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

After receiving my second DUI while on probation for the first offense, I'm unsure of the steps needed to regain my driver's license. I understand I must enroll in a DUI program, install an interlock device, obtain an SR22, and pay all DMV fees. I recently got a notice of suspension from the DMV, but I'm confused about the requirements. The DMV paperwork mentions needing the interlock device for one year, while my court papers state three years. There's a clause about filing for a restricted license with an interlock device upon completing the program. This is crucial as I'm a single dad with full custody and need to drive my kids to preschool, doctor appointments, and other essential activities, including my treatment classes.

After moving to Reno, Nevada, I registered my car there, but I'm receiving a letter stating my California registration was not canceled. Despite contacting the California DMV five times in the last two weeks, I was unable to reach them due to high call volumes. I left my call back number each time but received no response. I am eager to resolve this promptly to avoid any additional charges or issues. I am now reaching out via email in the hopes of getting this matter addressed without further delay. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

During our academic sabbatical in Davis, CA, my partner and I purchased a car back in July from a local dealer. Due to a mix-up with our home mailbox in Davis, we did not receive the title and registration for the vehicle. Upon applying for a new title at the Davis DMV yesterday, we were informed by the post office today that they have located our mail, including the car's registration and title, in a different mailbox. Despite attempting to cancel the request for a duplicate title at the DMV office and contacting headquarters, we were told it was already in progress. We are urgently trying to prevent the duplicate title from being issued as we will be departing for Israel on October 2nd and need to sell the car before then. Understanding the potential delay in receiving the title by mail, we are concerned it may arrive after our departure. Any assistance in resolving this issue promptly would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sigal.

I have been using a CA DMV Disabled Person Placard since [redacted]. I live in San Bruno and yesterday had to park near 18th Avenue in San Francisco. The designated Blue DP spaces were full, so I parked in a regular space without fee as allowed for DP Placard holders. I placed my DP Placard on the mirror and used a Sunlight Blocker. However, I received a $72 parking ticket despite the visible placard. I will contest it with the SFMTA Citation Review Center within 21 days. I have evidence of my placard, the Sun Shield, and the parking ticket. The citation was issued on 9/16/[redacted], at 7:29 pm at lot #[redacted] on 18th Avenue by Officer "A.R." Badge #"[redacted] for violation TRC7.2.62. Please assist me in resolving this issue. Thank you, Patrick Byrne.

I have encountered difficulty getting a California Real Driver’s License due to an issue preventing the DMV from issuing me an interim license. Despite extending my expired license three times, the problem persists. I have contacted the numbers provided [redacted], [redacted], and [redacted], but the phone trees did not offer a solution. I do not have any legal issues affecting my license eligibility, nor do I intend to seek a commercial driver’s license reinstatement. I am hopeful that someone at the DMV can identify and resolve this issue. Your help is appreciated. - E. Y. (N[redacted])

I am a French citizen living in the USA on an O1 visa, which was renewed in August. I also needed to renew my driver's license during the same month. I sent my paperwork to the DMV Sacramento office in July for the renewal, but they returned it requesting my passport and I-94 number. Although I have the I-[redacted] visa authorization renewed, my passport doesn't reflect the new visa status yet, as I must visit the French Embassy in Paris for that, which I plan to do in December. However, traveling to France isn't easy for me right now. The DMV office says I have 30 days to send the stamped passport. Can I send just the I-[redacted] paper as proof of my visa renewal, even though it's not a copy of my passport with the current visa stamp? I would appreciate clarification on this matter.

I misplaced the title of a car purchased in Westminster, CA in [redacted] that I gave to my grandson. Now living in Las Vegas, NV, the car is registered there. I provided my grandson a Nevada release of ownership due to the title's absence, as Nevada is a nontitle transfer state. The California DMV cannot locate the title, leading to the car being impounded. A pending lien sale notice shows my last known California registration address. Despite the lack of title records, the California DMV lists the registration address in California. My grandson, who has Asperger's, needs this car for work. I have requested ownership history information from the California DMV and a transfer letter from Nevada but struggle to reach anyone at the California DMV due to busy lines and full voicemails. The impound costs exceed the car's value, and I wish to halt the fees until my documentation is found. Although I sent a request to Sacramento to stop the lien sale, the fees and storage persist. How can we approach a reasonable resolution? Warm regards, Grandpa Bill

After being convicted of a DUI, I completed all the requirements to terminate my probation for travel. Despite this, my driver's license got suspended by the DMV due to the cancellation of my DUI classes. I submitted proof of probation termination to the Mandatory Actions Unit in Sacramento three weeks ago. However, today, when I tried to get my state police certificate, the sheriff's office confiscated my license. I have contacted the Mandatory Actions Unit several times, but only encountered unhelpful automated messages. How can I ensure the DMV acknowledges my probation termination and lifts the license suspension so I can travel overseas for my wife's job offer?

I have been informed by three phone agents since the summer that I would receive my license renewal by mail before my birthday. However, today, on 10/1/[redacted], I spoke to the fifth agent, only two weeks away from my birthday and expiration date on my new Real ID Driver's License from [redacted]. He was exceptionally rude and began lecturing me. Despite successfully registering for an account online, I have been told I cannot renew online. I have an excellent driving record and am puzzled by the current issue. Due to mistakes by your office staff and my efforts to renew since the summer, I am now seeking your assistance. The agent I spoke to today refused to offer an immediate appointment, even though the fault lies with your agents' lack of knowledge and training, not mine. As a school teacher with new students, taking time away from the classroom to visit one of your offices for a walk-in appointment is challenging. Please advise. D. Morgan

After being convicted of a DUI, I followed the judge's requirements to terminate my probation due to my wife's job offer overseas. I provided all necessary documents to the DMV in Sacramento over three weeks ago, but my license remains suspended. When I tried calling the mandatory actions unit for information, the automated system kept hanging up on me. What additional steps do I need to take to clear my suspension promptly and get my license back before leaving the country?

I need assistance with registering a vehicle I recently purchased with license plate number 6WSH690. The previous owner originally registered the car in California, then stored it in Michigan with her sister without registering it there before leaving the country. Both she and I were informed that if she could provide a letter detailing fees paid or a statement confirming where the car was stored, the overdue fees might be waived. Initially, when we visited the San Jose DMV with the previous owner who was willing to settle the back fees and provided the necessary documents, we were told the fees would be waived. Unfortunately, the Salinas DMV later informed me that the only outstanding issue was the overdue fees from four years ago, contradicting what was previously said about them being waived. Despite my attempts to explain this discrepancy to the office manager, Beth, she did not seem to understand the situation.

I waited at the Glendale DMV for 3 hours for my license renewal appointment. Almost done, my photo was taken, but the system crashed. I had to leave for work, now my license expires soon and won't have time to return due to upcoming travel. I paid $36 and have the receipt. The DMV staff mentioned the process lacked one final step. Can I finish the renewal over the phone as suggested by the DMV agent? Please contact me to discuss. Thank you.

My attorney informed me that obtaining the SR-22 insurance and completing my DUI class would allow me to apply for a license with no waiting period. My last DUI was in [redacted], and I have documentation from the DMV stating I do not need a breathalyzer for my car due to the time elapsed and my current age. I urgently need a license as my mother requires assistance attending medical appointments. I am willing to accept a restricted license if necessary and have fulfilled all requirements set by my attorney and the DMV. Can I arrange a meeting or request a hardship consideration to present all the completed paperwork as needed?

Hello, I paid for my registration in April and received tags that expire in 10/19. I paid over $[redacted], but only received 6-month tags. Now, to renew online, I have to pay over $[redacted] more. This adds up to $[redacted] for a Jeep Grand Cherokee in a year. I suspect the lien on my vehicle might be causing issues with the paperwork from the bank. Can someone reach out to discuss this situation with me? It feels unfair to have to pay this much for registration. Please assist me.

I am planning to attach a small electric Trolling motor to my inflatable kayak. I have heard that to add this motor, I must register the kayak with the DMV and display CF numbers on the vessel. Does anyone know if this is accurate? I assume I will need to do this in person at the DMV. Can anyone provide details on what information I will need to provide in order to register the kayak and electric motor? There are no VIN numbers or IDs on either the inflatable kayak or the electric motor, just a picture. I don't have any paperwork for them. I would appreciate any guidance on what is required for registration. Thank you. - K.T.

My license was suspended due to a car accident where no damage occurred. The lady involved initially said everything was fine, but later filed a report which resulted in a $[redacted] fine. I hesitated to pay immediately as I was unsure if the payment was required before an investigation. It's been 1 year and 6 months since my license was suspended, and I have since paid the full amount. Is there a way to have my license reinstated?

I was recently arrested for DUI and faced challenges with the legal proceedings. Although the case was eventually dismissed because the officers could not prove I was driving, the DMV still revoked my license. A year later, I was required to take classes without receiving proper notification. I strongly believe I am being unfairly penalized for refusing a DUI test when I wasn't even driving. The incident occurred while I was on private property and not on a public road. I feel as though I have suffered greatly due to this situation, including losing my job, home, and experiencing homelessness. I rely on my license for work, as I need to transport heavy tools. I hope the DMV can reinstate my license, address the lack of notification for classes, and prevent similar injustices from happening to others. Thank you for taking the time to hear about my challenging experience with the DMV.

I recently visited the DMV to renew my learner's permit, which expired two days ago. I completed the renewal process successfully, including passing the written test and obtaining my new permit. Upon returning home, I attempted to schedule a Behind-the-Wheel test only to discover I am ineligible to book an appointment. I realized I mistakenly initiated a new application instead of renewing my existing permit. Consequently, the system is treating my permit as new rather than renewed. How can I rectify this situation? Should I contact the DMV by phone or revisit their office in person? Will they be able to rectify the error easily, or will I need to go through the entire process again?

I submitted my California Real ID application on 10/28/19. Only my home address was provided as I couldn't provide documents with both my home address and P.O. Box on them. I prefer my Real ID to display my P.O. Box for security reasons. My current driver's license and registration show my P.O. Box. How can I ensure my Real ID is issued with my P.O. Box address? Name: Jutta Elke Ertle Driver's License No.: S[redacted] Driver's License Expiry Date: 11/21/[redacted]

To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide your physical residential address, and a P.O. box address is not accepted. When your driver's license is up for renewal at the California DMV, you can keep your P.O. Box address on it and separately apply for a REAL ID, which will show your residential address. It is possible to have both documents. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Best regards, Alsam Small P.O. Box [redacted] San Rafael, CA 94[redacted] Email: [redacted]