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

I reside in New Mexico and purchased a Subaru vehicle in Ventura, CA from a dealer early last year. Unfortunately, I have not received the title yet. After many months, I found out that the title transfer was delayed because the California DMV does not accept P.O. Boxes as home addresses. Despite living in a rural area without mail delivery, I have sent back the required paperwork but have not received any updates for over four months. I would greatly appreciate it if you could expedite the process of mailing the title to me. I am willing to pay for priority mail delivery. Sincerely, R. N. Bounds (Contact information provided)

I am scheduled to deploy this month and my registration renewal was due yesterday, which I have already paid for. Here are my documentation numbers: DMV Authorization#: [redacted] Elavon Service Fee Authorization#: [redacted] Despite paying online before the deadline, I have not received my renewal registration in the mail for the entire previous month. The payment indicated that my registration might be considered incomplete due to insurance not being in the system. Last year, I submitted the required information for my registration successfully. As an active duty military member who relocates frequently, I would like to maintain my vehicle registered with California licensing. My current insurance provider is AAA Carolinas, and my policy number is AU32-[redacted]18. I kindly ask the CA DMV to review my insurance policy details, acknowledge my payment before the renewal deadline, and issue the renewed registration and vehicle tag within the 2-week timeframe specified in their policy. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance.

I have a concern regarding the payment for my registration. I made a payment for my registration using my credit card after encountering issues with a check I had sent in October [redacted]. I had initially sent the check, but due to a delay at the DMV, I had to place a stop payment on it and opted to pay with my credit card instead. Despite providing a copy of my payment receipt from the DMV in response to the "Notice of Demand for Payment" received approximately 2 months ago in December [redacted], I recently received a "Second Notice of Demand for Payment" as of February 8, [redacted]. I attempted to call the provided phone number, but unfortunately, I was unable to connect with a representative over the phone.

Having relocated to Arizona from California in [redacted], my vehicle was put into storage with Planned Non-Operation status and subsequently paid off. Upon receiving notification from the bank confirming the lien release, I have yet to receive the title due to my move. Is there an online method to request the title without current California residency or a California Driver's License? Could you please advise on the procedure, associated costs, and the expected timeline for receiving the title through mail?

I have been struggling to transfer the title of a vehicle I bought into my name for months. After submitting the required paperwork, I received a Notice of Incomplete Registration requesting additional fees without further details. It took multiple calls to discover the amount owed, and I sent a check for it last month. Despite that, I received another Incomplete Application letter, instructing me to return the original title which was actually sent with the initial submission and has not been returned to me. I kindly ask for the completion of my title transfer and registration process.

In June [redacted], I sold a [redacted] Lincoln Continental with VIN 1LNHM97V3YY829456 and submitted the title transfer to AAA. Recently, I received an impound notice from a towing company. Despite submitting the transfer of title again, in January I was billed for storage and towing fees as the last registered owner. AAA's records indicate the towing company currently owns the vehicle, and they cannot provide details of previous owners for the car. I require evidence that the vehicle was sold in June and that the new owner failed to register it in their name, based on the transfer of title I submitted.

I was advised to update my mailing address for my Real ID as the previous one did not receive the mail. The representative and I discovered that it could not be processed with a different mailing address, so we updated my residential address as the only one on file. After this change, the representative recommended that I reach out again to ensure my Real ID is sent out promptly instead of being delayed on hold. Thank you.

I, Robert P. Brauns, bought a '14 Malibu (VIN 1G11A5SL6EF292954) from North Bay in Fairfield on May 8 last year. After paying the fees and addressing the smog repair, I received CA license plates (8TFU372) at the Folsom DMV on December 1, [redacted]. Despite surrendering my title, I have not received any follow-up since. I urgently need the title to sell the vehicle as I am 83 years old. I possess the registration and purchase documents. Strangely, the registration indicates "suspense to: RU," a designation I do not understand, and neither does the Folsom DMV. I have someone willing to help, but they require an email contact in registration to proceed. I also have a buyer in Willows seeking the vehicle, but we are at a standstill. I am a retired U.S. citizen and a veteran with an honorable discharge and a clean record.

I completed my registration payment online on December 2, [redacted]. Despite efforts to check the status through Miles, no information was available. Unfortunately, I face challenges with the Customer Service line as I was disconnected twice after a 45-minute hold. The DMV did not provide any details to my fiancé when she visited on my behalf. Due to my work schedule, visiting the DMV is difficult. I seek alternative solutions. My license plate number is 7G68503, registered to Bill Payne at [redacted] Woolner Ave #4, Fairfield CA [redacted]. I authorize my fiancé, Kristi Lee Allred, to speak on my behalf. Kindly contact her at [redacted] or me at [redacted]. For verification, reach me at [redacted] or [redacted]

Hello! I'm experiencing an issue with my registration renewal. It was due on January 12, but I never received the form in the mail. Normally, I receive it in November or December, and I assumed the delay was due to the fact that I only managed to get my car smogged and get my sticker last October (covid lockdown caused some delays), leading to things taking longer than usual with mail being slower in December. Today, I received a Notice of Delinquent Renewal in the mail. I never even got the initial renewal form! The late penalty is $64, but it doesn't seem fair that I should have to pay it as I couldn't have completed the registration without the Renewal Identification Number and the notice confirming my address. I would appreciate any assistance in resolving this matter. Thank you, Greta

I urgently renewed my ID card online and have a receipt dated 9/18/[redacted] from CA DMV. However, I never received my ID. When I check online, it shows that my ID is renewed, but I have been unable to reach a live agent despite multiple attempts during business hours. The automated assistant, Miles, is not helpful and keeps directing me to call 1-[redacted] for assistance. Calling this number leads me back to the website, creating a frustrating cycle. I have tried to make an appointment online with no success as well. I am unable to verify my identity without a current ID, causing significant problems in my life. I am desperate for a solution to this urgent matter.

I am trying to retrieve my previous driver's license numbers. I attempted to access them online through the "driver record" option, but I was required to create an online account which I couldn't do as the DMV website couldn't verify my identity. I have recently moved to Arkansas and I suspect this might be the reason for the issue. I have also been unsuccessful in reaching out by phone. I tried using the "get human" phone feature, but it sends a text, and I only have a landline. I urgently need this information and cannot opt for mail correspondence.

I am facing challenges getting my Ford vehicle to pass the required SMOG check due to it being manufactured under Federal, not California, guidelines. The issue arises from the differing regulations affecting the oxygen sensors' readiness status. Despite emitting well below permissible levels, the sensors consistently show as "not ready." After unsuccessful attempts at both local SMOG shops and the Referee, I am left frustrated as they cannot accommodate my car. The discord between the State, test, and vehicle computers regarding the oxygen sensors' status leads to this recurring problem every biennial check. Tensions between the Referee and local shops persist, leaving me in a predicament with no resolution in sight. The inconvenience and lack of clarity in this process are disheartening, and I seek a solution to navigate this complicated situation efficiently.Regards, B. R.

I'm looking to purchase a [redacted] International [redacted] truck next week and drive it back to Nevada. The truck has been unregistered for about a year, so I want to know the necessary steps I should take. I read about a no-fee permit on the website that may apply for situations like getting smog-related fixes done. I'm unsure if moving out of state qualifies for this permit. Another option discussed is a one-trip permit with a fee. I'd like to know the cost and how to obtain it. Can I get it online and print it or do I have to do it in person? Is it possible to get the permit before owning the vehicle? Also, do I need to add the truck to my insurance before the trip? Alternatively, would a temporary moving permit from Nevada work while driving the truck out of California? I apologize for the many questions; I just want to make sure I follow the correct procedures. Thank you for your assistance.

I purchased my driver's license but never received it. I paid again and have the original receipt. Unfortunately, I lost all my belongings. The employees were rude and yelled at me, which was very distressing. Despite my disability, I was blamed for my address being updated incorrectly by one of your workers in Redding. I have written letters to the DMV but have not received a response. I feel mistreated and unappreciated at your establishment. This experience has been so traumatic that I even lost my son's ashes. I am now considering legal action. This has been a very difficult situation for me, and I am deeply disappointed by the lack of empathy and support from your staff.

Dear DMV, I am emailing to express my struggles with attempting to obtain my real ID driver's license online. My current license will expire on 04/03/[redacted], and I am encountering two major issues. Firstly, when I initially got my Social Security card, I added an "E" to my middle name informally, changing it from Anton to Antone. This has led to discrepancies in my paperwork, as my birth certificate still states Anton. Secondly, residing in La Honda, CA, it is customary for individuals to use a P.O. Box for mail retrieval due to the rural nature of our area. Despite my efforts to apply online, my age of 72 has made navigating the process complex. I have faced challenges with verifying my middle name and address due to inconsistent documentation. Additionally, I struggled with ID Me's verification process for document submission. Visiting the Redwood City DMV in person proved unfruitful, as I was directed to complete the process electronically, which posed significant difficulties for me given my limited experience with technology. As a wounded Vietnam veteran, I am kindly requesting assistance from a real person to navigate this process. I greatly appreciate any help in resolving these issues and obtaining my real ID driver's license. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Jeff Langnese

On February 19th, my car was stolen, along with my license, registration, title, and insurance. This has caused significant issues in reclaiming the necessary documents to regain ownership and has led to penalties and complications with replacing the car fob for my Mercedes. Fortunately, I was able to locate my car promptly using the Mercedes me app and provided the information to the police, resulting in the recovery of my vehicle. I now need assistance in obtaining a new driver's license with my updated address on Wetherly, reissuing a title, and obtaining a new registration. I have the required documents now and am eager to resolve these matters. I am wondering if there is any financial assistance available to help me with the penalties incurred due to this theft, backed up with my unemployment status supported by government documents, police reports, and any necessary footage. I appreciate any help in guiding me through the process as I have already visited the DMV multiple times. Thank you for your support.

I'm facing a challenging situation that dates back to [redacted] when I got a DUI in California after moving from New Jersey. New Jersey is now requesting proof of completing an alcohol class, but my records were destroyed, making it hard to provide the necessary documentation after nearly 30 years. I believe the DMV might have the records I need. My New Jersey license was suspended due to this issue, and it has been a struggle to resolve it. Any assistance in locating the proof of completing the alcohol class back in [redacted] would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help. - J.S.

Good morning. I am currently in LA to make arrangements for my brother's passing. He resided at [redacted] Apt A Drew St until 3/31/21, and his name is Matthew Scoggins. Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly on 3/26/21. I, along with my mother, who is his next of kin, need to obtain the title for his [redacted] Vespa to sell it either in LA or in Maryland where I live. I am unsure of the process for this and whether an appointment is necessary or if it can be done online. We will be here until the end of the week. Although we do not have a Death Certificate yet, the medical examiner's office has been involved. You can contact me at [redacted]. Thank you for your assistance. -Courtnee Scoggins-Cirri

On April 24, [redacted], I purchased a [redacted] Travel Supreme motorhome with a lien through Bank of the West. I relocated to Salisbury, North Carolina in [redacted] and have had the motorhome registered there since. The lien was released on August 25, [redacted]. I received a signed and notarized Lien Clearance from Bank of the West, along with instructions to have the motorhome titled in my name at a North Carolina DMV. However, the DMV requested a signed released title or "pink slip" from the bank, which Bank of the West has not provided despite multiple calls since September [redacted]. Their last response on December 4, [redacted], suggested they could not assist further. As a result, I'm left with a registered motorhome but no title. How can I resolve this to obtain a title in my name? Thank you, Harold D. Jones