Did you renew your California driver’s license online during COVID? Here’s how to do it now
Back in the pre-COVID days, long waits and lines at the Department of Motor Vehicles were a usual sight — and the butt of a lot of jokes.
But in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus from impacting vulnerable communities, the DMV offered extensions for seniors and allowed for online and mail applications and renewals for the REAL ID.
So who can renew from home? Here is what the DMV is saying:
Who can renew their license online?
According to the DMV website, most people can renew their license online.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, through executive order, had previously waived the rule requiring seniors to renew licenses in person due to the pandemic.
Now, those 70 years old and up who drive non-commercial vehicles (so, your typical ride) can renew licenses that have expired since March 2020 online or by mail. This week, Newsom extended the temporary rule for another year. It will expire Dec. 31, 2022.
Drivers under the age of 70 can still renew online or via mail during the COVID-19 emergency, according to the DMV website.
You can apply online by following the instructions on the DMV website.
What about REAL ID?
That’s a trickier question. The REAL ID, which is a driver’s license or identification card that is also federally accepted and is marked with a gold bear and a star, has to be requested in person for first-time applicants.
People applying for the REAL ID for the first time must go to their local DMV office..
The DMV allows applicants to start their applications and upload documents online. Then, they have to go to a field office to get their photos taken.
You can still complete your application online. And you’ll need to bring your documents with you on your office visit so that DMV employees can process your application.
If you’re renewing your REAL ID, then you can complete an application online. There’s no need to go in person.
Limited-term REAL ID renewals
Limited-term IDs are given to individuals, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients. These IDs expire on the same day as the person’s legal presence documents.
To renew, applicants must visit a DMV office with their documents in hand. Typically, the agency will send a notification when a renewal is due.
Permit renewals
All permits that have expired from March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021, are either extended for six months or 24 months from the application date. The DMV notes that “whichever is earlier” will be the extension period.
Commercial drivers
Commercial licenses and commercial learner’s permits that expired in March 2020 through May 2021 are valid through Nov. 30, 2021.
You’re not eligible to renew online if ...
- You want to change your name, address or gender identity. This must be done before renewing online.
Your address should be updated at least five days before renewing. Name or gender identity changes need to be processed at your local DMV.
- If you are not the person named on the renewal notice
- And to reiterate: if you are a first-time applicant for REAL ID.
- If you are applying for a commercial license, a reduced fee or no fee ID.
This story was originally published October 26, 2021 at 12:53 PM.