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

In June, I submitted the necessary documents for my out-of-state vehicle transfer to obtain California plates and registration. Despite not receiving any updates, I have diligently tried to reach out to the DMV. Today, when I visited the DMV in person seeking assistance, they redirected me to a phone number, which unfortunately seems to be continually disconnected ([redacted]). I have retained photocopies of all the documentation I submitted and am uncertain about the next steps required to secure my plates and registration.

I completed my vehicle registration renewal today on 12/9/[redacted]. I realized that I currently have two license tags - one was provided by the car dealer when I bought my Chevrolet Equinox [redacted], and the other one was from my previous car, an HHR. The VIN number for the Chevrolet Equinox [redacted] is 2GNAXJEV9J[redacted]. The handicapped license plate from the HHR is DP835TG, and the dealer's license tag is 8BSU761. During my online registration renewal today, I mistakenly used the old HHR license plate number (DP835TG) instead of the one from my Chevrolet Equinox [redacted]. I prefer to keep the handicapped license plate and remove the dealer's license plate, which currently has the registration sticker. How can I correct this issue? Would I need to obtain a new handicapped license plate along with new registration stickers?

I recently purchased a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer and the temporary license plate is set to expire on 12/13/[redacted]. Despite all fees and taxes being paid, there was a missing signature on the paperwork that has since been addressed. The completed paperwork was then sent via certified mail to the Sacramento DMV office. Is there a way to track the license plates to verify if they will be delivered by the 13th? Alternatively, what steps should I take if they do not arrive on time? I have been monitoring the USPS tracking information, which confirms the paperwork's delivery on Dec. 2. Thank you, L.R.

Hello, my name is William Thomas, born on July 12, [redacted]. My driver's license number is D[redacted]. Unfortunately, my license got suspended due to a single fainting episode that led me to the hospital. I visited Dr. Sara Richey-Lucero on December 1, and she confirmed my ability to drive by signing the necessary paperwork, which was then faxed to the specified number. I kindly request the reinstatement of my license so I can resume driving to work. Dr. Richey-Lucero's office is situated at Martinez Medical Center. Thank you for your assistance. William Thomas.

As a senior, I have spent over three hours waiting at the DMV locations in Glendale and Hollywood. After being given a form to fill out, I was informed I could mail it back, only to receive it returned with instructions to return in person. Concerned about contracting Cova l9, I'm unable to endure more waiting in line. Unfortunately, I've been unsuccessful in reaching anyone by phone. With a deadline to obtain my license by January 5th, I attempted to complete the process online, but encountered technical difficulties. I'm feeling lost and uncertain about the next steps to take.

I did not receive the registration tags - 89SQS787 - for my license plates when the package arrived. I assumed they would come separately, but now realize they should have been included. The car, a [redacted] Honda HR-V with Vin # 3 CZRU5H57LM710727, is registered to me, Joanna Heathcote. The temporary license expired on December 11, [redacted]. I would be grateful for your quick help with this issue. Thank you. -JH

My wife, Lyda R. K., born on October 28, [redacted], was in the process of renewing her Driver's license with the number K*******, when the closure due to the pandemic interrupted. Since she no longer drives and requires a Senior ID Card, she urgently needs to obtain one. This ID is necessary in various situations. It would be greatly appreciated if there were online options available for seniors facing similar circumstances to easily obtain their ID cards. Thank you.

There is a Kansas resident who seems to have registered her vehicle in California without transferring the title for the past 7 years, and there is a lien on the vehicle registration. Kansas has received the lien release, and the resident has applied for a lost title, as the last one was issued in Kansas. The query is why only registration was completed for the last 7 years without transferring the title, and whether California will require the surrender of the Kansas title once it is provided. Please provide guidance on this matter. Thank you.

Good afternoon, I am trying to find information about an alcohol interlock device for my Sister-in-Law to use in her car. We visited the DMV office in Los Banos, CA, and were directed to the Court, who then sent us back to the DMV. We are unsure about how long she needs to have it installed. Her name is Leticia Gomez. Please reach out to me for additional details. Thank you.

My daughter, who is 17, obtained a learner's permit prior to the pandemic but could not complete driver's training due to the situation. GEICO is now requesting the Learner's Permit details to avoid canceling our car insurance policy. Unfortunately, my daughter has misplaced the permit. Is there a way to provide this information over the phone to maintain our coverage? We prefer not to visit the DMV to limit unnecessary trips and ensure our safety.

I recently relocated from Kansas to California and am in the process of registering my car. The vehicle is financed, and the title is electronically held. Kansas advised me to complete the Kansas Department of Revenue Request and Consent For Kansas Title to Be Issued With Lien and Mailed Out Of State (form TR-42). However, when I visited the DMV yesterday, they declined to proceed and suggested I call them for further assistance. I am seeking guidance on how to navigate this situation.

I recently relocated to Texas and am in the process of completing the application for a duplicate or transfer of title. I need to transfer the title along with obtaining a duplicate due to it being lost. After paying the reregistration fee yesterday, I discovered that the form requires a CA notary for the final signature. Can I utilize a Texas notary instead, then fax it to the new owner for their signature, and subsequently send it to the DMV for the necessary update and transfer? I have almost completed all sections of the form except for this particular step. Kindly advise me on the correct procedure to follow.

I completed all required steps, paid fees, and submitted paperwork in person at the Glendale, CA DMV for transferring my registration from North Carolina to California three months ago. However, I have yet to receive my new registration and tags. Please address this matter promptly. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 1GYFK63837R354362 Updated mailing address: [redacted] N Atlantic Blvd Unit [redacted] Monterey Park, CA [redacted]

My application for a permanent handicap placard was submitted several months ago with my doctor's authorization and a copy of my driver's license. My temporary placard has expired, but I have not received my permanent one yet. I spoke with a DMV customer service representative who couldn't locate it in the system. She suggested it might be waiting on someone's desk and advised me to call back in mid-January. I find this delay unacceptable as having my placard is crucial. Handicap placards should be a priority. Thank you. - Tommy R. Van Norman

I contacted the DMV at [redacted] regarding my undelivered renewed driver's license, which should have arrived over two months ago. After speaking with a representative who inquired about my duration at the current address, they redirected me to call [redacted]. When I dialed this number, I encountered a menu with four options, choosing option 2 for undelivered licenses. However, due to high call volume, I was prompted to call back later before being disconnected. I am still seeking assistance from the DMV to receive my overdue renewed driver's license.

My name is Olivia B. I am a single mother caring for my eleven-year-old and my older son with autism. I worked hard to save and buy a vehicle from a private seller to avoid high dealer payments. When I tried to register the car on the DMV site, the total exceeded my budget. I have a good credit history, pay bills on time, and I kindly ask for the fees to be waived due to financial constraints. Paying this would impact my family's needs. Please contact me at [redacted] or [redacted] Thank you.

I recently got a renewal notice for my driver's license from the DMV. The letter suggests renewing online. When I visit DMV.CA.GOV, I'm directed to renew online. However, the online form is not accepting my information and I keep receiving error messages. I've been attempting to complete the form for over a week now. Upon calling the main number, I was promised a call back, but it rarely happens. Today, a lady did call back, but she abruptly ended the call when I tried explaining the issue. Being over 75, I qualify to renew online or by mail. I prefer renewing by mail, but I lack the necessary address or form for that method. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am concerned that my identity may be at risk of theft and want to safeguard myself from potential fraud. My name is William Tahata, an 87-year-old individual. On January 19, [redacted], I attempted to renew my Driver's License (DL) H[redacted] online but faced challenges creating an account. As a result, I opted to submit a request via mail through a website that offered a form submission option. Unfortunately, I provided sensitive information such as my Social Security Number (SSN) on the form and paid the required fee, but did not receive the expected documents. Despite requesting a refund and receiving it, I remain uneasy as they now possess my DL details and SSN. I am taking necessary steps by reporting this to the Attorney General and DMV to prevent potential misuse of my information for fraudulent purposes. I want to clarify that my DL H[redacted] was not lost. I appreciate assistance from my daughter in successfully renewing my DL, a step I should have taken initially. Thank you. Best regards, William Tahata [redacted] W. [redacted] St Torrance, CA [redacted]

I recently paid my truck registration online through the CA DMV website for $[redacted] using an ACH transfer. I received my new registration and tags in October. Surprisingly, in December, I received a notice stating I owed an additional $[redacted] as my check “was not honored by the bank.” Yet, I never issued a check. Doubtful of the notice, I contacted the listed number after a two-hour hold. An agent mentioned the issue but insisted on the extra charges. Perplexed, I checked with my bank, which confirmed no ACH transaction. I find it unfair to be charged extra for an error I wasn’t aware of, especially after receiving confirmation of my payment and the documents. I’m willing to pay the initial fee but believe the added charges should be reconsidered given the circumstances. As I prefer to avoid in-person visits due to COVID-19, I aim to resolve this matter with the DMV remotely.

Hello, my license expired on 11/29/19. While traveling during that time, I didn't immediately follow up on renewing it. Soon after, I believe I contracted COVID, mistaking it for a severe flu early in the pandemic and stayed home for about 3 weeks. After that, with lockdowns and changes in my life, including a new address and not driving, I neglected the renewal. Realizing I need to drive again with the vaccinations underway, I now need to renew my license. How can I renew with an address change? Can a new license be sent, or do I have to visit the DMV, which has long wait times for appointments, and possibly retest? I hope to avoid this process if possible. Your guidance is appreciated. Thank you for your help. Best regards, Nick