWilliams.

I have poor vision in one eye. During my last Driver's License application four years ago in Oakland, I informed the examiner about my eye issue. Despite the test confirming my condition, I was still required to visit my doctor for a report. This seemed unnecessary since they were already aware of my situation. I had to pay $25 for the doctor's report, return to the office, and endure another eye test which I struggled with due to my poor eye. The supervisor intervened, initially declaring me unfit for a license, but after a retest, I barely passed. I find this process absurd, especially when I know others with zero vision in one eye who obtained licenses without such hassle. As my license renewal approaches, I hope to avoid this ordeal again. Thank you for your attention to this matter. - George G.

Hello, my name is Douglas Place. I am 34 years old and have faced challenges with 3 DUI incidents, the latest one being in [redacted] when I was 22. I was incarcerated until [redacted] and then at the age of 28, I entered a relationship with a woman who has two children, forming our family. Now, with a child of my own and another on the way, I have a total of 4 kids keeping me very busy. Unfortunately, due to my work commitments, I haven't been able to complete the required classes to reinstate my license. I recently visited the DMV and was informed about the 18-month class requirement, with the first 12 months needed before I can receive a restricted license. I was wondering if there is a possibility to get a restricted license upon enrolling in the class, as it would greatly assist me in my current situation. Thank you for your consideration.

I, William W., with a CDL number N[redacted], faced a restricted DL due to a prior DUI. I needed to switch DUI schools because of a work schedule change. I acquired Form "H6" from the DMV to enable this transfer. I recently discovered that the original DUI school marked me as "failure to comply," resulting in the suspension of my license. It is crucial for me to reinstate my restricted license to support my family while addressing my DUI course requirements. The ability to drive is essential for my job as an engineer in Silicon Valley where public transportation is not an option. I am on the verge of homelessness and driving is necessary for me to stay employed and attend school.

I need to apply for a REAL non-driver’s ID, but I lack the required two documents to confirm my residency. I have a bank statement, my birth certificate, and SS card to prove my identity and active residency. Although I updated my address, USPS did not send a confirmation letter; instead, they notified me about the informed delivery service. While I work in Glendale, California, my company's address is in Philadelphia, PA. Unfortunately, utility bills are not an option as my partner's name is on them. I am struggling to get my name on any bills. Even though I have my name on an electronically signed apartment lease, I am uncertain if the DMV would accept it.

Hello, My registration recently expired, and I have not yet received the new paperwork and sticker. The fee was paid on time through a check that cleared on 3/22, with the registration expiring on 3/26. I suspect the DMV might still have my old address on file, causing them to send my current registration to the previous address. I believe this happened because my mail forwarding arrangement expired after I received the renewal notice, and I neglected to update my address with the DMV. I would appreciate guidance on the next steps to take. Thank you for your assistance! Vehicle Information: VIN: WDBCB20A0EA055673 Make and Model: [redacted] MERZ License Number: 2MVU890 Registered Owner: VAN STAALDUINEN TRACY J Old Address: [redacted] Silvana Lane Santa Cruz, CA, [redacted] Current Address: [redacted] Centennial Street Santa Cruz, CA, [redacted] If necessary, please contact me at [redacted] during business hours. Thank you.

As an American expatriate residing in Greece with a California Driver's License, I am facing the task of obtaining a Greek license. To proceed, I need the DMV to provide a verification of my California License status (Driver's Record). Unfortunately, reaching the DMV via phone appears challenging and lacks an automated option for my specific request. Notably, my California license expired in [redacted]; however, the Greek authorities do not consider this an issue given their extended validity periods (until after 60 years old). The necessary step involves the DMV sending the verification to the Consulate General of Greece in Los Angeles. I am seeking guidance on how to initiate this process and arrange payment for the service, as I cannot personally return to the U.S. Thank you for your anticipated assistance. Sincerely, Francesca B. M.

After purchasing a motor scooter, I tried to re-register it by sending in the deed with my information and payment. However, I received a parking ticket under the previous owner's name. It seems the registration process wasn't completed correctly. I'm unsure what additional details I need to provide to the DMV. I had difficulty paying the ticket due to a banking issue that caused a delay. Despite submitting an appeal to have the late fee waived, I have not received a response yet.

My husband purchased a car in California before we moved. The title got forwarded to our son's address, but we never received it. We urgently need to register it in Georgia. I believe I have to request a duplicate title, but the form asks for a lien, which we don't have since we paid cash. Should I leave it blank? Should I include a copy of the registration with the form? Do I need to write two separate checks for the title and expediting fees? Will you mail it to Georgia? I need clear instructions to ensure I handle this process correctly and quickly. It's crucial we obtain the title promptly.

I recently moved to Missouri and am in the process of obtaining a driver's license here. When I visited the licensing office, they had trouble locating my information initially. Despite finding my record, they informed me I was eligible for an ID only. I got married and changed my last name from Melissa B Smiley to Melissa B Evans. To address the issue, they suggested I provide a copy of my driving record from California or obtain a new driver's license from there since I misplaced mine during the move. Instead, I decided to check the status of my driver's license here in Missouri to potentially expedite the issuance of a new one. I was recently pulled over, and although my California license is still valid, the officer advised me to update it promptly. I am looking into resolving this matter promptly. Thank you.

I registered my car in California under license plate # 7VZZ795 before moving to Nevada on 10/1/[redacted]. Unfortunately, my NV apartment was broken into, and my safe with the California pink slip was stolen. I have since moved back to California and registered my car with plate # 8HES550. However, I am still receiving bills for the old plate # 7VZZ795. The DMV states my new registration is on hold until I provide the NV pink slip, but I was informed by NV that I never had one as I only registered my car there. I am seeking clarification on finalizing the registration for plate # 8HES550 without the NV pink slip, stopping bills for 7VZZ795, and reimbursement of $[redacted] taken from my state refund to pay for [redacted]. Additionally, I am looking to obtain a new pink slip for 8HES550 and want to know if this can be done remotely or if I need to visit the DMV. Thank you for your assistance. - M. Cunningham

I mailed two checks to the DMV. The first one was lost, so I sent a second check and a certified letter explaining the situation on February 5, [redacted]. The second check, also sent certified, was not cashed even after a few weeks, so I stopped the payment on April 30. To my surprise, on May 1, the check was deposited but not paid due to the stop payment. I intended to go to AAA to make the payment instead. I learned today that the DMV has my check but was unaware that I had stopped it. I want to resolve this promptly to avoid any negative impact on my record. I seek guidance on how to proceed and where I should make the payment. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Deborah S.

Hello. I have a complex situation that I need help with. Several years ago, I paid off my car but forgot to have the lien removed. Recently, when I went for a smog check during my car's registration renewal in March, I found out that it failed due to transmission problems, which require replacement. Instead of repairing the transmission, I explored options like junking, donating, or retiring the car. The CAP program seemed ideal, but I couldn't proceed without a clean title, which I realized I didn't have. I attempted to remove the lien, but due to the failed smog check, I couldn't obtain a new title. All I want is to retire the car, but the available choices demand a passing smog check, leading to expensive transmission repairs. I'm stuck because I can't retire the vehicle without a clean title. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. - M. H.

My son got a DUI last August [redacted] in Elk, California, and lost his license. He attended a court appearance in Pittsburg, CA on 10/22/18 and was informed of a future court date. However, as he had an internship in Australia in January [redacted], we struggled to obtain the court date. After being notified of a mandatory court appearance in March [redacted], we managed to reschedule for May 13th. He returned home from Australia in time for the court date, where the public defender advised him to plead innocent for a possible "wet reckless" charge. To comply with the court's requirements, he has acquired insurance and will enroll in a DUI class promptly. However, he needs to be able to drive for his new job near Ft. Bragg. Contact with the Ft. Bragg DUI school has been made, and he is apprehensive about enrolling in Carmichael DUI school due to non-refundable fees. He needs a temporary license from the DMV to sort out his obligations prior to starting work on May 20th. Assistance is needed to ensure he can meet his responsibilities without further complications. Thank you.

I did not receive my registration renewal notice, resulting in a significant fine. I contacted the DMV, waiting for an hour on the phone, only to be informed that I needed to visit in person. When I arrived, there was a long line outside on concrete, which I couldn't endure due to my age and back issues. Once inside, I was unable to obtain any guidance on having the fee waived.

I am facing an issue as I no longer reside in California. In [redacted], I had my third DUI offense and attended court for my second and third offenses simultaneously. I had the option to either spend 6 months in jail, have probation, a 5-year license suspension, attend a 12-month school, AA meetings for a year, or serve 1 year in jail, no probation, a 3-year license suspension, 12-month drunk driving school, and 1 year of AA meetings. I chose the 1-year jail option, completed all requirements, paid fines, and have been sober since. Despite this, my California driver's license remains suspended for almost 30 years. Due to family medical needs, I now urgently require a license. I seek assistance to clear my record as I have no intention of returning to California. I am willing to cover any expenses involved. Thank you for your consideration. For further information, please contact me via email. Mark E. Landis CDL # C[redacted] DOB: 12-08-[redacted]