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

There seems to be a discrepancy between the procedures at the Santa Clara location and the information in the current Motorcycle manual. I have held a Class C license in California for over thirty-five years and had an M endorsement for twenty-five years. When I recently renewed my Class C license and decided to add the Class M endorsement back, I passed the required tests. However, I was only issued a Class M permit instead of a license by the clerk, despite my long-standing history of holding a Class M license in California. This contradicts the manual, which indicates that an observation road test is only required for applicants who have never held a motor vehicle license and apply for a motorcycle-only license. I would appreciate any clarification on why I was issued a permit instead of a license in this situation. Thank you.

There appears to be a discrepancy regarding the issuance of a Class M endorsement by a clerk at the Santa Clara location. Despite holding a CDL for over thirty-five years and having had a Class M endorsement for two decades, upon renewing a Class C license, the clerk only provided a permit for Class M and required an observation test within twelve months. This contradicts the information in the Motorcycle Manual which states that an observation test is required only for applicants without any prior motor vehicle license applying for a motorcycle license. Clarification on this matter and the proper issuance of a Class M endorsement would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Dejaime A. Davenport.

I am attempting to renew my overdue vehicle registration, but I am experiencing issues renewing it online or through a self-service kiosk. When attempting to renew online, I was informed that I am not eligible due to a change in my vehicle's status at the beginning of the year. The self-service kiosk also indicated that I am not eligible and suggested mailing the renewal. As a result, my late fee has increased to the second tier. I am unsure whether to include the second late fee amount or the third late fee amount when sending my payment by mail, as I am uncertain of the processing time. The original payment was $[redacted], the first late fee was $[redacted] from 12/18/19 to 12/28/19, the second late fee is $[redacted] from 12/28/19 to 1/17/20, and the third late fee is $[redacted] from 01/17/20 to 3/17/20. I am unsure if the payment date or the date of receipt will determine which late fee applies.

I recently moved from Columbus, Ohio to California and need to get my California driver's license/Real ID. I recently got married and changed my name. Although my new name is updated with Social Security and on my Ohio driver's license, my passport and birth certificate still have my maiden name. I provided a certified abstract of marriage to link my maiden name to my new name at the Van Nuys DMV. They said it wasn't acceptable and that I needed a marriage certificate instead. The issue is that in Franklin County, Ohio, the certified abstract of marriage is the same as the marriage certificate. I confirmed this with the Franklin County Probate Court, and they mentioned that the certified abstract of marriage is the most official proof of marriage they provide. As the abstract is the only document I have, I'm unsure how to proceed in obtaining my California license/Real ID. I hope the DMV can recognize that the certified abstract is equivalent to a marriage certificate, as stated by Franklin County.

Twenty years ago, I received a DUI and never regained my license. I am now attempting to fulfill the necessary requirements for reinstatement, but there seems to have been an issue with paperwork not reaching the DMV. I reside in Tahoe where it's currently winter, and the location for the DUI classes is in Kings Beach, an hour away with no transportation available due to the weather conditions. I am curious if termination of the DUI requirement is a possibility or if an online class option exists for me to obtain my license again.

I've been to court and jail twice for the same ticket. The judge dismissed it twice, yet I ended up in jail again for the same warrant. I got out in October, but it's taking two to three months to clear. I'm eager to get this resolved so I can regain my license. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

I recently went through a DUI incident, but the LAPD never filed charges and the case was dropped as I was not drinking - I blew all zeros on the breathalyzer and passed all tests. Unfortunately, I missed a phone call for the DMV hearing. Now, I need help to lift the suspension on my license by obtaining a Helmand dollar filing or a non-filing letter from the DA. The LAPD provided me with a letter stating they didn't consider it an arrest but just a detention, and the case was dismissed. I urgently need my license for school and work transportation. Please contact me as soon as possible to assist in resolving this matter. Thank you.

Please return my call as soon as possible. My driver's license was suspended due to a dismissed DUI case where I was not under the influence and all tests were passed. I did not take the blood test and missed the DMV hearing. My attorney advised me to contact your office to request a Hellman dollar filing or a letter from the DA to lift the suspension. I have been attempting to reach your office all day without success. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

I brought a car I purchased in Utah to California for registration. All required inspections and registration were completed at the Torrance Field Office, with fees paid. The plate number is 8LFZ253. Recently, I received a letter from Willena West-Dotson, Manager at the Torrance Field Office, requesting a bill of sale from one auto dealer to another before selling me the car. Both dealers in Utah are under the same corporation, as confirmed by the Utah Secretary of State website. How can I submit this to the DMV? It's been a month waiting for the selling dealership to provide the information, and the CA DMV threatens to cancel my registration. What should I do? Thank you, Robert K. Sorrentino.

I currently have the ignition interlock device in my car, which has been installed since October [redacted]. I am looking to find out when I can have it removed while still being in compliance. The answers I received from The mandatory action unit varied. Initially, I was informed it could be removed in July [redacted] or upon completing my 18-month multiple offender program, both of which have passed. Recently, I was told I need to wait until September [redacted] due to a letter I received over three years ago stating that I needed to have the interlock device for a year for each ticket I received for driving without a license while suspended for a DUI. This realization has me questioning the situation further. I have had the device for over a year now, and I am eager to resolve this matter promptly. Thank you.

I was in an accident on August 9, [redacted], where the driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly. Despite only having three beers over a six-hour period due to my health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and kidney failure, I was charged with a DUI. I have a pending product liability lawsuit against BMW. Even though I have a clean driving record spanning almost 50 years, I am being treated unfairly. The California DMV has been unhelpful, but the judge permitted me to take DUI classes online in Illinois where I now reside due to my health issues, including severe arthritis in my back. California doesn't offer online DUI classes, unlike Illinois. I am seeking assistance in getting my license reinstated so I can move forward. Thank you for your help. - M. Mulcahy

After a recent minor car accident, I reported it to my insurance, which deemed the internal damage irreparable due to discontinued parts. Despite receiving the value of my car, I choose to keep and drive it. To comply with insurance, they advised obtaining a salvage title from the DMV. Now residing in WA, the CA DMV requires an inspection for the salvage title, complicating matters. I am looking for a solution to secure the salvage title without the need for an inspection in CA to register my vehicle in WA. Any advice on a workaround would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help.

I have paid my registration fee. My car is currently out of state and needs a smog test. I relocated permanently in December and need to renew my registration to transfer the car registration. My California registration expired last December. Although I have already paid the registration fee, a smog test is pending. However, my car being out of state prevents me from completing the test. I do not have the car title as it is held by my lien holder, DCU. I am unsure of how to proceed to get my registration renewed for transferring it to Virginia.

I have already paid my registration fee. My car is currently out of state and needs a smog test. I moved out of the state permanently in December and need to renew my registration to change my car registration to Virginia. My California registration expired in December. Although I've paid my registration fee, the smog test is pending. However, as my car is out of state, I cannot complete the smog test. I don't have my car title as it is with my lien holder, DCU. Please advise on how I can proceed with getting my registration renewed to transfer my car registration to Virginia.

I misplaced my ID on Labor Day. The next day, I visited the DMV to replace my ID and also obtained a Real ID. Recently, I received a notification stating that my ID will expire on 5/23/[redacted]. It requires me to visit the DMV for a vision test, thumbprint, and new photo. I find this situation frustrating as I recently completed these steps for my Real ID. I am reluctant to return to the DMV. How can I switch to a mail renewal option?

I submitted the registration fees and smog certificate for my [redacted] Chevrolet truck with license plate DRAINGO to Sacramento over a month ago. The check number is #[redacted], but I have not received any confirmation yet. I included all the required paperwork with my submission. I prefer not to pay the 2% online processing fee, so I chose to mail everything instead. I am concerned that it's taking so long to process my registration without the added charge. It's frustrating, resembling a system where wealthier individuals can pay for a premium lane to drive faster than others! Please contact me via email so I can submit a new check promptly. I am aware that the smog test can be verified online once it's processed.

I began the online Real ID application but got stuck at uploading documents. I don't know how to proceed with this. Can I go to the DMV without an appointment to submit my documents? I was told to schedule an appointment but didn't want the location they suggested. I'm concerned if my application is saved or lost since I declined the appointment. My confirmation code is 157C-8DF9. Can I visit the Fullerton office directly with my documents? Also, do I really need the Real ID even if I don't fly? Thank you, L. Jergens.

My father, R. G., aged 98, recently gifted a [redacted] Mercury Mystique, VIN 3MELM6537T608458, plate 3RWK570, to a stranger without collecting any identifying information on Jan. 22, [redacted]. Despite my mother, G. G.'s, objections due to his mild dementia, he signed over the car title. Subsequently, a traffic citation in Anaheim prompted me to submit a Transfer and Release of Liability form with the DMV today. Concerned that the new owner has not re-registered the car, potentially leading to unlawful use, I aim to remove my parents' liability. My mother, aged 99, has granted me power of attorney. Please advise on the next steps. Thank you. - C. C.

I received a final notice about the expired registration on my [redacted] Ford van with license plate LN 5KLP136, which needs a smog check. The registration expired on 10/10/[redacted], as the vehicle has been unused for over 18 months due to a stroke I suffered. Unfortunately, it won't start, so I can't drive it for the smog check. I would like to know if I can pay the fee of $[redacted] without the smog check and request a non-use or out-of-service status until I am capable of driving again. I was recently in the hospital and just returned home; I can't find the delinquent notice. My wife organized a new battery installation to try to start the vehicle for the smog check. Once it's running, she can take it for inspection. I am willing to pay any penalties or fees required for renewal as I need to sell the vehicle since I am unable to drive anymore. Please advise me on the necessary steps to proceed.

I completed my DUI requirements in [redacted], except for obtaining a removal certificate for a breathalyzer system. I used the device from April [redacted] to March [redacted] until it was stolen. I paid around $2,[redacted] to replace it and faced other challenges since then. Now, I am looking to transfer a title for a new car and need to know if the DMV will accept the proof of compliance regarding the breathalyzer. I am aware that the DMV has records of my compliance as it was reported monthly. I have spoken to the breathalyzer company, and they are willing to reinstall the device for a fee if needed. Before proceeding, I want to confirm if it's necessary and effective. Thank you. DL #(suspended): F[redacted] Name: Allison G. Birthday: 12/28/[redacted] Yuba County, California