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

I received a California title issued in March [redacted], but it has been filled out with dates and mileage for a potential sale. The Nebraska DMV has informed me that the title needs to be re-issued with these sections left blank for the current sale. The title number is [redacted]5 and the owner is Diane C. Hatfield, previously from Palm Desert and now residing in Lincoln, Nebraska. I am seeking guidance on whether Diane needs to sign/authorize a re-issue and if I should include the original title in the mailing. Thank you for any information you can provide.

I received only one license plate from the DMV back in [redacted] for my new car. I attached it to the rear of my vehicle. I have recently received a ticket for not having a front license plate. I have completed the application for a duplicate plate, but I'm unsure if I will be issued a completely new set of plates or just a duplicate one. I would also like clarity on whether I need to surrender my existing plate. Additionally, I am unsure about the current fee amount, where I should send the payment, and the expected timeframe for receiving the new plate or duplicate plate.

My car got impounded for having expired registration from [redacted]. I can't retrieve my car until I register it. To register for [redacted] in California, I need a smog check. Newport Beach police said I require a permit from the DMV to get the car released. This permit allows time for the smog check and registration. How can I get this permit, and what documents are needed?

I had my car impounded because the registration expired. To register it, I must get a smog check first. To do the check, I need to release the car from impound. I was informed a DMV permit is necessary for the release. Additionally, there's a deadline to complete the smog check and registration once I get the permit. Can someone please guide me on how to acquire this permit to retrieve my car from impound? Also, what paperwork should I prepare for this procedure?

Hello! I'm Neena, an Illinois resident who relocated to the Bay Area for graduate school over a year ago. I'm in the process of purchasing a car from a Canadian classmate who will be returning to Canada soon. I am unsure about registering the car in the U.S. Can I register it here in California without having to go to Canada for the purchase? The vehicle cannot make the trip to Canada due to its condition. I understand the California emission requirements and am prepared to meet them. Please advise on how I can proceed with registering the car in California as I will be using it here. If possible, kindly provide guidance on whom I can contact or speak to at the DMV regarding this matter, either in person or over the phone, as spring break is approaching quickly. Thank you for your assistance!

I am a 74-year-old in California needing to renew my driver's license. The DMV is asking me to come in, but at my age, it's advised to avoid crowded places due to COVID-19. The local office has long wait times, making it risky to go. I am torn between renewing my license and staying safe. It seems conflicting to follow the DMV's requirement against the advice to avoid crowds. I am in a difficult position and unsure how to proceed. Your help in resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Marc S. [redacted] [redacted]

I, D.V., have an appointment to renew my driver's license on March 23, [redacted], at 3:15 p.m. I am 66 years old and have a Real ID License #: E[redacted] obtained on 06/11/19 at the DMV. The renewal notice stated I needed to visit the DMV office, a change from previous mail renewals. Due to the governor's order, seniors must self-isolate. I'm uncertain about proceeding. I renewed my license less than a year ago and provided all Real ID requirements in person. If a physical visit is necessary, it will have to wait until after self-isolation ends. Thank you for any assistance with this matter.

I am experiencing a dilemma. I believe I need dual car registration to ensure compliance in both Washington and California. I have two residences but am a California resident with a California license and voter registration. I recently purchased a car in Washington, which I am currently using in California for the winter and spring. In June, the car will move to Washington for the summer and fall. I need to register it in California in May and then switch it to Washington a month later. Is it possible to register a car in two states and switch license plates every six months? This situation is unusual but genuine, and I need a solution. Currently, I switch from Washington to California registration at the DMV in May, only to find myself with California plates when the car is in Washington for half the year. I hope to avoid canceling my current Washington registration. Is there a requirement to do so?

I am assisting my father in transferring the responsibility of a sold vehicle, a [redacted] BMW 325i with license plate 8GRW011 and VIN WBAEV334X4KL62030, sold on August 18, [redacted]. I am uncertain whether a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability was submitted during the sale. However, following a parking violation ticket received on March 3, [redacted], I electronically submitted the notice to the DMV. The vehicle was sold to Anthony C. residing at [redacted] N Lincoln, Galt, CA, [redacted]. Despite attempting to contact the buyer, I have not received a response. It appears the vehicle was involved in an accident and was left inoperable. I promptly submitted an affidavit following the incident. I hope to ensure that the correct party, Anthony C., is held accountable for any tickets moving forward, and that the previous owner, Son T., is no longer linked to the vehicle in the CA DMV records.

I was charged with a DUI on August 25, [redacted], with a BAC of .09. Due to this, the court has ordered me to complete a 3-month DUI school program. I'm curious if this mandated program will show up the same on my DMV records. There's some confusion among people about this. Also, I'm not sure about the number of points on my driving record currently. My main question is if I need to finish the DUI school classes before I'm able to get my license reissued, apart from paying the $[redacted] reissue fee.

Hello, I need to renew my registration online as there are no available appointments at the DMV. I shouldn't have to go in person and wait in a crowded, enclosed environment for hours, especially with the threat of COVID-19. I can't renew online due to negligence by DTS (Dedicated Transportation Services) who haven't notified the DMV or submitted the Lien Satisfaction Form. Even after promising to do so, they have not taken action. It's crucial I can drive my car, so this issue needs urgent resolution to avoid potential problems if pulled over or impounded. Your timely response in these challenging times is greatly appreciated. Robert

Hi, I need to renew my registration online because there are no available appointments at the DMV. I prefer not to go in person due to COVID-19 concerns. However, I am unable to renew online because DTS did not submit the Lien Satisfaction Form to the DMV. It is crucial for me to resolve this promptly so I can operate my vehicle without any issues. Your prompt response during these unusual times is much appreciated. Thank you, Robert.

I renewed my driver's license online on March 10, [redacted], but I am still waiting for it to arrive in the mail. The renewal fee was deducted from my bank account on the same day. I had relocated last year due to needing spinal surgery and was staying with a relative temporarily. Unfortunately, I forgot to update my address and missed the renewal notice. After realizing my license had expired three months later, I attempted to schedule an in-person renewal but couldn't due to the long waiting times and concerns about Covid-19. Opting for the online renewal, I now need to have my new license forwarded from my old address in Irvine to my current location in Sacramento. I'm wondering if there is a possibility to redirect the license to Sacramento instead of Irvine. Your assistance is greatly appreciated as not having a valid ID has put me in a difficult situation.

I have begun the process of registering my out-of-state vehicle at my local DMV. I have completed all the necessary steps and am ready to submit my payment for new plates. The instructions I received mention mailing in my payment (check) to a PO Box in Sacramento. Due to Covid-19 closures, I'm concerned about ensuring my documents reach the right place for processing. If there's an online option available for submitting everything, please advise me accordingly. While I can send the documents by mail, I need assurance that they will be received promptly. My license plates are about to expire, so time is of the essence. Thank you.

I mailed a renewal registration form for my Toyota Camry, license plate number 4KST995, on 03/06/[redacted] with a $[redacted] check. Despite this, I recently received another notice indicating that the registration had not been renewed, with late penalties imposed. Considering the disruptions caused by COVID-19, I suspect my initial form was not received or processed. Consequently, I stopped the original check. I am eager to settle the registration fee without late charges, as I submitted the payment on time. I am keen to resolve this matter promptly so I can make the payment of $[redacted] without penalties. Thank you for your assistance in resolving this issue.

I submitted my California car registration fee via check through the mail on February 29, [redacted], which was $[redacted]. The payment was due by March 10, [redacted]. After three weeks passed without receiving my tag and no check cashed, I waited longer as instructed by the bank for one month. Despite the potential penalty for a dishonored check mentioned on the envelope, I hesitated to stop payment on the check to avoid the $35 charge. With DMV closures in place, I planned to pay in person later on. But now, I received a Delinquent Renewal Notice imposing a $[redacted] fee for non-payment. Given the circumstances and my financial situation, I believe it is unfair. I kindly request to pay the original fee of $[redacted] without the late payment charges. Your understanding is appreciated.

I recently sold my Mercedes SLK [redacted] with license plate 8ARN628 to Westcoast MotorCars in San Diego on January 28th, [redacted]. The dealership assured me they would handle the paperwork with the DMV. Despite this, I continue to receive notifications from the CA DMV stating the vehicle is suspended due to lack of insurance. I have reached out to the dealership twice, but they have not taken any action. I no longer own this car and it should not be registered under my name. I believe the car is still on their lot waiting to be sold.

To the DMV Team, I am Felix A. Hernandez, and I purchased a [redacted] International Prostar truck with plate # 9F10487 and VIN # 3HSDJSNR033376 from Gardener Trucking Inc on March 31, [redacted]. The truck came with a citation from before my purchase, and despite not driving it or working for the company earlier, I had to pay $[redacted].49 to resolve this issue. I've tried contacting Gardener Trucking Inc and the Merced Court without success. Claudia’s Registration Services in Calexico CA, reachable at [redacted]-[redacted]-17-34 and [redacted], is handling my plates and registration, but I require the DMV to confirm the citation's payment and remove it from my truck record. It has been over a month, and I am unable to proceed with registering my truck. Thank you for your attention. Best regards, Felix A. H.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to request assistance with renewing my California license, which is set to expire on June 3rd. Due to being over 62, I am unable to renew it online and have faced difficulties over the phone. As I am leaving on May 30th to care for my grandson, I urgently need my license. I kindly ask for your help in resolving this matter promptly. Please contact me at [redacted] to arrange payment for the renewal. Additionally, I request an extension be sent to my email, [redacted], or my home address listed above to ensure I can continue to fulfill my obligations, including flying and other legal purposes. I would appreciate if the extension could be granted until August 30th. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, June Anderson

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to address the issue with my California license renewal. Unfortunately, due to my age, I am unable to renew it online. Despite multiple attempts to reach out over the phone, I have faced difficulties in getting the assistance I need. As I am leaving to care for my grandson on May 30th and require a valid license, I kindly request your help in this matter. Please contact me promptly at [redacted] to facilitate the payment for the renewal. Additionally, I would appreciate if you could grant me an extension, either via email at [redacted] or through mail to my address provided. This extension is crucial for medical purposes and travel needs until August 30th. I truly appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you in advance for your assistance. Warm regards, June Anderson Zia Maria