No DMV lines: Seniors 70 and over can continue to renew licenses online, by mail

Californians 70 and older can extend their driver’s licenses online or by mail for another year after a new state law recently went into effect to extend the temporary rule, the California Department of Motor Vehicles announced Friday.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, through an executive order prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, previously waived the California law that required older drivers to visit DMV field offices for renewals. The extension of the waiver will be in place until Dec. 31, 2022.

REAL ID renewals and renewals where an in-person DMV visit is required can also be completed online or by mail.

Those who are applying for a REAL ID for the first time can start work on their application online and upload the necessary documents, but must go to a DMV field office to have their photograph taken and to complete the application process.

California Department of Motor Vehicles officials are encouraging more motorists to use their online services to free up space at field offices for those seeking REAL IDs or visiting the office for other tasks.

This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 3:11 PM.

Darrell Smith

The Sacramento Bee

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Darrell Smith is a local reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He joined The Bee in 2006 and previously worked at newspapers in Palm Springs, Colorado Springs and Marysville. Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.